Special Education Update

Special Education Update

On March 16, 2020, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy issued an Executive Order which, among many other things, closed schools and moved education to home-schooling and online learning. This included Special Education services. Governor Murphy has since announced that Extended School Year (ESY) will be permitted to take place in-person beginning on July 6th, and the state has outlined specific guidelines to ensure the safety of all students, staff, and families. Please note that schools are deciding on an individual basis whether or not they will have in-person or virtual ESY. Since the stay-at-home order, we have heard from thousands of families with students in special education who are struggling to provide learning opportunities to their children and effectively deal with the lack of support services and therapies their child would typically receive each day. It has been an extremely challenging time for all the families. https://www.nj.gov/education/broadcasts/2020/jun/12/Providing%20Additional%20Services%20for%20Students%20with%20Disabilities%20Who%20Will%20Graduate%20or%20Exceed%20Eligibility%20for%20Special%20Education%20Services.pdf?fbclid=IwAR3YnL0GsOFPZUd5_hEHSodFrbDsOijstNQP0HvL1Tbj_uxdiudwVKUr-X4 https://www.nj.gov/education/broadcasts/2020/jun/12/Guidance%20for%20Summer%20Learning%20Programs.pdf

AUTISM AWARENESS AND BULLYING

Autism awareness is coming up in a couple of weeks.  We have to be made aware that the developmentally disabled tend to be bullied more than their peers as studies have shown.  The problem with the disabled population, esp. those mentally challenged, is that they can misinterpret information and do not often have a coping mechanism.

                         

These disabled individuals are dependent on their circle of support to intervene.  Those who know these individuals can sense when something is wrong since they may not be able to tell anyone of their plight. 

Observation by others around the disabled person with positive input and assistance with a difficult situation can help alleviate the situation.  Reporting any unusual circumstances to Authorities can benefit the disabled person and prevent future episodes.

Groups specializing in anti-bullying often visit schools and publicize anti-bullying tactics. People involved in the lives of those with disabilities can help to offset signs of bullying by others by speaking up and showing that you care. 

By doing something so simple, you can make a difference in the disabled person’s life.