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The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute provides caregivers with the necessary resources and education to access the appropriate supports and services for their loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
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Deadline Approaching to Request Compensatory Education
For students with disabilities, an IEP team meeting must be held by December 31st, to discuss the need for compensatory services related to the COVID pandemic. These meetings must address any missed services or disruption of academic progress that occurred between March 18th, 2020 and September 1st, 2021.

Compensatory education can come in many forms, some of which are tutoring services, additional therapy time, and Extended School Year. It can be provided before or after school, on weekends, during the summer, or during school hours if it does not interfere with the student's education.

If you have not yet discussed compensatory education with your school district, contact your IEP case manager to schedule a meeting as soon as possible.

Please note: Students do not automatically qualify for compensatory education. The meeting is held to determine if these services are needed.
New IEP Template from NJDOE
The New Jersey Department of Education's Office of Special Education (OSE) has revised the components of the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) that focus on employment. OSE is also developing an interactive resource guide to accompany the new IEP template. Click the button below to view the new IEP template and other resources from OSE.
In The News
Advocates urge state to ensure schools address students with disabilities who missed services during pandemic
"Parents in some districts are being asked to write requests for meetings related to services their child missed during the pandemic or to sign documents about makeup services without having a discussion about their children’s academic gaps during that time period, the advocates say."
NJ special education ombudsman has not filed annual reports, as required by law
"A 2016 law championed by Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz, D-Essex, created the key position of special education ombudsman within the Department of Education. The ombudsman is required to be a liaison for families of children with disabilities, support and provide information to parents, and identify patterns in complaints received by the state that pertain to special education rights and services.
That law also required the ombudsman to write and submit an annual report with recommendations about the state’s education services." Read more here.
Virtually Awesome
Mondays with Michael on Facebook Live
Our Facebook Live series "Mondays with Michael" continued this month with episodes on writing IEP goals, accommodations and modifications, and resources for help with homework assignments.
The series will take a one-week break and resume on January 2nd with a discussion about transitioning from early intervention to preschool.

All of our episodes are recorded, so just visit the videos tab on our Facebook page to view previous episodes.

If you're new to the series, every episode is a quick 10-minute chat about a different topic related to special education. No registration is required to attend, just visit our Facebook page every Monday at 10 am to watch, and remember to leave a comment!
Mission to Transition
The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute's Fireside Chats

Each episode in this virtual series features a discussion with an expert in the field of IDD services. Topics range from college programs to Medicaid eligibility, and everything in between. The series is hosted by Lisa Ford, Senior Director of The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute.

The next Fireside Chat will take place on January 12th at 6pm and will feature Jerisa Maseko, the Director of Planning for Adult Life (PFAL). PFAL is a statewide program at The Arc of New Jersey funded by the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) that assists young adults with IDD (ages 16-21) and their families in charting a course for adulthood. Jerisa will provide an overview of her program and discuss how it can help individuals with IDD plan for their future.
Reality Tech
10 Ways to Use Your Phone as Assistive Technology in Class
"According to the Tech Act of 1988, assistive technology is defined as any item, product system, or piece of equipment used to increase, improve, or maintain the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. By that definition, there are plenty of ways that a cell phone, its apps, and its accessibility features can benefit learners with disabilities."
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The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute | 732.828.2022 | thearcfamilyinstitute.org
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