2025–2026 NJASEPS and The Alliance Parent Webinar Series

Empowering Families. Navigating Transitions. Advocating for Success.

Join NJASEPS and The Alliance for a powerful webinar series designed to support families of children with disabilities as they prepare for and navigate critical transitions in education and adult services. Led by expert presenters with lived experience and professional insight, each session offers practical guidance, resources, and strategies to help parents become informed advocates for their children. All webinars are free to attend and open to the public.

A Runway, Not a Cliff: Transitioning to Adult Services

📆 Wednesday, November 19, 2025 | 🕡 6:30–8:00 PM
👩‍🏫 Presenter: Jennifer Boyle, Advocate & Founder of Good Life Consulting
Transitioning from school to adult services doesn’t have to feel like falling off a cliff. In this session, Jennifer Boyle—parent, advocate, and expert in transition planning—shares how to build a runway to adulthood through early planning, timelines, and key resources. Gain clarity on navigating adult services and empower your child to live a meaningful, self-directed life.

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Assessing Functional Life Skills for Individuals with Autism & Other Developmental Disabilities

📆 Wednesday, January 21, 2026 | 🕡 6:30–8:00 PM
👩‍🏫 Presenter: Dr. Bianca Coleman, Licensed Psychologist & Behavior Analyst
Understanding and supporting the development of functional life skills is essential for long-term independence. Dr. Coleman will explore how to assess and teach these vital skills, with a focus on evidence-based practices for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities. Learn how to identify strengths, address gaps, and build meaningful, skill-based programs.

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Resilience of Caregivers

📆 Wednesday, February 25, 2026 | 🕡 6:30–8:00 PM
👩‍🏫 Presenter: Lena Suarez-Angelino, MSW, LCSW
Caring for a child with special needs changes everything… your time, your energy, even how you see yourself. This isn’t another talk about “self-care” you don’t have time for. It’s a real conversation about what it means to show up, fall apart, and still keep going as a caregiver. You will be reminded that resilience isn’t about staying strong all the time; it’s about finding ways to refill your cup in the middle of it all. Together, we will explore simple ways to reset, breathe, and reconnect with the version of you that deserves care too.

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The Role of Assessments and Professionals in Out-of-District Placements

📆 Wednesday, March 25, 2026 | 🕡 6:30–8:00 PM
👩‍⚖️ Presenter: Laura A. Siclari, Esq., Education Law Attorney
When local schools can’t meet a child’s needs, families may consider an out-of-district placement. This session, led by experienced education attorney Laura Siclari, will demystify the legal and procedural landscape, explaining how evaluations and expert input guide placement decisions. Learn how to effectively advocate for FAPE and collaborate with professionals to secure the most appropriate educational setting.

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We are honored to celebrate Special Education Week 2026 and the official proclamation issued by NJ Governor Mikie Sherrill & Lieutenant Governor Dr. Dale Caldwell recognizing May 10–16, 2026, as Special Education Week in New Jersey. This year’s theme, “The Magic of Education,” highlights the more than 240,000 students across New Jersey who receive special education services, as well as the dedicated parents, educators, child study teams, and school leaders who support their growth and success every day. Since 1985, Special Education Week has celebrated the commitment of New Jersey’s public and private schools to empowering exceptional learners and strengthening our communities through education.

NJASEPS Connections for Success Scholarship Fund

You can help change the future for students with disabilities as they take their next steps toward independence, growth, and opportunity. The Connections for Success Scholarship Fund supports graduates of NJASEPS member schools who are pursuing post-secondary education, career training, or other life-enhancing paths. Your generosity helps students overcome financial barriers and encourages them to engage with community-based supports that empower them to thrive as they move into adulthood.

Your contribution will:

• Provide essential financial support for college, training programs, and career readiness.

• Encourage goal-setting and future planning, fostering independence and self-determination.

• Promote community integration by connecting students with local resources for long-term success.

• Celebrate the achievements of students with disabilities as they transition into the next chapter of their lives.

The Connections for Success Scholarship is more than financial aid—it’s an investment in each student’s future and their ability to learn, grow, and contribute to their communities.

Looking Ahead

• Student applications open: February 2026

• Scholarship recipients honored: Special Education Day, May 2026

Your support today ensures that even more deserving students will be recognized and celebrated when that moment arrives. Donate today and help build a future where every student has the chance to succeed.