Special Needs Resource Guide Jan 2021

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SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCE GUIDE South Jersey | January 2021

Sponsored by:

SUSAN AMBROSE

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Dedicated to Your Child’s Education and Family Well-being

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s together we face the difficult new challenges of the COVID-19 public health crisis, the legal team at Sussan, Greenwald & Wesler is dedicated to advocating on your behalf. Whether you need help for a child with special needs, in bullying matters and/or estate planning, we are truly your attorneys for life. In fact, our firm has been voted Best Lawyers for Families in New Jersey Family magazine for four years in a row!

COVID-19 has presented significant challenges to education for all students, but students with disabilities are particularly impacted and at increased risk of stagnation and regression. Our children require 504 Plans, IEPs, and overall access to services, supports and accommodations in order to make meaningful progress – which

is their right under the law.

Our children are also entitled to certain rights when they are involved in bullying matters, as either an alleged aggressor or a victim.

We work hard to ensure that special needs children have access to the education they deserve and require. We also guide families through the bullying investigation process and represent them in appeals to both boards of education and the Commissioner of Education. In addition, we assist families with all of their estate planning needs including wills, powers of attorney, special needs trusts and guardianships.

Our diligent efforts have helped set legal precedent in New Jersey and Federal Courts over the last 40 years. Our advocacy stems from every attorney’s personal life and profes-

sional background, giving each of us a unique perspective to the practice of law. Sussan, Greenwald & Wesler offers you greater access to knowledgeable, understanding, and passionate attorneys who can help guide parents on how best to support their child’s development.

As we continue to contend with the unprecedented public health emergency, our team remains dedicated to your child’s education and the well-being of your family, now more than ever. And, there is no better time to plan for the future.

The team at Sussan, Greenwald & Wesler is ready, willing and able to help you with your legal needs during this difficult time and beyond. We are available for virtual consultation and can be reached at (609)4093500. ■

Gloucester County Special Services School District

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CSSSD serves children with special needs from birth to age 21. Schools and programs are located on the Gloucester County Educational Campus in Deptford Township.

The district provides a wide range of educational services to the families of Gloucester County working with the local school districts.

Serving special needs students ages 3-21: · Emotional, Behavioral, and Multiple Disabilities · Auditory Impairments · Medically Fragile · Extended School Year Shared Services Include: · Occupational and Physical Therapy · Speech/Language · Assistive Technology · Transition Services/Job Coaching · Behavioral Intervention

District programs also include Center for Regional Education Support Services (CRESS), Migrant Education Program, McKinney-Vento Program, Nonpublic Services, and Transportation.

The Gloucester County Special Services Foundation also helps to support programs and activities for the students of the GCSSSD district. Learn more at www.gcssef.org GCSSSD operates under the direction of the Board of Education and the Board of Chosen Commissioners Youtube - Gloucester County Special Services School District Facebook @ Bankbridge Schools 1340 Tanyard Rd Sewell, NJ 08080 Contact 856-468-6530 ■

We’re Ready to

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(609) 409-3500 www.sgwlaw�rm.com

ADVOCATE for Your Family IEPs • 504 Plans Bullying • Estate Planning Trust Planning • Guardianship

Leaders in New Jersey Special Education Law for Over 40 Years

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Real Estate with a Focus on an Amazing Community

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usan Ambrose, a member of Joan DeLaney’s Team at Weichert Realtors, has over 30 years of real estate experience. Joan strongly supports Susan’s commitment to better serve their clients, including those who may have a family member with special needs.

As a mother of a special needs child, Susan is committed to assisting other special needs families with their decision to buy and/or sell a home. She is aware of the many challenges that a family can face, particularly within a real estate transaction. For example, scheduling a showing of the family’s

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Susan Ambrose

Sales Associate Residential Realtor Concierge Cell: 856.220.0404

A friend and colleague once told me

home for sale, could cause a change to the child’s normal routine. Susan is sensitive to the child’s and the family’s needs for a comfortable transition. When certain inspections are required, such as a fire alarm and/or smoke detection inspection, she would help ensure that such inspections would take place when the child is not present in the home, in order to avoid any upset.

Susan is currently a contributor to the National Association of Realtors when it comes to “moving with special needs

“You are Making a Living while Making a Difference.”

– Dan P.

please see WEICHERT, page 5

856.235.1950

Advo-Kids

he Advo-Kids team at Posternock Apell, PC offers a unique and genuine approach to helping individuals and students with disabilities. As a result of supporting our own children and family members with special needs, our special education consultants and attorneys understand the complexity and frustration associated with navigating supports and services on a personal level.

Customized Advocacy and Parent Coaching Our primary goal is to help parents and schools collaborate, identify, and maintain the best educational programs and services for their student(s). We place the highest value on a parent/guardian’s role as the primary advocate in a student’s life and welcome the opportunity to empower families with information and analysis. We offer a range of services from educational consulting and customized advocacy, to free resources and webinars.

Expert Legal Counsel When legal counsel is necessary, we will represent you in gaining compliance with your children’s right to ser-

vices under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as well as other state and federal statutes. Our special education attorney will help you with matters concerning meditation, dispute resolution, and/or filing for due process.

Guardianship and Conservatorships Our Estates & Trusts attorney is here to help you determine what type of guardianship will best suit your needs and the needs of your loved one. We will help you understand the different implications involved and offer you peace of mind by guiding you through the process each step of the way.

Free Resources Our printable toolbox and click-it-clinic webinars are available on our website (www. advo-kids.com) for parents and professionals. These tools aim to help organize, inform, and support parents and teacheradvocates of students with disabilities, as well as help other professionals in our community acquire strong advocacy skills. please see ADVO-KIDS, page 4

NM-00451178

NM-00451177

202 W. Main Street, Moorestown, NJ 08057 Cell: 856-220-0404

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Wright Choice Therapy – Pediatric Occupational Therapy Services

Call For Advertising (856) 779-3800 x6837

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right Choice Therapy, LLC offers pediatric Occupational Therapy to children aged 3-21 in southern NJ and the Philadelphia area. Owner, Lauren Wright, is a Thomas Jefferson alum, Moorestown resident and is nationally board certified. Lauren holds licenses in PA & NJ and is a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association and NJ Occupational Therapy Association. Lauren and her clinicians have experience working with develop-

Game Friendzy – Online!

Exercise Your Brain ~ Learn a new Game

Free Online Novice Bridge Lesson Sign up today!

Free Introductory Lesson Saturday, February 20, 2021 2 sessions: 10 am-12 pm or 2 – 4 pm

Contact us today to get into the action! email: info@gamefriendzy.com www.gamefriendzy.com/calendar ~ 856-795-PLAY (7529)

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Register as a group or as a single player!

Registration Required ~ Ages 8+ ~ Space is Limited

W Gloucester County Special Services School District www.gcsssd.org

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Lauren Wright Occupational Therapist / Owner

mental delays, the autism spectrum, fine motor delays and more. The “Handwriting Without Tears” program is used, as well as sensory integration techniques to facilitate focus, improve attention and help children self-regulate.

Most insurances are accepted, and home or clinic visits are offered. We serve both individual clients and school districts in hopes of providing the most integrated learning plan possible. We develop personalized treatment strategies that

Bridge’s Surprising Benefits

hile “learning” may not be considered “all fun and games,” learning to play the card game bridge is, in fact, fun, and, bonus, accompanied by an array of educational and life skill benefits.

Game Friendzy & Bridge Center in Cherry Hill can help supplement virtual learning for children and adults with a variety of online bridge programs geared to all levels, including free introduction to bridge lessons for families on Saturday, February 20.

Learning to play this enduring and popular trick-taking card game is quite beneficial socially and academically for people of all ages, from youngsters to seniors, and everyone in between.

“Playing any game adds joy to life, relieves stress, connects you with others, and stimulates

the mind,” says Bernadette Hennessy May, owner of Game Friendzy.

But, in addition to socialization and collaboration skills, playing bridge also improves mathematical, strategical, reasoning, problem-solving, listening, and rule-following skills.

Playing bridge has even been compared to competitive athletics in that some of the skills required for both endeavors, such as teamwork, good sportsmanship, strong mental game, and the ability to clear your mind and refocus, are crucial in everyday life.

“It’s just good, all-around exercise for the brain,” Hennessy May says.

In addition to the free introductory lessons February 20, available at 10 am-12 pm or 2-4 pm, Game Friendzy offers private and small group online les-

LOOK FOR OUR UPCOMING SECTION:

NM-00450957

wrightchoicetherapyLLC@gmail.com office: (856)

437-0575

www.wrightchoicetherapyNJ.com

work for you and your children. The main office is located off of 295 in Mt.Laurel, NJ. All clinicians have received the COVID-19 vaccine and can treat in person or virtually.

Call 856-437-0575 for inquiries or to schedule a consultation/ appointment. You may also reach us by email at wrightchoicetherapyLLC@gmail. com. For additional information and educational supplements, feel free to browse our website: WWW.WRIGHTCHOICETHERAPYNJ.COM.■

SENIOR living FEBRUARY 3

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 856-779-3800 X6837

sons to learn to play bridge or polish rusty playing techniques.

Assemble a group of friends or family members and learn to play bridge together!

Participants and the instructor connect in real time via the free internet sites Zoom and Shark Bridge. Staff members are happy to help “techno-hesitant” folks with online set-up.

Opportunities for online pickup games and tournament play are also available.

Call Game Friendzy at 856795-PLAY or visit www.gamefriendzy.com for details on all the various classes and games, including dates, times, fees, and registration information.. ■

ADVO-KIDS continued from page 3

Our Podcast: Special Education Out Loud Our podcast highlights personal perspectives of special education and disability rights through the lives, stories, and experiences of families, professionals, and individuals with disabilities. As a focus, each episode promotes advocacy, fosters inclusion, and provides unique conversation around critical topics. ■

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Occupational Training Center

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arents and guardians of adults with disabilities likely have many concerns when it comes to their child’s future—one being how to navigate life after high school and what lies ahead.

School is a safe environment, and now that it’s no longer available, they face the working world.

The OTC’s mission is to assist adults with disabilities in reaching their maximum potential through job placement and job training services, day programs, and residential services. The facility works with adults exclusively; most programs are geared toward adults 21 and older, but some programs are available to those as young as 18.

The facility was originally

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continued from page 3 children”. She has brought to the attention of the Association’s leadership the need for extreme consideration when it is deemed necessary.

As one of the first realtors advocating for the importance of certain considerations necessary for a family member with a special needs during a real estate transaction. Susan welcomes the opportunity to assist you with your real estate needs, regardless of your location. Realizing that an additional level of support for the family may be needed, she is wholeheartedly prepared to donate a portion of her commission to any recognized local or national organization designated by such family that helps support their family member with special needs.

Susan also respects the importance of confidentiality and discretion and looks forward to giving you her full attention in supporting her fellow families through the entire process.

Please visit www.wingsofsteelsledhockey.org an organization in our area that welcomes the participation of children with special needs. ■

created in 1964 by a group of parents and volunteers motivated by the insufficient employment opportunities at the time. Growing from its beginnings of training a mere eight individuals, the OTC now trains over 700 individuals in a variety of vocational disciplines.

In the vocational program, individuals complete an intake evaluation to determine goals, capabilities, and passions.

They are then put into a program that can be best tailored to fit their needs and help them achieve their goals. Some opportunities include recycling operations, food services, custodial maintenance and supported employment, which gives the individual an opportunity to work at companies

outside of the OTC. In the day program and group homes, adults learn daily living skills from meal prep and cooking to laundry and how to use a computer.

Adults learn these skills to help them in their everyday lives, whether at home or on the job.

Trained professionals are a key asset to the success of the OTC. Staff members go through an extensive training process, which includes learning CPR, first aid, how to work with individuals with disabilities, and the laws in place to protect those individuals. Or call us at 609-267-6677 For more information visit our website: www.otcbc.org or call us at 609-267-6677 ■

SPEAK TO ME KIDS

Pediatric Speech, Language and Feeding Therapy We offer FREE consultations!

Currently offering telehealth services Office locations in Marlton and Collingswood Call us at 856-983-3390 to schedule an appointment

To learn more about our practice please visit

Speak to Me Kids

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hy seek out a private practice for speech and language therapy? Why spend extra time and money for services that can be provided in the school?

Here’s why. To qualify for speech-language therapy services in the school setting, a child’s speech and/or language deficit must impact how the child performs academically.

If the child’s speech-language issues do not impact his or her academic performance, then he or she will not be eligible for therapy services. However, in the private setting, any child with any sort of communication impairment will receive a formal evaluation, a treatment plan, and therapy to address the goals in the treatment plan.

There are countless benefits to seeking out private speech, language, and feeding therapy.

The most important- there are no academic restrictions. At Speak To Me Kids, we offer free 30-minute consultations to guide parents in the ways to support their children. During our individual therapy sessions, the speech-language pathologist utilizes evidence-

based practice to target goals based on evaluations as well as collaboration between additional therapists and caregivers. Within our practice, we offer individualized therapy and address needs that are outside the scope of school-based therapy. Lastly, we accommodate families with a schedule that works for everyone involved. Our schedule is 12 months, as we do not follow the school calendar and we do not take summers off.

With that being said, speechlanguage therapy is a journey.

Progress takes time and work.

However, the tools learned during speech-language therapy are invaluable. With family involvement, practice, and generalization of skills, the benefits of speech-language therapy are never ending. We, the speech-language pathologists at Speak To Me Kids, are here to lean on and carry the weight to obtain your child’s speech-language goals. Set them high and let’s reach them together! Please contact us for any questions regarding our services 856 983 3390. www. speaktomekids.com ■

www.speaktomekids.com or email Joyce@speaktomekids.com

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COVID-19 won’t stop care at the RISN Center

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he COVID-19 pandemic is having an enormous impact on individuals with special needs. However, the Rowan Integrated Special Needs (RISN) Center is answering the challenges presented by these unprecedented circumstances.

The center provides integrated primary care and behavioral health services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including those with autism, brain injuries, Down syndrome, intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy and other complex conditions originating in childhood.

The RISN Center serves special-needs young adults and kids who are at least 14 years of age. The center provides services for patients from all of New Jersey’s 21 counties, especially individuals from Gloucester, Camden, Burlington, Salem,

Cumberland, Atlantic and Cape May counties. It provides comprehensive primary care for complex medical needs and access to routine preventive health care, which is often overlooked in vulnerable populations. With embedded behavioral health, the care at RISN is developmentally and behaviorally balanced, closing the health care gaps for those individuals.

Improving access through telehealth To further enhance patient care, patients can engage in a virtual visit and actually be seen by health care providers through the use of smartphones, tablets or personal computers.

“Thankfully, RISN and Rowan Medicine were ahead of the curve in terms of being equipped with the technology to deliver care uninterrupted please see RISN, page 7

General Chemical & Supply

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eneral Chemical & Supply in Moorestown Offers Local Homes & Business Nationally Recognized Cutting Edge Technology in Fight Against COVID-19 NASA-Based ActivePure Technology® Rapidly Eliminates 99.9% of Airborne SARSCoV-2 Virus in FDA-Compliant Military Lab Tests Developer Scaling Production to Meet Global Pandemic Needs ActivePure Technologies announced that its air purifying technology inactivated over 99.9% of highly concentrated airborne SARS-CoV-2 virus in an enclosed setting in just 3 minutes, below detectable levels. Testing of the ActivePure Technology® was conducted by one of the world’s top biosafety testing facilities, the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), which primarily tests for the U.S. military and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). “These results demon-

strate the effectiveness of the technology in a laboratory setting,” said Dr. William S. Lawrence, PhD, director of the Aerobiology Services Division at UTMB’s Galveston National Laboratory.

ActivePure Technologies foresees widespread use of the technology to reduce the amount of SARS-CoV2 virus present in the air and on hard surfaces in commercial, residential, and medical settings “ActivePure Technology enables us to go on the offense against airborne coronavirus with realtime elimination of viral particles so we can reclaim the spaces – the gyms, restaurants, diners, theaters, beauty salons and barber shops – that are near and dear to our hearts,” said Joe Urso, Chairman and CEO of ActivePure Technologies, LLC. “Unlike conventional, passive, filtration based air purifiers, ActivePure works immedi-

ately and does not require capture or exposure time. It rapidly and continuously fills a room with virus-neutralizing particles that instantly break viruses down to their component parts, rendering them harmless.” “ActivePure surrounds a person with protective virus-inactivating air,” Urso added, “which is especially important in a medical setting. I think of it as a form of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).”

These portable and affordable machines are currently being utilized across the country by NASA, The Pentagon, Major League Baseball teams, hospitals, school systems and many more.

For More Information on ActivePure Air & Surface Pro for Your Home or Business – Please Contact General Chemical & Supply 856-778-5550 Showroom Located: 858 N. Lenola Rd. Moorestown NJ 08057 ■

NM-00449458

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American Cancer Society

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t may still be winter, but ACS is thinking spring with the return of Daffodil Days The American Cancer Society is once again ready to say goodbye to winter with the return of the annual Daffodil Days. This colorful first flower of spring represents a campaign that brings hope to cancer patients, their caregivers, and families, while providing muchneeded funding that supports the groundbreaking research, programs, and services of the American Cancer Society.

“COVID-19 had a major impact on our ability to raise funds in 2020,” noted Jason Plaia, American Cancer Society Director of Community Development. “But cancer hasn’t stopped, and neither has the work of the American Cancer Society. Despite a roughly $200 million budget gap that resulted in personnel and non-personnel cuts caused by the coronavirus this past year, we continued to engage with people where they live as we worked hard to serve patients and attack cancer from every angle through research, education, advocacy, and patient services.”

For many years, individuals, small businesses, and large corporations have supported ACS through the Daffodil Days campaign as they made donations for flowers that have been used to brighten the spirits of loved ones.

Daffodils can be ordered by making a donation of $10 for a bunch or $15 for potted. Tulips can be ordered by the bunch for a $15 donation. For a $25 donation, donors can order a Gift of Hope – bunches of daffodils that the American Cancer Society delivers to patients in hospitals, treatment centers, and other local facilities.

Orders are being taken now through February 22. Flowers arrive the week of March 22.

For information on ordering flowers in your local community, visit www.SouthJerseyDaffodils.org or contact Jason Plaia at Jason.Plaia@cancer.org.

The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of 1.5 million volunteers dedicated to saving lives, celebrating lives, and leading the fight for a world without cancer.

From breakthrough research, to free lodging near treatment, a 24/7/365 live helpline, free rides to treatment, and convening powerful activists to create awareness and impact, the Society is the only organization attacking cancer from every angle. For more information go to www.cancer.org. ■

RISN

continued from page 6 via telehealth to the most vulnerable members of the community during this crisis while adhering to all the guidelines for social distancing,” said Dr. Jennifer LeComte, director of the RISN Center.

In keeping with maintaining safety during the COVID-19 pandemic and being mindful not to overwhelm the emergency rooms and urgent care centers, access to primary care and behavioral health through telehealth can be ideal.

“Our mission is to provide patient-centered care to all people with physical, intellectual and developmental disabilities — and to their families — to help them thrive in their community,” Dr. LeComte said. “As advocates for this population, we have hope that beyond this pandemic, telehealth will continue to lessen caregiver burden and enhance care by providing much-needed access where barriers like transportation and physicians and staff unfamiliar with the unique needs of this patient population.” ■

Call For Advertising (856) 779-3800 x6837 NM-00450935

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LET’S KEEP IT UP LET’S ALL #MASKUP

We know it’s tough that we all need to do our part and keep wearing masks.

But here’s what we also know: The science has not changed. Masks slow the spread of COVID-19. So please join us as we all embrace this simple ask: Wear. Care. Share with #MaskUp. Together, wearing is caring. And together, we are saving lives.

MASK UP PA, NJ AND DE! From the Leading Health Care Systems in the Tri-State Area Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia • ChristianaCare • Cooper University Health Care • Einstein Healthcare Network Inspira Health • Jefferson Health • Main Line Health • Nemours Children’s Health System Penn Medicine • Temple Health • Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic • Virtua Health