Accomplishments

Since April of 2004, Parents of Special People, Inc. has:

Meets with the Matawan Aberdeen Regional School District (MARSD) Administration regarding special education issues and programming as the recognized Special Education Parent Advisory Group (SEPAG) for the MARSD
Launched a successful blog in April of 2004; new website launched February 2009; website upgraded January 2012
Provides free workshops for parent and educator education in special education issues.Topics of workshops have included: An Overview of Special Education, Least Restrictive Environment, Division of Banking and Insurance (how to get your insurance company to pay for therapies), IEP Development, ABA Therapy Overview, Inclusive Education, Overview of the Changes in IDEA 2004, Dyslexia, Problem Behavior, Special Needs Trusts, Assistive Technology etc.
Does extensive research on proposed appointments and consultants for the MARSD, reviews and advises on the language used to change policies and regulations, educational programming, curriculum development, evaluation criteria , etc. in the group’s capacity as the SEPAG for the MARSD
Strives to be conversant and current with regard to Federal and State revisions of Special Education Law and issues affecting our community.
Annually provides an information tables at each MARSD school's Back to School Night with information about how to become a member, upcoming recreational events, workshops and trainings.
Established the practice in the MARSD of offering a Summer Orientation one week before school opens in September for students to reacquaint themselves with their school or to transition smoothly to a new building
Participates in NJ DOE sponsored Parent & Educator trainings and workshops
Promotes and coordinates Personal Best Week in the district and communities; sponsors the Gallery Walk, community awareness events and the achievements of our special education students
Established building based liaisons to help facilitate parental and MARSD administrative issues effectively to help improve outcomes for all children
Became a federally and state registered 501(c)3 charity in 2010 with fundraising capabilities to effectively address ongoing special education issues within Matawan Borough, Aberdeen Township and the MARSD
Supports & Fundraises for: the Husky Special Olympic Team, Peer Buddy Programming, Life Skills Programming, Challenger Leagues, etc., throughout the year
Established the PoSP Project Funding Initiative to help the MARSD and Community organizations with "start up" costs or "one time" inclusive events and programming for our children
Worked with the administration of the MARSD to develop the Special Education Handbook for parents and staff and an Assistive Technology Quality Assurance and Procedural Guidance for MARSD staff
Established Buddy recreational programs with community sports associations
Co-Sponsors Buddy Trainings for our Community and school based organizations
Established local Social Skills groups with BCBA trained therapists to help our children learn the skills needed to thrive in their own community with a "shared cost" program for families.
Provides multiple family friendly recreational events at little to no cost to our Members. Many are open to any special needs family that would like to attend. Events include: Trunk or Treat, Sensitive Santa Party, Sensory Friendly Movies, Recreational Outings, End of the Year Pool Party, Member Only Bowling and Basketball Leagues.
2017 and 2018 Hulafrog's "Most Loved Charity" Winner

Parents of Special People, Inc.

A 501(c)3 charity benefiting the special needs community

"Making a difference for Special People"

Accomplishments

Meets with the Matawan Aberdeen Regional School District (MARSD) Administration regarding special education issues and programming as the recognized Special Education Parent Advisory Group (SEPAG) for the MARSD

Launched a successful blog in April of 2004; new website launched February 2009; website upgraded January 2012

Does extensive research on proposed appointments and consultants for the MARSD, reviews and advises on the language used to change policies and regulations, educational programming, curriculum development, evaluation criteria , etc. in the group’s capacity as the SEPAG for the MARSD

Strives to be conversant and current with regard to Federal and State revisions of Special Education Law and issues affecting our community.

Annually provides an information tables at each MARSD school's Back to School Night with information about how to become a member, upcoming recreational events, workshops and trainings.

Established the practice in the MARSD of offering a Summer Orientation one week before school opens in September for students to reacquaint themselves with their school or to transition smoothly to a new building

Participates in NJ DOE sponsored Parent & Educator trainings and workshops

Promotes and coordinates Personal Best Week in the district and communities; sponsors the Gallery Walk, community awareness events and the achievements of our special education students

Established building based liaisons to help facilitate parental and MARSD administrative issues effectively to help improve outcomes for all children

Became a federally and state registered 501(c)3 charity in 2010 with fundraising capabilities to effectively address ongoing special education issues within Matawan Borough, Aberdeen Township and the MARSD

Supports & Fundraises for: the Husky Special Olympic Team, Peer Buddy Programming, Life Skills Programming, Challenger Leagues, etc., throughout the year

Established the PoSP Project Funding Initiative to help the MARSD and Community organizations with "start up" costs or "one time" inclusive events and programming for our children

Worked with the administration of the MARSD to develop the Special Education Handbook for parents and staff and an Assistive Technology Quality Assurance and Procedural Guidance for MARSD staff

Established Buddy recreational programs with community sports associations

Co-Sponsors Buddy Trainings for our Community and school based organizations

Established local Social Skills groups with BCBA trained therapists to help our children learn the skills needed to thrive in their own community with a "shared cost" program for families.