Medicaid and Special Education
Medicaid is a successful government-operated, single-payer health program established in 1965 as part of Lyndon Johnson’s “Great Society.” The nation’s largest single source of health insurance, Medicaid covers one out of five Americans with very low income- more than...Promoting Student Independence & Successful Inclusion Through Systemic Cue and Fading of Support
By Amy Golden, M.S., BCBA Research confirms that becoming as independent as possible often substantially impacts future success in all aspects of life, so as a student moves through adolescence, it is essential for the educational team and the family to place...Q&A: Facilitated IEP Meetings In New Jersey
The NJ Department of Education (NJDOE) Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) is presently piloting a new program of IEP Facilitation. The initiative is in four districts in NJ-Hamilton, Elizabeth, Cherry Hill, and Plainsboro, and will be launched statewide in...3 Ways to Help Your Child with Sensory Issues Succeed in School
By Sussan, Greenwald & Wesler Does your child crash into walls? Does he cover his ears in a crowded amusement park or shy away from birthday parties? Does she seem insensitive to pain, or overly sensitive to sound or light? When children have difficulty...New Supreme Court Decision Benefits Students With IEPs
By Elizabeth W. Barnes Children with special needs are guaranteed a “free, appropriate public education” (FAPE) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). When Congress enacted IDEA in 1975, the goal was to address the “perception...Q&A: Is It Dyslexia?
By Deborah Lynam and Jillian Matysik Child Study Team (CST) members are often asked about dyslexia in schools by parents and educators. Until the recent dyslexia legislation in New Jersey, dyslexia was not traditionally discussed in schools. This was often a cause of...From the Courts: Supreme Court Defining Rights for Students with Disabilities
On January 11, 2017, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments on whether public schools owe children with disabilities “some” educational benefit — which courts have determined to mean just-above-trivial progress — or whether students legally deserve something more: a...From the Courts: Justices Rule in Favor of Student in Dispute Over Service Dog
In February, The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) issued a unanimous decision in favor of a student with disabilities, and clarified the inter-relationship between the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)...From The Capitol: Special Education and Autism Training to be Required as Part of NJ Teacher Certification
A bipartisan measure (S-1474) addressing teacher training that was introduced in February 2016 has been signed into law in New Jersey. The bill requires teacher preparation programs for instructional certificates to include instruction or clinical experience in...NJCommonGround.org, and the Common Ground E-newsletter are projects of the NJ Council on Developmental Disabilities
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- The Right to a Free and Appropriate Public Education
- What to Do if You Suspect Your Child has a Disability Impacting Their Education
- Initial Special Education Evaluations and Eligibility
- The Individualized Education Program (IEP)
- Special Education Placement
- Q&A: What are Extended School Year (ESY) Services?
- Q&A: Dispute Resolution