Special Education Thrives When We All Connect

Dear Editor:

Every year, the second week in May is recognized as Special Education Week in New Jersey. For more than 40 years, the New Jersey School Boards Association, together with ASAH, a statewide association of more than 150 private special education schools, have jointly sponsored activities to celebrate the achievements of the special education community.

More than 16 percent of the school-aged children in our state are receiving special education services – more than a quarter of a million students. Chances are good that you know a child or teen with learning, social, emotional or behavioral disabilities. Like all children, children with disabilities have unique strengths, interests, talents and challenges. Highly skilled and dedicated educators, therapists, and paraprofessionals work with these children, their parents and school districts to get them ready for a complex world.

This year, the theme of Special Education Week is “Working Together to Build a Special Future for All.” Parents and caregivers, teachers, psychologists, therapists, specialists, bus drivers and school leaders are at our best when we are working together to provide the individual services these children need and are entitled to.

It is all about connections.

The educators at Westbridge Academy join with our colleagues to celebrate the achievements of ALL students with disabilities, and commend families for their important role in supporting our efforts.

Dr. Viviana Litovsky is the director at Westbridge Academy, a state-approved, private non-profit school in Bloomfield serving students with emotional and learning disabilities.