ASAH believes parents are the best advocates for children with disabilities. Since its inception in 1974, we’ve worked to provide accurate information and meaningful support to help parents do what is best for their children.

Mother with female child with Downs syndrome - ASAH's Commitment to Parents

ASAH’s Toll-Free Parent Assistance Line

ASAH’s toll-free Parent Assistance Line (1-877-287-2724) helps parents understand their rights and responsibilities under federal and state special education law, provides information and referral to help them identify appropriate services for their child, and can provide direct advocacy assistance.

Free 2022-2023 Parent Advocacy Virtual Workshops Series

Scroll down on this page for detailed information and registration for our 2022-2023 Parent Advocacy Series. We’ve developed these free Zoom workshops specifically for parents of children with disabilities. Register and mark your calendars now!

This year’s topics, co-sponsored by The Alliance of Private Special Education Schools of North Jersey, include:

  • When the Local Public School is not Enough: Exploring the Need For An Out-of-District Placement;
  • Extended School Year (ESY) Services and Compensatory Education: What Parents Need to Know; and
  • Securing the Future for Your Child with Special Needs: Financial and Estate Planning.

Download a PDF Flyer for these parent advocacy workshop events.

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ASAH’s Private School Placement Toolkit

ASAH’s Private School Placement Toolkit is a collection of resources and information to help parents better understand their rights and make informed and effective decisions about their child’s special education services.

ASAH Resources and Publications

ASAH also provides a range of publications and resources in support of parents’ important efforts on behalf of their children.

ASAH Speakers Bureau

ASAH also coordinates a speakers bureau to help parent groups more easily access experts on topics in special education. Call Susan Recce (609-890-1400, ext 11) for more information or to develop a training event for your parent group.

2022 Parent Advocacy Virtual Workshops Series – EVENT DETAILS & REGISTRATION

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October 11, 2022, from 7:00-8:15 p.m.

When the Local Public School is Not Enough: Exploring the Need For An Out-of-District Placement

featuring Hillary Freeman, Esq.

What happens when the local public school cannot meet a child’s academic, behavioral or social/emotional needs? Join us as Hillary Freeman discusses topics including least restrictive environment; accommodations, modifications and supports in public schools; the full range of placement options; demonstrating the need for out-of-district services; researching schools; writing the IEP; and planning the eventual return to district.

This event is co-sponsored by The Alliance of Private Special Education Schools of North Jersey.

About our speaker: Hillary Freeman, Esq. is an attorney and national speaker in special education matters in the law. As the sister of a man with Autism, she combines personal experience with her legal training to help families advocate for services and supports. For more information email hillary@freemanlawoffices.com, or call 609-454-5609.

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Hillary Freeman Esq.

Hillary Freeman, Esq.

March 14, 2023, from 7:00-8:15 p.m.

Extended School Year (ESY) Services and Compensatory Education: What Parents Need to Know

featuring Featuring Denise Dimson Rekem, Esq.,and Judith Weinstock, Esq.

Some students with disabilities need special education and related services beyond the traditional 180-day school year. Extended School Year (ESY) services can help limit skill loss and regression, teach social skills, build job and transition skills and more. In addition, some students may be entitled to compensatory education (“comp ed”) when services and supports in the IEP are not delivered in a way that produces benefits. Join us as Denise Rekem and Judith Weinstock describe these important services, and how to advocate for them.

This event is co-sponsored by The Alliance of Private Special Education Schools of North Jersey.

About our speaker: Denise Dimson Rekem, Esq., and Judith Weinstock, Esq., are attorneys in private practice at Parles Rekem, Attorneys at Law. Both focus on the representation of individuals with special needs and their families in the areas of early intervention, special education, transition and adult services, residential placements, guardianships, bullying and discipline. Learn more at https://www.parlesrekem.com, or call 973-564-0055.

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Demise Rekem, Esq.

Denise Dimson Rekem, Esq.

Judith Weinstock, Esq.

Judith Weinstock, Esq.

May 9, 2023, from 7:00-8:15 p.m.

Securing the Future for Your Child with Special Needs: Financial and Estate Planning

Featuring Paul Prior, Esq., and Don Brown, ChFC, ChSNC, CASL

Sometimes, it feels like there are more questions than answers: Who will make decisions for my child when I am gone? Where will my child live? Who will make sure he is happy and safe? How much money is needed for a secure future? Do I really need an ‘estate plan’? Join us as Paul Prior and Don Brown answer these and other tough questions. They will offer a reassuring step-by-step plan to provide quality of life and a lifetime of care.

This event is co-sponsored by The Alliance of Private Special Education Schools of North Jersey.

About our speakers: Paul Prior, Esq., is the brother of a man with autism. He is a partner with Hinkle, Prior and Fischer, a law firm specializing in disability law. Learn more at http://hinkle1.com, email Paul at paul@hinkle1.com, or call 609-896-4200.

Donald T. Brown, ChFC, ChSNC, CASL, has been in the financial services industry for 30+ years and has earned the Chartered Special Needs Consultant designation. Learn more at https://www.specialneedsfundingcoach.com, email Don at dtbrown@nlgroupmail.com, or call 848-200-7148.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the workshop.

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S. Paul Prior, parnter Hinkle Prior & Fischer, Attorneys at Law

S. Paul Prior, Esq.

Donald T. Brown, ChFC, ChSNC, CASL