Serving Private Special Education Schools and Agencies Since 1974
ASAH’s Mission
ASAH is a not-for-profit organization of private schools and agencies in New Jersey which provide highly specialized services to more than 10,000 infants, children and young adults with disabilities. Founded in 1974, ASAH now serves 131 schools and agencies throughout the state.
ASAH works closely with its members and the New Jersey Department of Education to develop policy, promote effective educational practices, and foster productive collaborations between private schools, public school districts, and communities.
ASAH also advocates for legislative and regulatory changes that improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and their families.
Symposium for Business Office & Human Resources Personnel
This informative and engaging event will feature a series of workshop sessions tailored to address the unique challenges and opportunities within the special education sector. Attendees will gain valuable insights into best practices, compliance updates, and strategies for improving operational efficiency and human resources management. Whether you’re looking to enhance your team’s knowledge, stay current with industry trends, or connect with fellow professionals, this symposium offers a fantastic opportunity to learn, share, and grow.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE
Breakfast Sponsor | 1 Available | $1,500
Sponsorship of Breakfast at the ASAH Symposium includes signage at the event and recognition during the opening remarks.
Lunch Sponsor | 1 Available | $1,500
Sponsorship of Lunch at the ASAH Symposium includes signage at the event and recognition during the opening remarks.
Giveaway Sponsor | 1 Available | $2,000
Sponsorship of the ASAH Symposium Giveaway includes your logo on the giveaway item along side ASAH’s logo, signage at the event and recognition during the opening remarks.
A/V Sponsor | 2 Available | $2,500
Sponsorship of Audio/Visual Equipment at the ASAH Symposium includes signage at the event and recognition during the opening remarks.
Click the ‘Sponsor Registration’ button on the registration page to make your selection.
Parent Webinar
Presentation Title: Transition Planning from School to Adult Life: Accessing Appropriate Services for Young Adults with Disabilities.
Description: As educational entitlements–and the funding that goes with them–come to an end, many young adults with disabilities continue to need services and support. In this workshop, participants will learn strategies to preserve special education services through age 21. They will also learn about SSI, guardianship and other legal strategies that provide varying levels of support and protection. Speakers will also discuss SSI, Medicaid eligibility and Medicaid Waivers, DDD, DVRS, day and residential services. Specific assessment and service planning tools, including the NJCAT will be reviewed. This 90-minute presentation includes time for a Q&A.
Firm Bio: Attorneys at Hinkle Prior Fischer & Oberweis, P.C., have over 70 years of combined experience providing specialized legal services to families of children and adults with a wide range of disabilities, and seniors. They have argued many of the precedent setting cases affecting individuals with disabilities in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Special Education Week in New Jersey 2025
Special Education Week in New Jersey will be held May 11 – 17, 2025 and this year’s theme is “Planting the Seed of Education”. We are excited to celebrate the students, families, educators, therapists, and school administrators involved in NJ’s special education programs and services. We share our appreciation for all who make it possible for children with disabilities to learn effectively and to reach their full potential in their families and communities.
Our Special Education Day Event will be held on May 22, 2025 at the Hyatt Regency – in collaboration with the NJ School Boards Association to showcase the artwork of our students and recognize the winners of the art contest and Connections to Success Scholarship. Stay tuned for more information.
46th Annual Conference – Call for Speakers
This year’s Conference will be held on Monday, October 27, 2025, with a pre-conference reception on Sunday, October 26th, at the Hyatt Regency in New Brunswick, NJ!
We are looking for 75-minute workshop speakers on the following topics:
- Behavioral Intervention
- Classroom Management
- Social-Emotional Learning
- Differentiation
- Transition/Preparing Students for Transition
We are looking for 60-minute roundtable facilitators on the following topics:
- School Safety: Ensuring a Secure Environment for Learning
- Engaging Families: Building Strong Partnerships for Student Success
- Community-Based Instruction: Empowering Students Through Real-World Learning
- Behavioral Intervention
- Assistive Technology
- IEP Writing & Instructional Planning: Bridging the Gap for Success
For more details on the topics above and to submit your proposal, click here!
CONNECTIONS FOR SUCCESS SCHOLARSHIP FUND
DEDICATED TO PROVIDING FINANCIAL SUPPORT AND RECOGNITION TO STUDENTS GRADUATING FROM ASAH MEMBER SCHOOLS
Your contribution will:
- Provide essential financial support for students to pursue post-secondary education or career training, setting them up for future success.
- Encourage goal-setting and future planning, fostering independence and self-determination.
- Promote community integration by supporting students in identifying local resources and opportunities to aid in their long-term success.
- Celebrate and recognize the accomplishments of students with disabilities who have worked hard to reach graduation and are ready to take on the next chapter of their lives.
Recent ASAH News
Legislative Victory: A-2180 Signed Into Law
Governor Murphy signed A-2180 into law, allowing Type S school buses to be driven without a Commercial Driver’s License.
A Legacy of Leadership
As part of our Golden Anniversary, ASAH hosted a statehouse event to celebrate the leaders that have helped to improve the lives of students with complex disabilities.
From the Executive Director – January 2025
What began in 1974 as a bold idea on the part of 13 founding schools has expanded tenfold. Today, more than 130 members strong, ASAH schools partner with local districts across the state to serve students with complex needs.
ASAH Around the State
John J. Mulholland, Jr., pictured above, presented the findings of ASAH’s 24th Annual Outcomes Report to the New Jersey State Board of Education, and more.
NJ Private Special Education School Directory
Our private special education school directory can help you locate the right school providing the services your child or student with special needs requires. ASAH Member private special education schools and agencies provide highly specialized and appropriate services at locations throughout New Jersey.
ASAH’s Private School Placement Toolkit
In order to help families and educators navigate the process of advocating for effective special education services, ASAH has collected information and resources to help them make informed decisions and support their positions. The toolkit includes information on:
- Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)
- Parents’ Rights in Special Education (PRISE)
- Private School Options — What Parents Need to Know
- “Stay Put” Provisions
- A Parents Guide to Placement
- …and much more.
Parents’ Perspective on Special Education
Hear what parents of students with disabilities are saying about their own and their children’s experience at ASAH member schools.