Serving Private Special Education Schools and Agencies Since 1974
ASAH’s Mission
ASAH is a nonprofit 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.
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!
Symposium for Business Office & Human Resources Personnel
Our 2025 Symposium covered the following hot topics:
- Business Office Procedures presented by School Accounting Professionals
- Navigating Policy Development: Understanding the Process of Creating Policy Manuals for Schools presented by Strauss Esmay Associates
- Mastering School Audits: Best Practices for School Business Managers presented by Nisivoccia
- Recent HR Developments presented by Porzio, Bromberg & Newman
Members can access the full slide decks by navigating to the Members Area.
Special Education Week in New Jersey 2025
Special Education Week in New Jersey was May 11 – 17, 2025 and this year’s theme is “Planting the Seed of Education”. We were 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 was held on May 22, 2025 at the Hyatt Regency to showcase and award the amazing artwork of our students from our annual Art Contest – in collaboration with the NJ School Boards Association – along with announce the recipients of the Connections for Success Scholarship.
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.
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.
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.
Recent ASAH News
Students with Disabilities Honored for Talent and Achievement During ASAH’s Special Education Day Celebration
Young artists with disabilities were honored alongside state education officials and elected leaders at the annual Special Education Day awards ceremony, held at the Hyatt Regency in Princeton.
From the Executive Director – May 2025
As we conclude ASAH's 50th Anniversary, it seems appropriate to reflect on the vital role it serves in safeguarding the interests of students with disabilities, particularly the schools and professionals that serve them. Now more than ever, ASAH's ability to speak with a collective voice is critical.
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.