Celebrating 50 Years of Collaboration
partnership – (pärt-nər-ship):
associated with another, especially in an action.
There are many kinds of partnerships, but they all center around an agreement to work together around a shared goal: to take action for a common good.
As we prepare to mark our 50th anniversary, ASAH is proud to reflect on the myriad of partnerships that make our work possible.
First and foremost, ASAH partners with our member schools – more than 120 strong – to carry out work that advances the service delivery system for children with disabilities who need highly customized special education. Our members work in close collaboration, often referring students to other member schools when their own school is not the right fit. They share expertise, strategies, innovations, and best practices.
Each year, our member schools partner with New Jersey’s 613 school districts to serve more than 10,000 public school students whose needs cannot be met locally. One child at a time, these partnerships can develop into long-term, trusting relationships that help school districts meet their federal obligation to provide an appropriate special education to each child, regardless of how complex that child’s needs may be.
ASAH partners with families, helping them understand their rights and the rights of their children. We provide vital information, referrals, and support, and keep families updated and engaged around issues in special education that affect them and their child. We listen to families and work with them to address challenge and unmet needs. And we stand beside them to celebrate their triumphs.
ASAH proudly partners with our colleagues in other organizations, associations, and coalitions. Together, we work to build awareness and momentum to encourage changes that will help the children and families we all care so much about.
Through our ongoing partnership with the New Jersey School Boards Association, the second week in May has been celebrated as Special Education Week for the last 39 years. Our associations with NJSBA raises awareness of best practices and highlights the achievements of students, schools, and staff.
And our partnership with state, local, and federal leaders—built on a solid foundation of trust—allows us to ensure that our state’s policies and programs help the most vulnerable citizens, children with disabilities.
Thank you, to all of our partners, for helping to make New Jersey a better place!
John J. Mulholland, Jr., Esq.
Executive Director
Best Regards,
John J. Mulholland, Jr., Esq.
Executive Director