NJ is entering Phase 2 of Governor Murphy's plan to reopen the state after the devastation of coronavirus. Non-essential retail stores will reopen. Summer camps are opening. Day cares are opening. Yet our special children are being denied THE MOST ESSENTIAL health services of all- early intervention therapies that they rely on for a variety of conditions and genetic syndromes. It has been 3 LONG MONTHS at home without our children in their special schools and receiving their personalized therapy in person. 

Parents all know how hard it is to educate their children during this time. Trying to get any child to sit for an online class is difficult. Imagine a child with disabilities who doesn't understand why their teacher or therapist is stuck on a screen, why they can't touch them or see their car pull into the driveway. Imagine a child who can barely pay attention in person for two minutes try to have a therapy session online. A child who gets distracted by too much light and visual stimulation. Imagine a child seeing his or her typically educated siblings go off to camp while they are left behind, begging to go back to their schools.

The time is NOW to reopen the New Jersey Early Intervention system and give parents the option to choose to resume therapy in person. 

The time is NOW to reopen our special education schools so that our children are not left even farther behind than they are already. 

On behalf of our special children, join us in spreading the word about our children. Be their voice. Help us advocate to bring them the services they deserve. Let's bring EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES TO ALL OUR STUDENTS, regardless of ability. 

We will follow the necessary restrictions. Therapy can be done in person but outside, schools can limit class sizes, and preventative measures can be put into place like they have been for all other aspects of the state.