Bipartisan Disability Caucus, Advocates Discuss Special Education and School Safety

Trenton – Today the bipartisan New Jersey Legislative Disability Caucus met with the New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities (NJCDD), a leading advocacy group, for a conversation focusing on special education, specifically access to behavioral health services and school safety.

“Having access to behavioral health services can be a lifeline for students with intellectual disabilities. However; we must continue to work to ensure that students are able to receive these ongoing critical resources that aid them significantly in their learning,” said Senator M. Teresa Ruiz (D-Essex), co-Chair of the Disability Caucus. “It is extremely troubling that most school districts do not have emergency plans in place for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and that must change. Today’s conversation on these topics allowed us to continue to pave the way to ensure that these students are receiving the services and care they both need and deserve. I look forward to seeing what more we can accomplish going forward.”

Though the state has many laws and initiatives in place to ensure students with disabilities have access to needed services, members of the Disability Caucus are aware that more can and must be done. A bill sponsored by Senator Shirley Turner would ensure that all students are participating in school safety drills and that no one is left vulnerable in the event of an emergency. The caucus also discussed the need for increased availability of youth mental and behavioral health services and concerning discipline practices that are sometimes used to address student behavioral health issues.

“There is no question New Jersey must do a better job addressing the needs of our special education students, particularly after the pandemic and the learning loss that occurred,” said Senator Anthony Bucco (R-Morris/Somerset), co-Chair of the Disability Caucus. “I’m glad we had this opportunity to spend time listening to some of the experts in this field so that they can help us understand the specific challenges students with disabilities are facing. By working together, I’m confident we can find solutions and make recommendations that will benefit students, parents, and teachers.”

“The New Jersey Legislative Disability Caucus continues to lead the charge on critical issues affecting our residents with disabilities,” said Assemblyman Lou Greenwald (D-Camden/Burlington), co-Chair of the Disability Caucus. “Whether it is healthcare, education, or voting access, this caucus has ensured that those with disabilities and their families are never left out of the important conversations.”

“This is a solution-focused caucus, so I anticipate this meeting will generate the momentum we need to build policies that better protect and serve our schoolchildren with special education needs and disabilities,” said Assemblywoman Aura Dunn (R-Morris/Somerset) ), co-Chair of the Disability Caucus. “Bringing together policymakers from both sides of the aisle, advocates, parents and community leaders to discuss ways we can better support this community’s academic achievement, mental health and physical accommodations in schools is critical to creating impactful legislation that works for everyone.”

Senators Patrick J. Diegnan, Vin Gopal, Linda Greenstein, Fred Madden, Troy Singleton, Nicholas Scutari, Bob Smith, Joseph Vitale, Andrew Zwicker, Declan O’Scanlon, Kristin Corrado, Holly Schepisi, Jean Stanfield and Anthony Bucco are also members of the caucus.