Cinnaminson Child Study Team
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During the month of January, the Cinnaminson School District continues to focus on Braille Literacy. In the United States January is Braille Literacy Month and January 4th is recognized internationally as World Braille Day to honor the birthday of Louis Braille, the inventor of the code. While hearing the word “braille,” many often think of people who are blind. However, braille is beneficial to many individuals with visual impairments, including those with dual sensory loss and/or multiple disabilities.
Facts
(Source: New England Consortium on Deafblindness - Perkins School for the Blind © 2021)
- Louis Braille was 15-years-old when he invented braille.
- Braille is a tactile code, not a language. In fact many languages including English, Spanish, Chinese, and Arabic can be written and read in braille.
- A braille cell is made up of 6 raised dots.
- Every letter, number, punctuation, and symbol can be written in braille (including musical notes)! Braille can also change the typographical emphasis of a word or sentence (bold, italics, etc.)
- Braille takes up more space than the printed–Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary is 72 Volumes in braille!
- There are two “levels” of braille. Uncontracted braille, where each letter is represented by a braille cell, and contracted braille, a “shorthand” version of braille, where common letter combinations or words are represented by one or more cells.
Historically Famous People with Blindness or Visual Impairments
- Helen Adams Keller (American author, activist and lecturer)
- Harriet Tubman (Abolitionist, humanitarian, and Union spy during the American Civil War)
- Homer (legendary ancient Greek epic poet)
- Ray Charles (American pianist and musician)
- Franklin Delano Roosevelt (The 32nd President of the United States of America)
- Galileo Galilei (Italian astronomer, mathematician, physicist, and philosopher)
- Stevie Wonder (American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer)
- Claude Monet (A founder of French impressionist painting)
- Andrea Angel Bocelli (Italian operatic tenor and multi-instrumentalist)
- Joseph Pulitzer (Hungarian-American publisher)
- Marla Runyan (World class marathon runner)
- David Alexander Paterson (American politician and the former Governor of New York)
- Johnny Depp (American actor, producer, musician)
- Dame Judith Dench (English actress)
- Alice Walker (American novelist, short story writer, poet, and social activist)
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Please see the attached letter regarding the Special Education Medicaid Initiative (SEMI) program. If you have already signed and returned the attached form, please disregard. There is no need to re-sign. If you have not signed in the past, please sign and return using any of the methods explained in the letter. Thank you! |
Believe it or not, Annual IEP Season begins mid-February. Our office will begin scheduling meetings shortly before your child's Annual date. If you would like a copy of the draft IEP prior to the meeting, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s case manager after your invitation is received. We will make every effort to get you a copy at least three days prior to the meeting. |
Calling all High School students! This year's Play Unified Basketball season is starting on January 6, 2026. If you are interested in learning more and/or joining this season, please attend the meeting or see Mr. Digney or Mrs. Rella. |
Below are several local programs that may be of interest to you and your family. These programs are for your reference and are not affiliated or sponsored by Cinnaminson School District. |
SPAN’s (SPAN Parent Advocacy Network) offers a variety of learning opportunities for families and the professionals who work with them.
Please click on the link for SPAN’s upcoming events with details and registration information:
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The Children’s System of Care (CSOC) is reopening the Assistive Technology program for youth with intellectual/developmental disabilities up to age 21. CSOC has resumed accepting new Family Support Services (FSS) applications for Assistive Technology requests. Interested families may call Perform Care (1-877-652-7624) to request Assistive Technology services and complete the FSS application over the phone. For more information about CSOC’s Family Support Services programs including Assistive Technology, please visit: https://www.performcarenj.org/pdf/families/family-support-services-facts.pdf
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The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) Office of Education on Self-Directed Services (OESDS) provides training for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) receiving services, their families, advocates and support coordinators, as well as community partners and other stakeholders.
Please see the link for more information on in-person, virtual or webinars on the following:
Family Networking Sessions
Peer-to-Peer Networking Sessions
Education and Resources
Technical Assistance and Education
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Caregivers of New Jersey is offering a FREE webinar series that will help students who are nearing graduation transition into adult services with DDD. Please see the flyer for more information on the webinars and registration information. |
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Community Inclusion of the Katz JCC offers a variety of fun and engaging social and recreational programs and events throughout the year for individuals with special needs, of all ages, to build social skills, enhance self-esteem and cultivate friendships. Whether you are looking to build creativity through art or music, a healthier mind and body through fitness and cooking, or a way to stay connected to the community – the JCC offers something for everyone! Click the link for more information on the variety of programs and registration: https://katzjcc.org/programs/about-achad/
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Chuck E Cheese will now open 2 hours early on the first Sunday of every month, specifically for children with Autism and other special needs with reduced lighting and noise, food and games offered, and trained and caring staff.
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Princeton House Behavioral Health Child and Adolescent Program now offers in-person for children in grades 5-12. The Children’s Program offers outpatient treatment services for children with emotional and behavioral problems that interfere with functioning at school and home. The program helps children with impulse control problems, depression, and aggressive or self-destructive behavior. The goal of the program is: improve self-control and coping ability; express emotions in a positive way; function in healthier ways at school and home; improve self-esteem.
To learn more or make a referral: Call 888.437.1610, option 2 (outpatient)
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Equal Opportunity Support Services supports your loved ones who have an intellectual / developmental disability providing assistance in meeting their emotional, cognitive, social, and physical needs. Their services are rooted in the belief that individuals must be provided with the support that they deserve to grow, be independent, and have the chance to live their best life. They provide the following services: Support Coordination, Support Brokerage, Training and Transition to Adulthood. Please see the link for more information: https://www.equalopportunitysupportservices.org/
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Spectrum Sports is an inclusive sports and fitness program for individuals of all abilities. They provide exercise through various sports, games, and group fitness with three locations in southern New Jersey. Check out the website for more information:
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Below is a link to possible Special Needs Programs offered by Moorestown Township such as Social Skills club (SMASH) for middle and high school students, basketball and special needs party open for all. Programs are open to non-residents. Registration is open as programs begin soon! Click the link for more information and registration: https://secure.rec1.com/NJ/moorestown-nj/catalog
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Attached is a link to find information regarding the Marlton Recreation Council (MRC) Sports Unity Program. The program is designed to provide opportunities for athletes with special needs to participate in organized sports. Click the link for more information and registration: https://www.marltonreccouncil.org/sportsunity
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The JFCS Disability Services Department is committed to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities in Southern New Jersey. We also provide support, education, and networking opportunities for family members. JFCS develops programs and services to help clients achieve their highest potential and lead more independent and fulfilled lives. JFCS is an approved vendor of supported employment services through the New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS), and a qualified provider of the Supports Program through the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD).
The JFCS Disability Services Department offers various programs, such as: J-Time After-School Respite; Supported Employment; Community-Based Supports; High School Transition Services; TOPS Habilitation Program; Social, Recreational & Athletic Programs; Soups & Sweets Culinary Training Program; Project Search; Self-Hired Respite Care; STAR Program. Please see the below link for more information: https://jfcssnj.org/disability-services/
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ZZ Jams offers a unique class for children with special needs and varying abilities. This class will explore the world of dance, while encouraging each specific child’s needs. Compassion, respect and love is what you’ll find in this class. The class will focus on all types of movement with a concentration on hip hop. All of our ZZ Jams students will be encouraged to perform in our showcases, but it is not required to take the class. See link for registration information.
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Become a member of the RWJ Barnabas Health Toms River Field of Dreams at the Ocean Orthopedic Associates Complex. Membership is FREE and is for special needs individuals and their families ONLY. The Toms River Field of Dreams is a one-of-a-kind 3.5-acre complex specifically designed with special needs children and adults in mind. Since its Grand Opening on April 20, 2022, the Field of Dreams has built a community of over 2,000 special needs families of all ages and abilities from all over the tri-state area, and the number keeps on growing. Please see the link for more information and how to become a member. https://rwjbhfieldofdreams.com/about-us/
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Previously know as Build Jake's Place® founded Jake's Place - an all-inclusive playground which allows children and adults of all abilities to play and interact together. Jake's Place is a nationally ranked, award-winning all-inclusive playground located at Challenge Grove Park in Cherry Hill, NJ AND an all-new redesigned Jake’s Place in Delran, NJ. Funded by donations and built by community volunteers, the mission of Jake’s Place is to provide all-inclusive play opportunities for children and adults with special needs through advocacy, awareness building, programming, building playgrounds, and sharing our expertise with like-minded individuals and organizations. Jake's Place also offers programs, such as: Camden County NJ Miracle League and Community Service Day. To learn more about Build Jake’s Place, please visit their website:
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Encouraging Kids Family Resource Center has open spots for their Special Needs Afterschool Program. There is a low adult-child ratio, snack, art and crafts, and indoor and outdoor fun! Transportation is also available on a limited basis. Please see their website for more information and registration information: http://www.encouragingkids.org/
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Parental Rights in Special Education (PRISE)
School-Based Family Resources
Policy and Procedure Resources
Community-Based Family Resources
Support Resources
Hotlines and Helplines
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