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BRIDGE

Helping Families and Schools Work Together

ABOUT THE BRIDGE INITIATIVE

Engagement of Parents of Students with Disabilities

The Building Resources for Inclusive Development and Growth in Education (BRIDGE) Initiative is a new partnership between Rutgers University and the NJ Department of Education Office of Special Education. It promotes strong partnerships between families and schools to help students with disabilities make steady progress towards their learning goals. The BRIDGE Initiative’s work is centered around:

SEPAG

SEPAG Development,
Improvement, and Sustainability

Literacy

Family and School
Literacy Partnerships

NJTSS

NJTSS Understanding
and Home Support

There are many resources about special education and family engagement, but it can be hard to know what you need, what to trust, and how to use it. BRIDGE brings the best materials together in one place. Our team curates, creates, and organizes high-quality resources so you can easily find what works and get support in putting it to practice.

OUR MAJOR FOCUS AREAS

SEPAG Development

SEPAG Development, Improvement, and Sustainability

Special Education Parent Advisory Groups (SEPAGs) give families a direct way to learn, connect, and collaborate around the programs, policies, and services that affect students with disabilities. The BRIDGE Initiative provides support to both district and parent group leaders and makes free resources available online.

NJTSS

NJTSS Understanding and Home Support

New Jersey’s Tiered System of Supports (NJTSS) provides a powerful framework for meeting the diverse needs of all students, and it’s more effective when families understand what supports are available and how to access them. We support district efforts to communicate with and engage families around NJTSS.

Literacy Partnerships

Family and School Literacy Partnerships

Strong literacy skills are the foundation of learning. BRIDGE supports families and schools in building the reading habits, skills, and environments that help students with disabilities thrive as readers and communicators.

FEATURED RESOURCES

Explore guides, toolkits, and strategies designed to support families and educators. Our resources provide practical information on special education, SEPAGs, literacy, NJTSS, and family engagement that you can use right away.

Resource Library ›

Supporting SEPAGs: Practical Guidance for District Leaders Webinar

Supporting SEPAGs: Practical Guidance for District Leaders
SEPAG Leaders: Connect, Share, & Grow! Webinar

SEPAG Leaders: Connect, Share, & Grow!
Parent Voices in Action: The SEPAG Experience Webinar

Parent Voices in Action: The SEPAG Experience
Resource Library

FROM THE BLOG

Why Transitions Matter: Helping Children with Special Needs Move from Summer to School Special Education

Why Transitions Matter: Helping Children with Special Needs Move from Summer to School
BRIDGE Spotlight: Leslie Ponzo Working Group Member & SEPAG Leader Spotlight

BRIDGE Spotlight: Leslie Ponzo Working Group Member & SEPAG Leader
Celebrating 36 Years of the Americans with Disabilities Act: A Milestone in Civil Rights Special Education

Celebrating 36 Years of the Americans with Disabilities Act: A Milestone in Civil Rights
See All Posts

UPCOMING EVENTS

Join us for upcoming webinars, workshops, and learning opportunities. BRIDGE events bring together families, educators, and district leaders to share strategies, build connections, and strengthen support for students across New Jersey.

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