The New
Jersey Student Advocacy Union
PO Box 1214, Belle Mead, NJ 08502 * 908-881-5275
http://StudentAdvocate-NJ.org
Musicians to Join Together to Support Rights of Special Education Students
Benefit Recital Registration
Date of Recital: 2pm, April 1, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE ADVANCE RELEASE
Contact:
Bob Witanek 908-881-5275
A benefit recital and concert dedicated to the efforts to uphold maximal rights for NJ students with disabilities is slated for 2pm, Saturday, April 1, 2006 at the Montgomery Center for the Arts, 124 Montgomery Road, in Skillman, NJ.
Among the featured performers
will be several musicians who while challenged by a disability, are ably
pursuing their musical talents. The recital is inclusive and will also feature
performances of typically able musicians as well. Thus far, over a dozen
performances are scheduled but organizers express that they can present up to 25
performances at the event.
Proceeds raised by the event will contribute toward the organizing drive of the
New Jersey Student Advocacy Union which is petitioning and has rallied parents
and supporters from throughout New Jersey to the cause of upholding the rights
of student with disabilities in NJ’s public schools. The NJ Student Advocacy
Union is preparing a rally outside the NJ Department of Education building on
May 17 and funds raised will be used to publicize and support transportation to
that event. The NJ Board of Education will be holding hearings on changes NJ
special education code on that date.
Featured at the event will be performance of music by Beethoven and other classical composers, music from Harry Potter films, traditional pieces and a modified version of Bob Marley and Peter Tosh’s “Get Up, Stand Up!” which speaks to the plight of students and their advocates who struggle for a Free and Appropriate Public Education in NJ schools. See: http://www.studentadvocate-nj.org/get_up.htm .
Performances on piano, strings, guitar, flute and other instruments as well as voice will be presented.
According to a founder of the NJ Student Advocacy Union and a coordinator of this event, one of the goals is to involve special education students themselves in the effort to advocate for better protections under NJ education code. “The way things are headed with national and local priorities shifting away from providing support for those with disabilities, our children better learn today how to stand their ground and protect their rights. While the role of parents and advocates in supporting our children is of utmost importance, unfortunately, someday hopefully later, our children who face challenges will need to fend for themselves as the nation grows increasingly more callous toward meeting their needs.”
Mr. Witanek continued, “On May 17, parents, students and advocates from throughout the state will be in Trenton to testify and to rally for the rights of children with special needs. Our children stand to lose short term objectives, mid-year progress reports, stay put protections, the attendance of regular education teachers at their IEP meetings and many other important protections. We will press forward our efforts on behalf of 225,000 special education students from throughout the state to defend these important so our children can have a better chance to survive and thrive in our public schools.”
Musicians who want to register to perform can do so by calling 908-881-5275, writing to advocate@studentadvocate-nj.org or visiting http://StudentAdvocate-NJ.org . RSVP is also encouraged.
A social reception will follow and participants and audience members are encouraged to bring a light snack and / or non-alcohol drink to share.
The suggested donation is $10 per family although larger contributions and memberships are welcome.
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Ask the Advocate
NJ Complaint Form (MS Word)
(PDF)
On Line Public Hearing on IDEIA 2004
Survey on NJ OSEP Complaint
Process
Past Activities
IEP Wkshp
Rec. Programs for
those w/ Disabilities
An Evening of Educational Advocacy
September 8, 2005 Edison, NJ
What The Student Advocate Has Done for Our Children
Lately . . .
NJ IDEIA 2004 Organizing Committee
Minutes of IDEIA 2004 meeting on Thu., May
26
Student Rights Radio
Discussion, October 31
Effort to
Reach Gubernatorial Hopefuls and Acting Governor / Candidates
IDEA: An Update
Dec. 5, 2005
Middletown
January 18,
2006: Hold a Candle Light for Our Children's Rights
50 Strong For Our
Children
No. Jersey Radio Interview Aired, 1/22
Petitioning for Rights Children: Legal in Princeton
Interview on NJ IDEIA Rights
- Racial Disparities in Sp-Ed
Call
is Heard in Montgomery Twp: Inclusive Recreation
NJSAU Minutes 2/18/2006
Playing and Singing for
Our Rights, 4/1/6
Better IDEA Laws for Special Education
Students?
Better IEPs? Anything is Possible!
April
1 Report: Student Advocacy Union - Fundraising Concert
Mobilization for Rights
of Our Children, May 17, 2006, Trenton
Nationwide Internet Radio Rally for Sp-Ed Parent Rights
9pm EST, Sat. May 20
Parents’ Rally @ Statehouse in Trenton Thursday, June 8, 2006
Piscataway Parents Mtg, June 19, 2006