The SPAN Youth Hub

Remember the golden rule? "Don't get in a car with strangers." The rule still applies, but times are changing with ride-sharing apps, Uber and Lyft, which are popular alternatives to public transportation, such as buses, trains, and local subway cars.  Riders or passengers of all ages, backgrounds and people with disabilities are seeing the growth of these apps in NJ as part of their daily use. Safety using and navigating Uber and Lyft is an essential modern-day skill.  NJ Transit Access Link & Uber, Lyft New Jersey Transit is partnering with the Access Link program to provide an alternative to people with disabilities in transportation modes. The pilot program now offers Uber and Lyft at the same price in using Access Link to people who qualify and use Access Link.  Check out a brief overview here:  Navigating & Safety Tips for Uber, Lyft Navigating these apps can challenge youth and young adults or first-time users. Uber and Lyft provide guides to use, brow...

New Jersey is one of the few states with various transportation modes such as buses, rails, and rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft. There are limits to your location and accessibility ( Access Link ADA Paratransit ) is a suitable option for those who qualify!), but learning how to travel in, around, and out of your state is a valuable skill for yourself, your family, and all NJ residents!  Division Of Disability Services NJ Transit or rideshare apps are growing in accessible options for passengers with developmental disabilities. Read more on the  " Community Transportation by County " webpage with contact information on paratransit service for older residents and people with disabilities. Find it here:  https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dds/hottopics/transportation/ NJ Transit Trip Planner Have you ever had difficulty planning a trip with the NJ Transit? Check out the NJ Transit Trip Planner, which helps you create travel itineraries. You start with an origin and destinati...

Motivation can achieve confidence, strength, and other positive benefits. So being an empowering youth means finding the inspiration to take steps into advocacy, discovery, and new challenges like work, school, or other social aspects of your life.  We are calling people of all ages to become motivated to participate in, encourage, or share the Youth Development Initiative (YDI)!

Video games are a global interaction, entertainment, and learning phenomenon, but it is a privilege. This digital world has a problem, an accessibility problem.  Individuals who are visually impaired or with physical disabilities often struggle to join the gaming world due to limitations like controller design. Today, Sony's PlayStation is a shining example of inviting accessibility experts to remove barriers in video gaming through Project Leonardo.

The NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) is the state's agency for protecting, improving, and guiding the state's workforce or workers. Here is an exciting and unique paid opportunity for youth and young adults to participate in that mission.  Applicants or interested participants will take a hands-on approach to support the development of NJDOL's digital career tools and provide feedback.  The spots are limited, so please contact Johan Mora Valverde at  jmora-valverde@spanadvocacy.org  for more information. If you are under 18, have a parent or guardian, or need support at any age, forward or share this opportunity. 

SPAN Advocacy's Youth in the Know webpage features critical resources to support your youth in transitioning to a job, college, or other pathways. Check them out and get helpful information to answer your questions, or contact SPAN at info@spanadvocacy.org . Are you… Graduating Soon The New Jersey Transition Toolkit is a good step toward learning how school staff, students with disabilities, and families prepare for life after high school. The toolkit helps youth and their support navigate "transition planning," or moving from student life into adulthood. Find it by clicking the link here:  https://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/programs/njtransition/ Looking for a Job or Other Pathways? The New Jersey Youth Resource Spot (NJYRS) is a one-stop designed by the NJ Department of Children and Youth (DCF) Youth Council for young people. Find information to support you if you are searching for a job, transitional housing programs, or leaving the foster care system. Find it by c...

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and every year, we can look forward to a resource that can support those struggling with their health. Mental Health America's (MHA) "Look Around, Look Within" is an example of a toolkit created to bring awareness to mental health nationwide.  Check out our breakdown of a few guides in the tool and how you or others can use it to care for your mental health and community.  Featuring… A Mental Health Test Self-diagnosis isn't the first step but a step in the right direction using MHA's screening tool. Take a mental health test to determine if you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. Please consider speaking with a doctor, parent, or therapist for a full assessment to receive the necessary resources and help. Find it here: https://screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools/. Health & Home Environments A clean area to work, play, or relax in can do wonders for well-being. Did you know a messy bedroom can caus...