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ASAH, a not-for-profit association of over 130 approved private schools and agencies in New Jersey serving children with significant complex disabilities, has chosen Bruce Ettinger, Ed.D., Executive Director/Superintendent for Spectrum360, to be the recipient of the prestigious Legacy of Caring Award. Each year, ASAH honors candidates who have shown leadership in assisting special education students and/or persons with disabilities. The Legacy of Caring award is presented to an outstanding leader and advocate whose work has significantly improved the lives of students and adults with disabilities in New Jersey.
Dr. Ettinger receives this award in his final year as Executive Director of Spectrum360 before retiring in June 2020. “I can think of no one more deserving of this award than Dr. Bruce Ettinger,” said Dr. Steven Morse, President of ASAH. “He has committed his entire professional career to serving vulnerable children and adults. The benefits of his work, both at Spectrum360 and in the field of special education, will be felt for generations to come.”
For more than 45 years, Dr. Ettinger has dedicated his career to improving the lives of NJ’s students and adults with disabilities initially as Executive Director of the Cerebral Palsy League of Union County, and for the past thirty-nine years at Spectrum360. During his tenure, he has provided leadership in several capital campaigns which resulted in securing, as a gift, a 47,000 square foot building in Verona from Hoffman LaRoche and converting it into a state-of-the-art pre-school/elementary and middle school. He was also responsible for raising funds required to open a state-of-the-art, 40,000 square foot high school in Livingston for children and young adults, aged 14-21, and establishing an adult program on that site. In 2019, a 20,000 square foot addition was added. In addition, he raised funds required to open a second site for adults in Whippany. Dr. Ettinger has also been involved in developing additional innovative programs, including a film and culinary academy, benefiting students throughout northern New Jersey. Spectrum360 recently received a 2017 Award for Excellence from the New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA) for contributing to the state’s economic growth through the expansion of our business.
“Bruce’s tireless advocacy to meet the needs of students with disabilities will long be remembered,” ASAH Executive Director, Gerard Thiers said of the selection. “The board and members of ASAH deeply appreciate his service as a truly dedicated long time ASAH member and board member including board president.”
Dr. Ettinger joins a long list of amazing recipients including the 2018 recipient, Dr. Dorothy Fauver, who took home the award for her advocacy and program development for children with autism, auditory impairment, behavioral concerns and severe cognitive delays.
Dr. Ettinger will receive the award during the ASAH Annual Meeting on November 14, 2019 held during the ASAH Annual Conference in Atlantic City, NJ.
About Spectrum360:
For more than 50 years, Spectrum360 has been a pioneer in serving individuals with special learning needs. Today, Spectrum360 serves children, adolescents, young adults and adults on the autism spectrum and with behavioral and related disabilities. Spectrum360’s mission is to provide the highest quality educational and therapeutic programs for individuals with learning, language and social/emotional challenges to achieve their maximum potential as responsible adults in society; to recognize and value individuals’ unique abilities, learning styles and differences; and to serve as a leader in promoting innovative educational programs. More information about Spectrum360 and its programs.
About ASAH:
ASAH is a not-for-profit association of over 130 approved private schools and agencies in New Jersey serving children with significant complex disabilities. Contact ASAH to learn more about a full range of private school options and services, and about schools near you. Call 609-890- 1400 or visit: www.asah.org.