Family Resource Group-December '25

As the year comes to a close, we hope you enjoy some time away from school and moments with your family. Hopefully, you can reflect on the year's successes and progress with your child.

As always, if you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact me at any time. We also invite the teachers, therapists and school staff who work with your child to register to receive a copy of the newsletter as well. There is a question on the registration page for professionals so that we can contact them. Please pass this on to everyone that supports your child.

Erin Campion

Family Resource Group (FRG) Editor

ecampion@pattan.net

Scholarship Applications Due January 5, 2026

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The Pennsylvania Bureau of Special Education and PaTTAN are pleased to offer parent scholarships to Pennsylvania residents who have school-age children with a current IEP.

• There are a limited number of scholarships for Pennsylvania parents to attend the conference in person.
• ​There are an unlimited number of scholarships for Pennsylvania parents who plan to attend virtually.
• Parent scholarships cover the cost of the conference registration (in-person or virtual).
• ​For those approved to attend in-person who are *traveling 50 miles or more, scholarships may cover the cost of lodging.

Prior to completing this application, you will need to:

~ REGISTER FOR THE PDE CONFERENCE: Click Here to Register

• Please note: Our system now accepts online payments. However, payment is not required to register when applying for scholarship. Please select CHECK as your payment type and insert PARENT SCHOLARSHIP as the check number.

~ Use this link to MAKE YOUR HOTEL RESERVATION (*if you qualify)

~ APPLICATION DEADLINE: January 5, 2026, 4:00 p.m.

The Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Hearing Center has a website with information for "getting started" to understand the world of deafness. Feel free to use this tool so you can learn. You may also want to walk through the materials with your child so that they can start, and continue, to learn how to talk about their hearing, their equipment, and their needs.

FAMIILES TO THE MAX (F2MAX) Statewide Family Network is a dynamic group that is committed to leading change in Pennsylvania for children with diverse needs. This Network, directed by family leaders, has a mission of maximizing opportunities in the homes, classrooms, and communities of all children, so that each can reach their potential.

Learn more about F2MAX and come, join us! There is no obligation, cost, or expected time commitment—it is whatever you wish to gain by networking with other families and family support leaders to help you and your child in your family’s journey in the special education process and beyond.

F2MAX is now offering their winter/spring session of "foundational courses" for families and professionals. These courses cover the basics of what families and professionals know about students with disabilities. Their courses look at presuming competence (the abilities and high expectations of children with disabilities), access to the general education curriculum (their learning), communication, collaboration, and leading change. Classes are offered virtually and they meet monthly on a Wed at 12pm or a Thurs at 7 pm. They also offer Virtual Villages on the second Saturday of the month at 10 am to build networks, share resources, and connect supports across the state. Courses and Villages are offered in Spanish and in English. Registration is required. Jump in to some or all and start building your skills and outreach!

Spring is right around the corner, and summer will be here before you know it!
NTID Youth Programs have plenty of opportunities for deaf and hard-of-hearing middle and high school students to learn, compete, explore careers, and connect with new friends.

Check out their website to see opportunities in Math, Science, Transition, Tech, Film, and more!

Are you ready for an experience that could truly change your life? Then be part of LOFT in 2026 as we celebrate 30 years of empowering teens, building friendships, and creating unforgettable memories!

AG Bell’s LOFT 2026 program is now accepting applications! This unique program is designed specifically for high school students who are deaf or hard of hearing and use listening and spoken language. Join us in Washington, D.C., from July 28 to August 1, 2026, for an unforgettable adventure that builds confidence, leadership, and lifelong friendships.

AG Bell offers financial assistance to make LOFT accessible to as many teens as possible. Scholarships may help cover program fees and even travel expenses, based on financial need. Scholarship Application Deadline: March 2, 2026

If your child has both a vision and hearing loss, your family (parents/guardians, siblings and child with deafblindness) may be eligible to attend a weekend learning conference (at little or no cost).

Come experience sharing, caring, and learning together with staff from the Pennsylvania DeafBlind Project, PaTTAN, and other families living with deafblindness.

Please be watching for more details in the new year of 2026!