Family Resource Group-September '25

Hopefully you had a wonderful summer and are excited and ready to start another school year! We hope some of the information in this newsletter can make things easier and smoother for you and your child as you get back to the school routine.

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

The Education Law Center-PA (ELC-PA) has updated their annual “Back to School Guide” with new publications and information on many education topics to help students, families, and child-serving professionals. They look at students with disabilities, attendance, behavior, etc.

As the school year begins, students and families face a mix of excitement, pressure, and uncertainty. Whether you’re a young person navigating new challenges or a caregiver looking to support your child’s emotional well-being, Mental Health America is here to help with practical guidance, free tools, and resources for every step of the journey.

PEAL offers an online, self paced walk through of the IEP. If you are a parent of a child with an Individualized Education Program (IEP), it's a good idea to have a copy of your child's current IEP handy when taking this course. This will help you relate the course content to your own "real world" example.

Accommodations to Consider for Students with Hearing Loss, Necessary Supports Worksheet, and Supporting Students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing: Recommended Practices in a General Education Setting. Plus, their Parent Power (half) Hours are Back! Register for the next session happening on Wednesday, September 17, 12pm EST.

Join us for the second annual Technology Adventure for Students with Hearing & Vision Needs -- connecting students, families, educators, assistive technology (AT) representatives, and community agencies in your region!

Explore new technology, chat with vendors, find helpful resources, and ask any questions you may have. Participate in sessions with the Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services and the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation to learn more about the supports available for students before and after graduation, including assistive technology services.

Don't miss this chance to embark on this adventure, grow your skills, learn, and explore together right in your community. Register by choosing your desired location below or through the PaTTAN training calendar See you there!

Locations:

• Western Region Event October 13th; 8:45 am- 3:45 pm
• Eastern Region Event November 18th; 8:45 am- 3:45 pm
• Central Region Event November 20th; 8:45 am- 3:45 pm

Shared by Olivia Grugan of the World Language Institute at Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8:

Deaf and Hard of Hearing students are often “excused” (excluded?) from World Language classes. We know that they can learn multiple languages, just like any other child. Supported by a PaTTAN grant, the World of Learning Institute offers ASL 1-4 courses to high school students across the state. These courses are delivered virtually, during and after the school day, and can be awarded a full high school credit. Deaf/HH students receive a 100% tuition discount.

Please reach out to Olivia Grugan (ogrugan@iu08.org) for more information.

Call for #StudentVendors! Do you know students who make & sell their own products?

We’re highlighting mini-businesses established by students in the #secondarytransition process at the 2026 PDE Conference at Hershey Conference Center, Feb 25-27, 2025.

• Applications due Friday, 1/9/26
• Contact the PDE Exhibit Hall team to apply at pdeconferenceexhibitors@pattankop.net

Apply now and join us in #MakingADifferenceinPA! http://tinyurl.com/PAEdConf