The Family Resource Group

What a lovely change in the weather. Hopefully, you and your child are enjoying the season and seeing success. There are some great opportunities coming ahead for this school year. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at any time. To be sure that you continue to receive all future updates, or information, directly to your email address, sign up on the Family Resource Group mailing list.

We also invite the teachers and therapists and school staff who work with your child to register to receive a copy as well. There is a question on the registration page for professionals so that we can contact them, as well. Please pass this on to everyone that supports your child.

Erin Campion

Family Resource Group (FRG) Editor

ecampion@pattan.net

The Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education is pleased to announce the following opportunity:

Local Task Force Listening Sessions

Dates/Times/Locations:

November 12, 2024, 10 AM – 12 PM (PaTTAN West)
November 13, 2024, 2 PM – 4 PM (PaTTAN East)
November 14, 2024, 2 PM – 4 PM (PaTTAN Central)
November 14, 2024 4:15 PM – 6:15 PM (Virtual)

Join Dr. Carole Clancy, Director of the Pennsylvania Bureau of Special Education, and Ms. Sherri Landis, Executive Director of The Arc of Pennsylvania to discuss the rejuvenation of Pennsylvania's Local Task Forces (LTFs). Listening tours will be held at the regional PaTTAN offices to learn of best practices as well as needs of local task force groups. The goal is to identify supports needed to build consistencies in LTF operations across the commonwealth. Be a part of the solution that ensures effective collaboration among families, schools, and agencies on behalf of students with disabilities.

he members of Big Ocean, a K-pop band that debuted in 2024, have something interesting in common. They’re all deaf or hard of hearing and wear hearing technology to access sound. Mixing listening, spoken language, singing, dancing, sign language, visuals and vibrating smartwatches to keep them in time, the trio was brought together by PARASTAR Entertainment, an agency working with artists who have disabilities in South Korea.

The band represents a mix of hearing losses and technologies. Park Hyunjin uses a hearing aid on his right ear and a cochlear implant on the left; Lee Chanyeon uses bilateral cochlear implants; and lead dancer Kim Jiseok accesses sound through his right ear with a hearing aid.

Park says, “We don’t want to focus on our disability. We just hope that Big Ocean can make everyone more familiar with people who are deaf.” Learn more at The World.

Camper Applications: For Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and Hard of Hearing students entering grades 11–12 in the fall of 2025.

Builder Applications: For past YLC campers or anyone who are 21+ who are very eager to help shape the next generation of Deaf youth leaders.

How to Apply:

Visit at NAD Youth for details on how to submit your application and key deadlines.

Transitioning from youth into adulthood can be very challenging, especially for students with disabilities. Members of the PaTTAN Youth Engagement Specialist (YES) team join PaTTANpod to discuss the importance of engaging students in transition planning, as well as resources and support available from the YES team.

Registration is officially open for the RIT/NTID Math Competition for deaf and hard-of-hearing middle school students. This is an opportunity for young math enthusiasts to compete, collaborate, and showcase their skills. The regional events lead up to the National Math Competition hosted at RIT/NTID April 4-6, 2025.
Here's a reminder of some important details:

• Regional Competition Registration: Each team must register for their designated regional competition. Don't wait! Learn more about the registration process below.
• Who Can Participate: The RIT/NTID Math Competition is open to all deaf and hard-of-hearing middle school students. Teams must consist of four eligible students and up to two coaches, and coaches must register their team.
• Prizes and Recognition: Participants will have the chance to win exciting prizes and gain recognition for their outstanding math skills. The top four teams from each region will be invited to the National Math Competition at RIT/NTID April 4-6, 2025.

• Registration for the Math Competition is open until November 15, 2024. However, we strongly encourage early registration as spots may fill up before the deadline.

If you have any questions or need further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to mathcompetition@rit.edu.

What? Family & Transition Age Youth Event
When? Saturday, Nov 9, 2024, at 8:30 AM
Where? UPMC Health Plan Neighborhood Center, Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA

You'll be able to take part in the following sessions:
Ask the Expert: "Why Do I Need to Know You?" to meet leading agency professionals.
Plan For The Future to learn about next steps to get set up for success.
The Bus Isn’t Coming! "Who’s Driving!?" to gain essential knowledge, tools, & resources to better understand transportation options.
Maximize Your Network: Vendor Walk to meet with vendors within Allegheny County to enhance your network.

Hi all,

I hope this email finds you well. I am reaching out with information on a few programs being offered by Integrate for Good (IFG). Integrate for Good empowers transition-age youth and adults with disabilities, the families and agencies that support them, school districts, nonprofit organizations and for-profit businesses to capitalize on the strengths and abilities of all people through social capital building, civic engagement and community connection.

They have recently launched a number of new programs from inclusive volunteer projects to hands-on leadership cohorts, and social events going on every day throughout the week. All of the programs are posted here. They are also currently waiving all fees to allow people to try our programs and experience our new space.

Please reach out to me with any questions.

Best,

Hayley Penn | Youth Engagement Specialist

Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN)

333 Technology Drive | Malvern, PA 19355

(610) 878 - 7221 (direct line) | (800) 441 ext. 7221

www.pattan.net

You're invited to participate in the upcoming virtual Family Leadership Institute, (FLI) offered at no cost to families. Participation is by application only; applications must be completed and submitted by January 6. If you are selected to participate, you will be notified by January 10.

Sessions for the Family Leadership Institute will take place on Wednesdays from 5:30-8:30 PM via Zoom beginning on January 15 and ending February 26. By applying to the FLI, you are committing to attending all virtual sessions.

MTSS & PBIS Advanced Implementation Forum

November 13-15, 2024 - Hershey Lodge & Convention Center

This three-day conference will focus on the seamless integration of Evidence-Based Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to enhance educational outcomes across all grade levels. The forum will emphasize advanced tier implementation strategies, ensuring that supports are effectively tailored to meet the diverse needs of students. Registration is now open

Pennsylvania Department of Education Conference,

Feb 5-7, 2025, Hershey Lodge & Convention Center

This annual statewide conference offers an opportunity to learn and engage with nationally recognized presenters, as well as colleagues from across the state, highlighting effective instructional strategies and interventions designed to make an educational difference for all students. Scholarship Opportunities for Families and Registration will be coming soon.