The Family Resource Group
Enjoy your summer!
It is exciting that summer has arrived and we look forward to a new schedule while we take a break. Enjoy the time with your child and family. We are thinking ahead to fall and the start of school.
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.
Erin Campion
Family Resource Group Editor
New IEP Website from Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center at Gallaudet for Parent Advocacy
Families of deaf and hard of hearing children attend meetings—Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, 504 meetings, and other types of meetings. What are these meetings about? How can you be the best advocate for your child? The Parent Advocacy helps you to understand your child’s rights and to prepare you to work with the school in the best interest of your child.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education is pleased to announce the following opportunity:
PaTTAN Technology Adventure For Students with Vision & Hearing Needs
Dates/Locations:
PaTTAN West: September 25, 2024
PaTTAN East: October 22, 2024
PaTTAN Central: October 23, 2024
Time: 9:00AM - 3:45pm
Join us for the PaTTAN Technology Adventure for Students with Vision & Hearing Needs -- connecting students, families, education professionals and assistive technology (AT) representatives at your local PaTTAN office. No need to travel!
Are you wondering how to find and pay for assistive technology before and after graduation? Come explore new technology and chat with vendors, learn about new trends, and ask any questions you may have. Try out the latest assistive technology and find what works best for each student.
Join our "Q&A" sessions to get the answers to your questions about assistive technology and secondary transition; participate in round table discussions with local transition professionals so you can learn about the supports available for students after graduation, including assistive technology. Don't miss this chance to embark on this adventure, grow your skills, learn, and explore together right in your own community. See you there!
Payment: There is no cost for this course.
Registration Information:
You may register online by clicking on the name of the event on the Training Events Calendar at: https://www.pattan.net/events/
For questions regarding registration or accommodations, please contact, Paula Quinn at pquinn@pattan.net
The Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education is pleased to announce the following online course opportunity:
The Essentials of IEP Writing Online Course
August 12, 2024 – September 23, 2024
November 4, 2024 – December 16, 2024
January 20, 2025 – March 3, 2025
This PaTTAN-developed self-paced online course provides instruction on writing an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Through the use of videos, audio PowerPoints and PaTTAN publications, participants will complete modules on common terminology, leading IEP team meetings, and sections I-VIII of the IEP.
Target Audience:
Special Education Teachers, Administrators, General Education Teachers, Parents
Registration:
All participants should register for this PaTTAN-sponsored event by visiting our website at: https://www.pattan.net/events/
You will receive directions regarding how to access The Essential of IEP Writing a few days before the course is scheduled to begin.
Participants must complete all twelve modules and complete the quiz in order to receive Act 48 Professional Education hours.
There is no cost for this course.
For questions about registration, contact:
Karen Weaver, PaTTAN Pittsburgh, 412-826-6842, kweaver@pattanpgh.net
For questions regarding content, contact:
Cecil Crouch, PaTTAN Pittsburgh, 412-826-6866, ccrouch@pattanpgh.net
Publication from PaTTAN
Is your child eligible for Extended School Year (ESY) services or are you wondering what to ask your child's IEP team about ESY? The "Extended School Years Services in Pennsylvania" guide contains several documents that can provide direction, answer questions, and guide families and school teams in making determinations about ESY services.
Additional ESY information
"Extended School Year (ESY) services must be considered for every child on an IEP, every year. If you are worried that your child may regress in IEP and academic skill development over the summer, this article is for you.
PEAL: Family Leadership Institute
Mondays starting September 9 through October 28
You're invited to participate in the Family Leadership Institute (FLI), offered at no cost to families, at the UPMC Neighborhood Center in Pittsburgh.
Sessions for the Family Leadership Institute will take place on Mondays beginning September 9 (excluding October 14) and ending on October 28 from 4:30-7:30 PM. Dinner is included.
Why should you attend the FLI?
To increase knowledge and understanding of educational systems and services
To learn new communication, leadership, and advocacy skills for working with your child's school team
To become part of a network of families and professionals that share a common focus