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Resources for Parents of students with special needs

This resource guide provides information and connections to various agencies and organizations that support parents of students with special needs. It includes statewide resources, savings programs, advocacy organizations, and county-specific services.

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Resources for Parents of students with special needs

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  1. Resources for Parents of students with special needs Jeffrey D. Pelly, M.Ed.Educational Consultant(570) 323-8561 x1007 jpelly@iu17.org

  2. Today’s Objectives • To educate parents about the various resources available outside of the School District walls • To connect parents with various agencies that can support their child once they become eligible for Transition services at age 14 • To answer any and all questions parents may have regarding support they or their child may need

  3. Statewide Resources

  4. Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN) • PaTTANsupports the efforts and initiatives of the Bureau of Special Education, and to build the capacity of local educational agencies to serve students who receive special education services • Visit pattan.net -> Educational Initiatives -> Parent Information

  5. Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN) • Once on the Parent site, click PaTTAN Publications for Parents on the right hand side

  6. Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN) • Clicking the link will bring up various resources you can download and print

  7. Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN) • Various trainings and conferences are also available throughout the year, many are free to parents • PaTTAN operates 3 offices: Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, and Malvern (just outside of Philadelphia) • Click Training -> Calendar to search for opportunities

  8. PA ABLE • Savings Program for Disability-Related Expenses • A PA ABLE account gives individuals with qualified disabilities (Eligible Individuals), and their families and friends, a tax-free way to save for disability-related expenses, while maintaining government benefits. Federal and state law authorized the creation of PA ABLE accounts. • Visit paable.gov

  9. PA ABLE

  10. The Arc of Pennsylvania • Started 68 years ago by parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities who fought against society’s expectation that their children be sent to state institutions. • Part of The Arc of the United States, the largest nationwide advocacy organization for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

  11. The Arc of Pennsylvania • The Arc provides training opportunities for parents as well as advocacy • The School Age resource “Include Me” contains resources districts and families can utilize to promote inclusive practices • The Transition Age resource “ADEPT” leads to the “Discovery” assessment to help build a customized plan for employment • Visit thearcpa.org for more

  12. Special Kids Network (SKN) • SKN, in partnership with the PA ELKS Home Service Program, helps children and youth with special health care needs by connecting families with outside agency supports • Provides information on health care resources, advocacy, assistive technologies and more. • Supports families in overcoming challenges to ensure children and youth have access to services, education and employment.

  13. Special Kids Network (SKN) • Information about accessible and inclusive recreation and leisure activities for children and adults. • Information to help you and your community identify service gaps and address the unique challenges of your local service system. • Visit gotoskn.state.pa.us or call (800) 986-4550 for more

  14. County Resources

  15. Lycoming-Clinton Joinder Program • Typically referred to as “MH/ID” services • Mental Health Services • Available for children / adolescents with or “at risk” of developing a serious emotional disturbance • If eligible, a Supports Coordinator will be assigned • Services may include: Family Based Mental Health, Behavioral Health Rehabilitation, Behavioral Specialist Consultant, Mobile Therapy, Therapeutic Staff Support

  16. Lycoming-Clinton Joinder Program • Intellectual Disability Services • Available for children / adolescents with an Intellectual Disability • If eligible, a Supports Coordinator will be assigned • Services can help most people with Intellectual Disabilities live and work in the community • If eligible, Waiver Funding is possible as well, best to be placed on a “wait list” so funding will be available once school age services have concluded

  17. Lycoming-Clinton Joinder Program • Contact Information: • Sharewell Building 200 East Street Williamsport, PA 17701 (570) 748-2262 • Visit joinder.org for more • Services are also extended to Individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as well • Most supports are provided at no cost to the individual and family

  18. Waiver Programs • Waivers are available to individuals receiving County ID services • Waivers are also available to individual with an Autism Spectrum Diagnosis • Waivers provide funding for individuals to live more independently in their homes and communities and to provide a variety of services that promote community living, including self-directed service models and traditional, agency-based service models.

  19. Waiver Programs • Consolidated Waiver • Person / Family Directed Support Waiver • Community Living Waiver • Adult Autism Waiver (AAW)

  20. Waiver Programs • Waiver funding is based on priority, families are encouraged to contact their County MH/ID office to inquire about eligibility and to be placed on a “wait list” so funding will be available for the future

  21. Superstars Program • Hosted at the Eastern Lycoming Branch YMCA in Muncy • Designed to support children with special needs • Program Director has a child with special needs • Uses the “Drums Alive” curriculum • Free of charge • Visit rvrymca.org for more

  22. Local Parent Task Force • BLaST IU17 is looking to reactivate its Local Parent Task Force • The primary purpose of the Task Force is to ensure that the intent and spirit of the Right to Education Consent Agreement is carried out throughout the Commonwealth or Pennsylvania • We hope to be able to contribute insightful recommendations that will improve, strengthen and help expand services for students with special needs.

  23. Local Parent Task Force • We hope to provide resources, referrals, information and networking for and between our members and the community.  • If you are interested, please share your contact information on the Local Parent Task Force sign up sheet or email Jeff Pelly at jpelly@iu17.org

  24. Transition Resources

  25. Secondary Transition • Secondary Transition begins at age 14 or earlier if the IEP team determines the need • The focus of Transition is on three areas: • Education and Training • Employment • Independent Living

  26. Pennsylvania Secondary Transition Website • secondarytransition.org • This website, which is continually updated, provides youth, young adults, parents, and professionals with Secondary Transition resources to facilitate a young person’s progress towards post-secondary goals related to education, employment, and community living.

  27. PA Planning for the Future Checklist • The Planning for the Future Checklist is designed to support youth with disabilities, as well as their family and IEP team members, to ensure they are reviewing all aspects of transition planning at age appropriate intervals. • A paper checklist is available at the PaTTAN website

  28. PA Planning for the Future Checklist

  29. PA Planning for the Future Checklist • An app version is available on the Apple and Android app stores, just search “PA Planning for the Future”

  30. Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) • The mission of OVR is to assist individuals with disabilities to secure and maintain employment as well as independence • WIOA - The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act • Passed in July 2014, Reauthorized the Rehabilitation Act until 2020 • Increased Services to Youth with Disabilities • Allows students to access Pre Employment Transition Services (PETS)

  31. The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation • 5 Required PETS Activities Include: • Job Exploration Counseling • Facilitate Work Based Learning Experiences • Counseling on opportunities for enrollment in comprehensive transition or post secondary educations programs • Workplace Readiness Training • Instruction in Self Advocacy, which may include peer mentoring and independent living skills

  32. The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation • The process begins with a referral by anyone to OVR • Students can also visit jobgateway.pa.gov to complete a pre-application • OVR should be in contact within 15 days of the pre-application • Once a student is deemed eligible and a case is open, services can begin • In addition to work services, OVR can also provide support to students going on to College

  33. PA CareerLink • CareerLink offers support with job searches, resume building, securing “soft skills,” and more • Contact info: PA CareerLink 329 Pine Street Williamsport, PA 17701 jobgateway.pa.gov

  34. Center for Independent Living (CIL) • The CIL’s mission is to empower people with all disabilities by providing resources, options, and services to obtain individual freedom in their lives • Services include Peer Counseling, Advocacy, Life Skills Training, ADA outreach, and Transition • Contact Info: 24 East 3rd St. Williamsport, PA 17701

  35. Support and Questions? • Jeffrey D. Pelly, M.Ed.Educational Consultant(570) 323-8561 x1007 jpelly@iu17.org

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