Parent Education Network

Mental Illness Workshop (2013)

The Temple University Collaborative on Community Inclusion is partnering with Child and Family Connections to hold a free workshop titled Parenting with a Mental Illness. This Philadelphia workshop will span eight weeks and will "[teach] parents how to talk to their children about their mental illness with the goals of fostering trust and communication and promoting childhood resiliency." The first session begins on Tuesday, June 25, 2013, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, at Temple University’s Center City campus.

For more information, download the flyer for the Workshop (PDF) or visit the Child and Family Connections website. Interested parents who can attend the full eight weeks should contact Justin Benner at Enable JavaScript to show e-mails. (or 215-595-4661) to preregister.

COLSD Online Learning Survey

If you are a parent of a child with disabilities, and your child receives online education, the Center on Online Learning and Students with Disabilities (COLSD) is interested in hearing from you. COLSD is conducting a survey to "gain a better understanding of how to support students with disabilities in online learning environments." Parents of children with disabilities who are formally receiving online education are encouraged by COLSD to participate.

The online survey for Pennsylvania parents is available in both English and Spanish (en Español) and will be accepting responses until about August 30, 2013. For more information, contact Dr. Paula Burdette at 703-519-1504 or Enable JavaScript to show e-mails. , or send a message to Seth Williams at Enable JavaScript to show e-mails. .

Rights Advocacy Training 2013

On June 26, 2013, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM, the Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania (DRN) is hosting a training called "Advocating the Rights of People with Disabilities." According to the flyer, this event is intended for individuals with intellectual disabilities, their families and anyone else who is interested in the topic. Located in Scranton, PA, the address of the training is Scranton State Office Building, Room B3, 100 Lackawanna Ave., Scranton, PA 18503.

For more information, check out the rights advocacy flyer (PDF) or the flyer as a Word document. If interested, you are requested to contact DRN by June 20, 2013 at 1-800-692-7443, extension 307, or TDD: 1-877-375-7139. You can also respond by e-mailing Enable JavaScript to show e-mails. and including the date of the training, your name and contact information. Also let DRN know if you need any accommodations, such as a sign language interpreter.

Youth Employment Services Application

The Crispus Attucks Center for Employment and Training offers a program for York County youth called Youth Employment Services (YES). YES provides qualifying young people the opportunity to finish their high school education and develop employment skills. The program is intended for youth ages 17 to 22.

For more information, visit the Center's website, download the Youth Employment Services application (PDF) or contact the Center.

2013 PA Transition Conference

This year, the PA Community on Transition Conference - Don't Stop Thinking About Tomorrow will take place from July 24, 2013 to July 26, 2013 at the Penn Stater Conference Center and Hotel. According to the conference flyer, "The primary purpose of this conference is to expand the capacity of local education agencies and communities, in partnership with youth, young adults and families, in promoting the successful transition of youth/young adults with disabilities to post-school outcomes of employment, post-secondary education and training, community participation, and healthy lifestyles. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about effective practices to assist youth/young adults with disabilities to explore possibilities, take advantage of their opportunities, and actively advocate for their future."

The cost of registration is $125, and eligible family members of transition-age individuals with disabilities can apply before June 15, 2013 for a scholarship to attend (PDF). This conference also offers Act 48, Act 58 and CRCC credit hours.

For more details, including a listing of the approximately 100 breakout sessions to choose from, read the flyer for the transition conference (PDF). Visit PaTTAN's website to register for the transition conference before July 15, 2013.

Surveys for Exiting Students with IEPs

Are you, or someone you know, a student with an IEP who is graduating or has exited high school 1 year ago? If so, you may be receiving a survey in the future from your school district. School districts in Pennsylvania are required to survey all student leavers (graduates, drop-outs and students who age out) who have an IEP.

These surveys give students the chance to provide feedback about their schooling experience and their activities after high school. This feedback is kept confidential and is used to help improve the education of students with disabilities. As PACER suggests: Be a Superstar—Take the Survey (video), or Sé una Super-Estrella—Toma la Encuesta (video en Español).

Read the document about the student surveys (PDF) for more information.

Scholarship for Philadelphia Students with Disabilities

For individuals with disabilities who reside in Philadelphia, the Mayor's Commission on People with Disabilities is providing a scholarship opportunity. According to the application, "students attending (or planning to attend) an undergraduate, graduate, technical, or vocational program will be considered for the scholarships."

For the full details and requirements, download the Oliver H. M. Jordan Scholarship Application (Word Document). Applications must be received by September 20, 2013.

NCDB and NFADB Webinars 2013

For families, the National Consortium on Deaf-Blindness (NCDB) and National Family Association for Deaf-Blind (NFADB) have been holding a webinar series. According to an e-mail, there is one remaining webinar planned as part of the series:

• Improve Transition Outcomes for Your Children: Learn About Customized Employment - August 2013

Registration is not required to attend. For more information, contact the NCDB or contact the NFADB. One of the prior webinars in the series has been archived: Using Social Media to Increase Family Leadership.

Spring 2013 PEN Newsletter Released

Spring 2013 PENews

The Spring 2013 edition of PENews, the Parent Education Network (PEN) newsletter, has been released. This newsletter features an article about services for children who are eligible for special education under the "Emotional Disturbance" category of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It also mentions some recent news, including changes to the amount of parental consent needed for agencies accessing a child's insurance or public benefits. Further, the newsletter covers a few resources for parents and individuals with several disabilities, such as deaf-blindness and eating disorders.

To learn more, check out the Spring 2013 Newsletter (PDF). There is also a Spanish (en Español) translation of PENews (PDF).

Sports Jamboree in June 2013

Like the previous Sports Jamboree in 2012, the 2013 Sports Jamboree provides a weekend of events for participants who use wheelchairs or have visual impairments. The events are scheduled from Friday to Sunday, June 21 to 23, 2013.

For more information, see the page on the 2013 Sports Jamboree.

About Us

PEN is part of a national system of Parent Training and Information Centers (PTIs), serving South Central, Northeast, Southeast and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We are a non-profit funded by the US Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs and the Pennsylvania Department of Education. 2009 marked our 25 year anniversary of service to parents of children with disabilities. PEN is a coalition of professionals and parents of children representing a range of disabilities and ages. We are committed to serving parents of all special needs children birth to adulthood; including parents of children in general education classes, educational/residential placement, adult systems and those children not yet identified as needing service.

PEN provides technical assistance, information, skill development trainings, workshops and referral services to parents to help children reach their full potential in educational, vocational and community settings. Much of the information included in this site is designed to support Pennsylvania parents of children with special needs, but information and links are included on Federal Special Education, National Disability Issues and Resources and Special Education Legal links that will also pertain to parents and individuals with disabilities in other states. We hope you find the following information helpful.

Since our primary objective is to support parents, please feel free to call us for further information or assistance. Parents within Pennsylvania may reach us at our toll free number, 1-800-522-5827 or 1-800-441-5028 (Español). Thank you for visiting.