The Bureau of
Autism Services of the Pennsylvania Department of
Welfare is pleased to announce the availability of mini-grants of up to $500
each to support individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their
families that include an individual with ASD.
The focus of this project is to reach out and serve individuals and
families that are not able to access existing support systems for various
reasons, e.g. eligibility criteria, age, waiting lists, etc.
Priority will be given to individuals who did not receive this grant
from Bureau of Autism Services Mini-Grant in 2007. Total funding for these
mini-grants is limited and is on a first come, first served basis. Not
everyone who applies will be funded.
Grant funds may be used for respite/child care, summer camp,
recreational or community programs, conferences/workshops and safety
modifications. Please see the application for specific information.
The application is
available at the Bureau Website:
www.autisminpa.org.
Applications must be complete and postmarked by April
18, 2008 to be considered. Applications will only be accepted by mail.
A
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) list is also available on the website.
Telecommunications Device Distribution Program (TDDP)
The telecommunications Device Distribution Program (TDDP) provides eligible individuals who are unable to use standard phones with free adapted phones. Created through PA ACT 34-1995, the TDDP is implemented by Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT), a program of the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University, in conjunction with the PA Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) and the PA Public Utility Commission (PUC). For more details on eligibility and available equipment,, visit our website: http://www.disabilities.temple.edu/programs/assistive/tddp/
This fall, Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology is facilitating one-day trainings across the state of Pennsylvania. The registration form is available online as a PDF or Word document at http//www.disabilities.temple.edu/programs/assistive/tddp/training.htm
New
Giving Parents Options: This guidebook for teachers and local and state administrators provides strategies for informing parents about their educational options (school choice and supplemental educational services) under No Child Left Behind. http://www.ed.gov/admins/comm/choice/options/index.html
Highlights of the Proposed Chapter 14 Regulations
Early interventions services definition is more clearly defined in the proposed rulemaking. (14.101)
Instructional support team has been deleted in the proposed regulations. (14.101)
A definition of a school entity is included in the proposed rules. (14.101)
Intermediate units are considered the local education agency for children with disabilities enrolled in private schools by their parents. (14.103)
Sections of IDEA regulations 2006 are adopted by reference. This satisfies statutory requirements under the IDEA. (14.102)
Language has been added indicating that children with disabilities are to have access to the general curriculum, to participate in State and local assessments, and are to be educated with their non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate with supplementary aids and services in the least restrictive environment. (14.102)
Early intervention services, if offered, must be described in school district and intermediate unit special education plans. (14.104)
Placement of a student with a disability in a setting other than a regular education setting, because of lack of resources, facilities, staff or administrative convenience is prohibited. (14.104)
Qualifications of instructional paraprofessionals are outlined or identified. (14.105)
Educational interpreter qualifications are now established. (14.105)
New definitions for case management, supplemental services and replacement services are now established. (14.105)
A revised caseload chart is incorporated into the proposed rulemaking. (14.105)
The proposed regulations adopt the National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standards (MIMAS) as the standard utilized for instructional materials in alternative formats. (14.106)
Language regarding classroom visits provides that "parents shall have reasonable access to their child's classrooms, within the parameters of local educational agency policy." (14.108)
Each district shall establish a system of screening, which may include early intervening services. (14.122)
An additional requirement has been included, which states that the school entity shall provide an evaluation request form to the parent within five school days of the parent's oral request. (14.123)
An outline of the criteria for the determination of specific learning disabilities has been added to the regulations. (14.125)
New language has been added to the regulations which states "...the use of face down prone restraints is prohibited in educational programs, unless determined necessary by a physician and documented by the student's current IEP." (14.134)
Transition planning for students receiving special education services and programs is to begin at fourteen years of age or older. (14.134)
The proposed rulemaking states that a student receiving special educations services and programs may not be "determined to require separate education, because the child cannot achieve at the same level as classmates who do not have disabilities, if the child can, with supplementary aids and services, make progress in the goals outlined in the student's IEP." (14.145)
School entities are required to provide a full continuum of placement options. (14.145)
The time line governing evaluations and reevaluations for eligible young children has been clarified to mean 60 calendar days. (14.161)
Proposed language removes the pre-hearing conference as an option to resolve conflict. (14.161)
Language in the proposed regulations incorporates availability of the resolution session for parents. Parent advocates may attend sessions. (14.163)
The BSE Communicator
The Fall 2007 BSE Communicator newsletter, Volume 2, Number 1, is now posted on the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Bureau of Special Education web site. Here is a link to the newsletter; http://www.pde.state.pa.us/special_edu/lib/special_edu/BSE_CommunicatorSept07.pdf
Changes at Education Law Center
The ELC will no longer be able to offer "Help Line" services to families of children with disabilities. Our founder, the Disability Rights Network of PA (formerly PA Protection & Advocacy), has decided to offer telephone consultation services itself rather than contracting with us to provide them. Families with special-education and early-intervention questions can seek help from DRN starting in July, by calling (800) 692-7443 or (717) 236-8110.
While our disabilities "Help Line" will be no longer be operating, our reform work on behalf of children with disabilities will continue. Click here to read about our activities. We'll also continue to offer manuals and fact sheets. For a letter explaining more about these changes, click here.
New Disability Rights Network Brings Together Legal Advocacy and Policy
Pennsylvania Protection and Advocacy, Inc. (PP&A) and the Disabilities Law Project (DLP) have merged to form the Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania (DRN). DRN will provide services through a more focused and efficient organizational structure featuring a single board of directors and a combined staff of more than 50 persons working from offices in Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and Pittsburgh. DRN will also continue to offer all of the legal and advocacy services PP&A and DLP have provided to persons with disabilities for many years, including advice and technical assistance via a toll-free phone number; individual, systemic, and policy advocacy; systemic-impact litigation and other legal services.
For additional information, please contact Ilene Shane, Chief Executive Officer, at 800-692-7443 x302 or Mark Murphy, Legal Director, at 215-238-8070 x209.
Now available "The Parents' Yellow Pages"
This publication is a useful resource that lists available agencies, services, and support for families in Western Pennsylvania. Included are local, state, regional, and national listings. To receive a copy of "The Parents' Yellow Pages", please call (in PA) 1-888-447-1431.