 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
Section 5
Provides information on educational rights and services for children with medical and developmental needs. Highlights the “Special Education” process, emphasizing the importance of a child’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) and what the IEP should include. Directs parents and guardians to agencies and advocates that can help answer their questions and concerns, and provides lists of providers of public and private education for children from preschool to adulthood. Also looks at the “Transition” process as a student prepares for adult life.
The First Step
Educational Rights: Families and the Law
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Chapter 14 of the Pennsylvania School Code
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Chapter 15 of the Pennsylvania School Code
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The Special Education Process
The Individualized Education Program (IEP)
IEP Checklist
Public Special Education for Preschool Children
Head Start Programs in Allegheny County
Where To Find Help with Educational Issues—Index
Where to Find Public and Private Schools (Preschool-21 years)—Index
School Districts in Allegheny County
Approved Private Schools (APS) for Special Education
Transition to Adulthood
Preparing for Life Beyond High School
Allegheny County/City of Pittsburgh Transition Coordinating Council
National Providers of Information on Transition
The First Step
Children with developmental delays, disabilities and/or special health care needs who are enrolled in public schools may qualify for special education services. Federal and state laws require that children with disabilities receive a free and appropriate education. Even if your child does not qualify for formal special education, he or she may be eligible for services, accommodations, and modifications that ensure full participation in a regular education program.
In planning your child’s education, the first step is to call your local school district or intermediate unit (regional educational service agencies connected to each school district).
Pittsburgh-Mt. Oliver Intermediate Unit 2 (IU 2)....................................................................................... 412-323-3950
Pittsburgh Public Schools; Program for Students with Exceptionalities.............................................. 412-323-3950
Serves children living in the City of Pittsburgh and Mount Oliver
Allegheny Intermediate Unit 3 (IU 3)......................................................................................................... 412-394-5700
Serves children in Allegheny County outside of the city of Pittsburgh
Educational Rights: Families and the Law "Educational Rights\: Families and the Law"
By Judith C. Braggin, Director of the Jewish Care Coordination Program,
Jewish Family and Children’s Services
Top of Page
Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA)
If your child has a disability and is in need of specially designed instruction, certain legal rights protect you and your child (ages birth-21 years) within the public school system. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA), a federal law, outlines these rights. IDEA specifies how school districts are to:
● Identify and evaluate children suspected of having special education needs, using a Multi-Disciplinary
Team (MDT) evaluation. Parents/caregivers are a part of this team.
● Work with families to develop an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), which may include related services
such as speech and physical therapies.
● Ensure that preschool programs (Early Intervention) and school-age programs are available for children
with disabilities.
Top of Page
Chapter 14 of the Pennsylvania School Code
Chapter 14 of the Pennsylvania School Code also protects the rights of children with disabilities. Chapter 14 details the state’s regulations implementing the IDEA and assures that the state will follow all the IDEIA requirements. Included in IDEIA is the guarantee that changes cannot be made to your child’s educational program without your permission. A system called Procedural Safeguards exists to protect your child if there is disagreement about services.
Top of Page
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Chapter 15 of the Pennsylvania School Code
These laws guarantee that students with special needs in public schools receive the reasonable support services necessary to help them succeed in school.
Some children have physical or mental conditions that substantially limit major life activities yet do not qualify them for formal special education (e.g., some children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder [ADHD], asthma, or diabetes). Under Section 504 of the (federal) Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Chapter 15 of the Pennsylvania School Code, such children are considered protected handicapped students and are entitled to services, accommodations, and modifications that help them participate fully in regular education programs.
School districts are required to make sure that all children have equal access to school programs and activities, including extra-curricular clubs and programs, assemblies, lunchrooms, and field trips. Chapter 15 of the Pennsylvania School Code provides for reasonable accommodations that your child may need to participate in the educational process. These accommodations could include classroom adaptations (e.g., allowing more time to take a test), or more extensive provisions (e.g., physical therapy).
To obtain these services, you must write to your school district explaining the type of assistance needed. Include relevant evaluations and recommendations from specialists. The school district must respond within 25 working days. If the school district agrees that your child needs the services requested, a written Service Agreement will be drawn up by the parent/guardian and the school district.
Top of Page
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), passed in 1990, provides rights for citizens with disabilities. The act requires public places and commercial facilities (including schools) to be physically accessible. It prohibits discrimination in employment or in services provided by state and local governments, including public education. ADA guarantees that students with disabilities enjoy access to the full range of program options available to students without disabilities.
The Special Education Process "The Special Education Process"
● A request is made for the evaluation of the child.
● The Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) does an Evaluation Report (ER). Parents/guardians are members of the team.
● The Individualized Educational Program (IEP) is created by a team consisting of parents/guardians,
teachers, and school officials.
● Notice of Recommended Educational Placement (NOREP) is done. Special education typically is provided in the same class or school that general education students attend, unless the team decides that the child
requires a different setting.
● If parents/guardians disagree with the IEP or NOREP, a hearing can be requested.
Top of Page
The Individualized Education Program (IEP)
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a written plan for the education of a child who has a disability. The IEP describes the special help the student will receive in school. The IEP must be based on the individual student’s needs. Because each child is different, each child’s IEP is unique.
Who Writes the IEP?
The IEP is written by a team of people. The Team must include at least the student’s parent/s or guardian/s, a general education teacher, a special education teacher, and a school official who knows the special education system and has the ability to allocate funds. The law requires that the IEP be written at a meeting of the Team - and not by school officials on their own. The Team must meet at least once a year to revise the IEP.
What Type of Program Should My Child Receive?
Your child is entitled to a special education program that helps him or her make meaningful progress in school. For example, if your child has trouble reading, the IEP must describe how teachers and others will help your child learn to read, including the types of teaching methods that will be used. If your child has emotional or behavioral difficulties, the IEP must describe how school officials will help your child learn better social skills and how the staff should deal with any behavior problems that come up by using a behavior plan that the team has written.
What If I Don’t Agree with the IEP or Think It is Not Working Well?
Parents have the right to disagree with the IEP in effect or one proposed by the school district. For example, you may think your child is not making progress in his or her current program, or that additional or different services are needed. You have the right to an impartial hearing or other dispute resolution paths if you and school officials cannot agree on the IEP your child needs.
Top of Page
IEP Checklist
Each student’s IEP must contain the following information:
● Current Academic and Functional Education Levels
What are the student’s levels in academics, and social and living skills?
● Measurable Annual Goals
● Annual Goals and Short-Term Objectives
What do we want the student to learn this year, how will this be measured, and what are the steps towards
those goals?
● Specific Special Education to be Provided
What special methods will be used to help your child learn?
● Location, Duration and Frequency of Related Services
If your child needs a related service - such as transportation or therapy (physical, occupational, speech,
etc.) - what type of service is needed? How often will it be provided? For how much time each session?
● Date Services Begin and End
Will all services begin immediately? Will all continue through the school year?
● How to Determine if You Child is Making Progress
How will we know if the program is working? The method used must be objective. When will the parent
receive progress reports?
● Exit Criteria
At what point will your child no longer be eligible for special education services?
● Programs and Activities with General Education Students
During how much of the school day will your child be with students in
regular education?
● Modifications Needed to Regulate General Education Classes
Are changes to the program needed to help your child participate in classes? More time to take tests? A
special teacher or aide to help?
● Type of Special Education Program
There are several types of support categories: learning, emotional, life skills, sensory, autism, vision,
deaf/heard of hearing, gifted support, etc.
● Amount of Special Education
Does your child need special education for only some of the day? All day?
● Type of Placement
Is there any reason the IEP cannot be implemented in the neighborhood school? The law requires that your
child receive services in the class and school he or she would attend if not in special education, unless the
IEP team decides that your child's needs (not the needs of school officials) require a different setting.
● Signatures of the IEP Team Members
Those who attend the IEP Team meeting sign the IEP.
If needed by your child, his or her IEP also must describe:
● Positive Behavior Supports
If your child has emotional or behavioral problems in school, how will they be handled?
● Assistive Devices
Does your child need special equipment?
● Vocational Program
If your child is older, is vocational training needed?
● Graduation Planning
If your child is near the age of graduation, is he or she on track to meet all graduation requirements?
● Extended School Year (ESY)
If you child loses skills during summer break and has a hard time catching up in the fall, a summer
program may be needed (see box at left).
● Adaptive Physical Education
Are special gym accommodations needed?
● Transition
What skills will your child need for adult living? Are the needed skills being taught? Are services from
other agencies needed?
● Health Concerns
Does your child have any medical or health problems that require special attention?
Top of Page
Public Special Education for Preschool Children
Children ages 3-5 years who have disabilities or developmental delays are entitled to free special education services under federal and state law. (Children ages birth-2 years also are eligible, but must apply through the Department of Public Welfare. Click here for more information.) To apply for services for a child age 3 to 5, contact:
Pittsburgh Public Schools Early Intervention Program.......................................................................... 412-323-3960
Allegheny Intermediate Unit 3 (IU 3), DART Program............................................................................ 412-394-5736
Serves children living in Allegheny County outside of the city of Pittsburgh
Top of Page
Head Start Programs in Allegheny County
The federally funded Head Start Program provides free readiness preschool to children - both with and without disabilities - from income-eligible families:
Allegheny Intermediate Unit 3 (IU 3) Head Start.......................................................... 412-394-5865 or www.ltf3.org
Serves Allegheny County residents outside of the City of Pittsburgh
Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center (COTRAIC) Head Start Program......................... 412-488-2750
Serves South Side and various Northeast Community Residents
Pittsburgh-Mt. Oliver Intermediate Unit 2 (IU 2)....................................................................................... 412-325-4291
Serves City of Pittsburgh and Mount Oliver
Top of Page
Where To Find Help with Educational Issues - Index
If you are seeking information on educational rights or need guidance on a specific education issue, the following local organizations may be able to help you:
Advisory Board on Autism and Related Disorders (ABOARD)............................................................. 412-781-4116
................................................................................................................................................................... 800-827-9385
Allegheny County Bar Association Referral Service
Allegheny County Local Task Force on the Right to Education........................................................... 412-394-5930
State-mandated advocacy group of parents, educators, and agency representatives for the 42 school
districts in the Allegheny Intermediate Unit 3 (IU 3). Shares information and monitors special education
programs. Parents have a majority membership.
Allegheny Intermediate Unit 3 (IU 3) DART program............................................................................. 412-394-5736
Serves children living in Allegheny County outside of the City of Pittsburgh
Allegheny County Department of Human Services, Office of Behavioral Health Children’s Team
................................................................................................................................................................... 412-350-5746
The ARC of Greater Pittsburgh (a component of ACHIEVA, serving Allegheny and Beaver counties)
................................................................................................................................................................... 412-995-5000
Autism Society of Pittsburgh....................................................................................................................... 724-856-7223
Provides a variety of assistance related to the education of children with autism.
Autism Support and Advocacy in Pennsylvania (ASAP)....................................................................... 610-688-8894
Children with Attention Deficit Disorders (CHADD)
Provides information and advocacy on education issues.
Pittsburgh Local Task Force on the Right to Education......................................................................... 412-323-3996
State-mandated advocacy group of parents, educators, and agency representatives for the Pittsburgh-
Mt. Oliver Intermediate Unit 2 (IU 2).
CONNECT Information Service................................................................................................................. 800-692-7288
Pennsylvania-based agency that provides information on Early Intervention support and services.
The Disability Rights Network PA............................................................................................................. 412-391-5225
Includes two agencies: Education Law Center-PA (provides information and legal consultation on public
education issues), and Pennsylvania Protection and Advocacy (provides information, referral and
technical assistance on programs and services, alternative options, and advocacy strategies).
Interagency Coordinating Council
Federal- and state-mandated group of parents, professionals and community members that provides
feedback on public Early Intervention services for children ages birth-5 years with special needs.
Alliance for Infants and Toddlers/Family Advisor………………………........................……………412-885-6000
Pittsburgh/Allegheny County Local Interagency Coordinating Council (LICC)............................. 412-323-3960
Learning Disabilities Association (LDA) of Pennsylvania
(Pittsburgh Chapter)................................................................................................................................ 412-341-1515
Provides education advocates and a variety of training related to diagnosing and addressing learning
disabilities.
Mental Health America - Allegheny County............................................................................................. 412-391-3820
Provides programs and services that support the health of mind and body and work to eliminate the stigma
of mental illness and addiction for all. Education Advocacy Program works with families and public schools
to ensure that children diagnosed with emotional/behavioral disorders and/or mental illness receive
appropriate educational placement and services.
Parent Education and Advocacy Leadership (PEAL) Center............................................................... 412-281-4404
An organization of parents of children with special healthcare needs and disabilities that assists other
parents and professionals. Provides information and training on education in Central and Western
Pennsylvania, and on healthcare needs and support services statewide.
Parent Education Network (PEN).............................................................................................................. 800-522-5827
Coalition of parents providing information on state and federal laws covering special education.
Conducts workshops and publishes a newsletter. PEN’s Parent Network Project is a state-wide network
of parents who directly assist parents who need help with educational issues.
Pennsylvania Resources and Information Center for Special Education (PRISE)............................ 800-441-3215
Statewide information service conducts literature searches regarding children with special needs.
Pittsburgh Board of Education, Program for Students with Exceptionalities...................................... 412-323-3950
(Serves children living in the City of Pittsburgh and Mount Oliver)
Special Education ConsultLine................................................................................................................. 800-879-2301
A service of the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education, Division of
Compliance.
Office of Dispute Resolution (ODR) .............................................................................................................www.odr.org
Provides parents of gifted children and children with disabilities(and the educational agencies that serve
them) opportunities to resolve educational disputes through a telephone consult line, IEP facilitation,
mediation and due process.
Spina Bifida Association of Western Pennsylvania................................................................................ 800-243-5787
Provides a variety of education-related services regarding children with spina bifida................. 724-394-9600
Mental Health America-Allegheny County............................................................................................... 412-391-3820
Provides information about education rights and entitlements, assists families in preparing for IEP
meetings, and attends meetings if necessary. Services provided for children who have behavioral and/or
emotional problems.
Top of Page
Where to Find Public and Private Schools (Preschool-21 years)—Index
If your child qualifies for special education, his or her local school district or intermediate unit (regional educational service agencies connected to each school district) can provide detailed information about public services. For more information, call:
Pittsburgh-Mt. Oliver Intermediate Unit (IU 2).......................................................................................... 412-488-4482
Pittsburgh Public Schools Early Childhood Program........................................................................ 412-325-4291
Pittsburgh Public Schools Program for Students with Exceptionalities (K-12).......... ....................412-323-3950
Serves children living in the City of Pittsburgh and Mount Oliver
Allegheny Intermediate Unit (IU 3)............................................................................................................ 412-394-5700
Serves children in Allegheny County outside of the city of Pittsburgh
Top of Page
School Districts in Allegheny County
Allegheny Valley.......................................................................................................................................... 724-274-5300
Avonworth..................................................................................................................................................... 412-369-8738
Baldwin-Whitehall........................................................................................................................................ 412-884-6300
Bethel Park.................................................................................................................................................... 412-833-5000
Brentwood Borough..................................................................................................................................... 412-881-2227
Carlynton....................................................................................................................................................... 412-429-2500
Chartiers Valley............................................................................................................................................ 412-429-2201
Clairton City.................................................................................................................................................. 412-233-3717
Cornell........................................................................................................................................................... 412-264-5010
Deer Lakes.................................................................................................................................................... 724-265-5300
Duquesne City.............................................................................................................................................. 412-466-5300
East Allegheny............................................................................................................................................. 412-824-8012
Elizabeth Forward........................................................................................................................................ 412-751-9413
Fox Chapel.................................................................................................................................................... 412-963-9600
Gateway......................................................................................................................................................... 412-372-5300
Hampton........................................................................................................................................................ 412-486-6000
Highlands...................................................................................................................................................... 724-226-2400
Keystone Oaks............................................................................................................................................. 412-571-6000
McKeesport Area.......................................................................................................................................... 412-664-3610
Montour.......................................................................................................................................................... 724-778-1060
Moon Area..................................................................................................................................................... 412-264-9440
Mt. Lebanon.................................................................................................................................................. 412-344-2077
North Allegheny............................................................................................................................................ 412-366-2100
North Hills...................................................................................................................................................... 412-367-6098
Penn Hills...................................................................................................................................................... 412-793-7000
Pine-Richland............................................................................................................................................... 724-443-7276
Plum Borough............................................................................................................................................... 724-795-0100
Penn-Trafford................................................................................................................................................ 412-372-6600
Pittsburgh...................................................................................................................................................... 412-622-3500
Plum............................................................................................................................................................... 724-795-0100
Quaker Valley............................................................................................................................................... 412-749-3600
Riverview....................................................................................................................................................... 412-828-6010
Shaler Area................................................................................................................................................... 412-492-1200
South Allegheny........................................................................................................................................... 412-675-5469
South Fayette................................................................................................................................................ 412-221-4542
South Park..................................................................................................................................................... 412-655-3111
Steel Valley................................................................................................................................................... 412-464-3600
Sto-Rox.......................................................................................................................................................... 412-771-3213
Upper St. Clair.............................................................................................................................................. 412-833-1604
West Allegheny............................................................................................................................................ 724-695-3422
West Jefferson Hills..................................................................................................................................... 412-655-8450
West Mifflin Area.......................................................................................................................................... 412-466-9131
Wilkinsburg Borough................................................................................................................................... 412-371-9667
Woodland Hills............................................................................................................................................. 412-731-1300
Top of Page
Approved Private Schools (APS) for Special Education
Your local school district is required to provide a free and appropriate education to all children. If your child’s educational needs cannot be met in your school district, he or she is entitled to attend an Approved Private School (APS) certified by the state to carry out special education. APS include:
The Children’s Institute Day School.......................................................................................................... 412-420-2400
(For children ages preschool-21 years)
The Watson Institute Friendship Academy (formerly Craig Academy)................................................ 412-361-2801
(For children ages kindergarten-21)
The Education Center at The Watson Institute........................................................................................ 866-893-4751
(For children ages 3-21)......................................................................................................................... 412-741-1800
DePaul School for Hearing and Speech.................................................................................................. 412-924-1012
(For children ages 18 months - 8th grade/15 years)
Easter Seal Society of Western PA........................................................................................................... 412-281-7244
(Preschool children)
Katharine Dean Tillotson School............................................................................................................... 412-881-2268
(For children ages kindergarten-21 years)
Pace School.................................................................................................................................................. 412-441-1111
(For children ages kindergarten-15 years)
The Pressley Ridge Schools...................................................................................................................... 412-321-6995
(For children ages kindergarten-21 years)
Therapeutic Learning Center at Family Links.......................................................................................... 412-343-7166
(For children ages kindergarten-grade 3)
The Wesley Institute, Inc., Wesley Highland Services........................................................................... 412-885-7017
(For children ages kindergarten-21 years)
Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children................................................................................... 412-621-0100
(For children ages preschool-21 years)............................................................................................... 412-621-0502
Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf............................................................................................. 412-371-7000
(For children ages preschool-21 years)
For a list of other private schools, consult the Handbook of Private Schools, published by Porter Sargent. The book is available in most libraries.
Top of Page
Transition to Adulthood
By Barbara Lehman, Vocational Rehabilitation Center, and Majorie Eckman,
Transition Facilitator at the Pittsburgh Public Schools
Top of Page
Planning for Life Beyond High School
Transition is a term used for the systematic passage or bridge between school and adult life for students with disabilities. Transition services help students find jobs, receive post-secondary education and training, and become a part of community living, including receiving assistance with residential issues and recreation and leisure.
Transition is a challenging time for families. Some of the questions and concerns parents and caregivers can have include:
● What will my child do?
● Will he or she be able to get a job?
● Who will help my child?
● Should he or she go on for more training?
● What is available and how much does it cost?
● What agencies can help me in this process?
● Will my child need assistance looking for housing?
● Does he or she have friends?
● Will working affect my child’s Social Security?
To prepare your child for Transitional services, make sure that psychological tests are up to date. The college admission and placement processes, along with Transition and vocational programs, often require the results of these tests within three years of the time of application.
The Transition Plan is part of a child’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) beginning at age 14. Your child’s high school program should be guided by the long-range goals you have for him or her. This would include the selection of courses, the amount of inclusion in classes and social activities, career development, vocational training, and community-based activities.
It also is important that your child participate in the IEP process so that he or she can begin to accept responsibility for the future. This planning process should help you and your child define realistic outcomes and begin to identify and meet the people who will help you reach those goals after high school.
Each high school guidance counselor has a Transition Coordinator who will assist you with your questions and planning. The school is responsible for contracting community agencies, which will assist in providing accommodations in areas where the child is not able to achieve independence. The Transition planning process should identify the responsibilities of each agency and the coordination with community service agencies needed to assist the child.
Because of the complexities of the adult service system, parents, educators, and other professionals have recognized the importance of comprehensive and cooperative planning during high school. This Transition planning will help ensure that the necessary services are in place and the student has developed the skills he or she will need to be successful upon graduation. In general, becoming familiar with adult service systems or agencies will help your son or daughter in making decisions that will have an impact on their future.
It is important to note that a child’s eligibility for adult services must be established BEFORE he or she leaves school (up to the age of 21 years).
Top of Page
Allegheny County/City of Pittsburgh Transition Coordinating Council
To learn more about Transition and the services that agencies provide, consider joining the Allegheny County/City of Pittsburgh Transition Coordinating Council. The Council is comprised of school personnel, parents, and representatives from a variety of agencies who assist with transition from high school to adult life.
For more information, call the Pittsburgh Board of Education, Program for Students with Exceptionalities, at 412-323-3950 or the Allegheny Intermediate Unit at 412-394-5700.
The process for Transition is a requirement in both Federal Law (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act [IDEA], 2004) and the Pennsylvania Special Education Regulations and Standards. This means that eligible students must have a Transition Plan as part of their IEP no later than age 14.
The following government agencies (including your county Mental Health/Mental Retardation agency) can help answer your questions and refer you to local providers of Transition services:
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), Pittsburgh District............................................................... 800-442-6371
.......................................................................................................................................................... TDD 412-392-5986
Pittsburgh Blind and Vision Rehabilitation Services.............................................................................. 412-565-5240
Other agencies that can provide Transition information, skill building, and support are:
The ARC of Greater Pittsburgh (a component of ACHIEVA, serving Allegheny and Beaver counties)
................................................................................................................................................................... 412-995-5000
Parent Education and Advocacy Leadership (PEAL) Center............................................................... 412-281-4404
Parent Education Network (PEN).............................................................................................................. 800-522-5827
Mental Health American-Allegheny County .............................................................................................412-391-3820
Top of Page
National Providers of Information On Transition - Index
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Regional Disability and Business Accommodation Centers ........................................................................................................................................................... V/TDD 800-949-4232
Regional offices provide information and technical assistance to employer and people with disabilities to
facilitate implementation of the ADA, successful employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities,
and greater accessibility in public accommodations.
Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD)................................................................... 800-247-7752
AHEAD focuses on strengthening the professionalism, expertise, and competence.......... V/TDD 614-488-4972
of personnel working with post-secondary students who have disabilities.
Beach Center on Families and Disabilities, University of Kansas....................................................... 913-864-7600
HEATH Resource Center, American Council on Education.................................................... V/TDD 800-544-3284
National clearinghouse for post-secondary education for individuals with disabilities.
Job Accommodation Network (JAN)............................................................................................ V/TDD 800-526-7234
Offers information about practical steps employers can take to make accommodations for the
functional limitations of employees and applicants with disabilities.
National Center for Youth with Disabilities.............................................................................................. 800-333-6293
Organization fosters coordination and collaboration among agencies,................................ TDD 612-624-3939
professionals, and youth in regard to planning and providing services.
National Rehabilitation Information Center................................................................................. V/TDD 800-227-0216
Library and information center on disability and rehabilitation.
National Transition Network, University of Minnesota........................................................................... 512-626-8200
The President’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities............................................ 202-376-6200
Independent federal agency that facilitates communication,.................................................. TDD 202-376-6205
coordination and promotion of public and private efforts to
empower Americans with disabilities through employment.
Technical Assistance for Parents Programs............................................................................................ 617-482-2915
Transition Research Institute at the University of Illinois.......................................................... V/TDD 217-333-2325
Defines effective practices that will promote the successful
Transition of youths with disabilities from school to adult life.
Students with current, documented disabilities who cannot test under standard conditions may register for Extended Time SAT and ACT college admissions tests.
The ERIC Clearinghouse on Disabilities and Gifted Education, operated by the Council for Exceptional Children, offers information about disabilities and accommodations. Call 800-328-0272 or 703-264-9449 (TDD).