May 2021 PACT Project Newsletter
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Welcome to Partners Resource Network PACT Project
Partners Resource Network (PRN) is a non-profit agency that operates the statewide network of federally funded Parent Training and Information Centers (PTI's). The PACT Project is one of the four federally funded Parent Training and Information Centers (PTI) operated by PRN. We serve Texas parents of children and youth with disabilities ages 0-26 living in Education Service Center (ESC) Regions 7, 8, 10, and 11.
We can help you understand your child’s disability, understand your rights and responsibilities under IDEA, obtain and evaluate resources and services for your child, and fully participate as a team member with professionals in planning services for your child.
PACT Project Regional Coordinators (RC) offer the following assistance:
- Individual assistance over the phone and in-person
- Workshops and webinars on a variety of special education topics
- Access to resources such as printed publications and online courses
Contact us at 469.712.8409 or 1.855.974.1368 and we will put you in touch with the PACT Regional Coordinator (RC) helping parents and families in your area.
We use Facebook daily to share information, inspiration and upcoming events.
All of our services are provided at no cost to parents of infants,
toddlers, children and youth with all types of disabilities.
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PACT Project Webinars & IEP Clinics
Grab your calendar and make plans to attend one or more events below. You won't want to miss the opportunity to hear from these engaging and knowledgeable speakers.
Click on the date and time for more information and/or to register.
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Christy Balraj, Region 11
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One-on-One IEP Clinics
Please contact your RC directly to schedule your appointment.
Region 7 - Dee Lower: 903-541-1134
Tuesdays, 5/11, 5/18, 5/25
1:00 - 6:00 PM
Region 8 - Patricia Reedy: 903-747-0010
Friday, 5/14 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Mondays, 5/17 and 5/24 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Region 10 - Jim Wright: 489-388-8662
Wednesdays, 5/5, 5/12, 5/19
2:00 - 5:00 PM
Region 11 - Christy Balraj: 817-757-3572
Mondays, 5/10, 5/17, 5/24
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
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The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) gives a parent the right to equal participation in the development of their child’s Individual Education Plan. These rights are often referred to as Procedural Safeguards.
You can read about your procedural safeguards in English or Español.
Considering LRE in Placement Decisions
Least restrictive environment, or LRE as it is more commonly called, is one of several vital components in the development of a child’s IEP and plays a critical role, influencing where a child spends his or her time at school, how services are provided, and the relationships the child develops within the school and community. Indeed, LRE is a foundational element in building an appropriate IEP that can improve outcomes for a child—in school and in life. Read more here.
Addressing Behavior in the IEP
Sometimes when parents are requesting a functional behavioral assessment (FBA) and/or behavior intervention plan (BIP), the school may respond with the comment, “We are addressing your child’s behavior through their IEP. An FBA and BIP are not needed.”
Click here to see what IDEA says.
Can I take notes during my child's ARD meeting?
Yes. It is a good idea to take notes during your child’s ARD meeting – for your own use or in case disagreements occur. Read more here.
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Life is full of transitions, and one of the more remarkable ones occurs when we get ready to leave high school and go out in the world as young adults. When the student has a disability, it’s especially helpful to plan ahead for that transition. In fact, IDEA requires it.
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For more information on Transition, click here.
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Partners Resource Network Statewide Webinars
Click on the flyers for additional information and/or to register.
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The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) defines related services as “transportation and such developmental, corrective, and other supportive services as are required to assist a student with a disability to benefit from special education…”
Related services are most often part of an IEP. Kids usually receive related services along with some sort of specialized instruction, as part of special education. But in some schools, they are the special instruction. That may happen when a child doesn’t get any other services.
The main goal of these services isn’t to offer special education. It’s to help kids benefit from general education. They help make it easier for kids to participate in class and in afterschool activities.
In this part of the newsletter, we are introducing you to Monkey Mouths, a pediatric therapy provider who is collaborating with PRN to provide tid bits every month on the topic of Related Services.
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Disability Starter Kits
From Social Security Administration
The Disability Starter Kit will help you get ready for your disability interview or online application. Kits are available for adults and for children under age 18.
The starter kits provide information about the specific documents and the information that we will request from you. We will ask for more details during your interview.
The kits also provide general information about the disability programs and our decision-making process that can help take some of the mystery out of applying for disability benefits.
Each Disability Starter Kit contains a:
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- Fact sheet that answers questions most people ask about applying for disability benefits,
- Checklist of documents and information we will request, and
- Worksheet to help you gather and organize the information you will need.
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United Way Metropolitan Dallas North Texas
Healthcare Coverage Financial Assistance
This program will provide three months of financial assistance to recently unemployed individuals who have lost their employer-sponsored insurance (ESI) as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, click HERE. This includes families in Tarrant, Dallas, Collin, and Denton counties. |
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How Dallas-Fort Worth Camps Serve Children With Special Needs
Summer is just around the bend, and while some parents can simply plan to drop off their kids at the local rec center, parents with both special-needs and typical children face a different challenge: finding summertime activities all their kids can enjoy together. Read more here....
Special Needs Summer Camps in Texas
Click here to find camps for your child in Texas.
This Summer, be sure to give your Child an experience they won’t forget
Special Needs Camps for Kids in Plano and throughout Collin County, include camps for kids with developmental disabilities, chronic illnesses, physical disabilities and other needs. Read more here.
The Connections Project
Click here for more information about camps in the area.
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