Family Resource Group
Extra Edition December 2021
New - News!
Happy Holidays!
It is unbelievable to think that 2021 is coming to a close. We hope your year, and your child's year, is ending on a high note. The new year has exciting things happening. We want to put some events on your calendar for 2022. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at any time. To be sure that you continue to receive any future updates, or information directly to your email address, sign up on the Family Resource Group mailing list.
Erin Campion
Family Resource Group Editor
FREE ACT Test Prep Classes for DHH/DB Students!
Please see the information below regarding this opportunity for no-cost ACT test preparation classes for deaf/hard of hearing and deaf-blind students in PA. Applications are due January 7, 2022, so please share with any students/families you know who may be interested ASAP!
Anyone with questions should contact Russ Goddard at the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation at rgoddard@pa.gov.
Registration is now open for the PA Department of Education Conference
March 2-4, 2022
One Event, Two Experiences
The 2022 PDE Conference will be offered in a hybrid format - in person at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center or online through ChimeLive.
Choose the option that's right for you, your school, or your district.
Click here to see an overview of the conference on the PaTTAN website and to register. There are scholarships available for families who wish to attend. Click here to get information on how to apply for a scholarship.
Deadline for scholarship application is February 1, 2022.
2022 PDE Parent Scholarship Application
New Position for Students with Disabilities: Youth Ambassadors (YAs)
With shared enthusiasm the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Bureau of Special Education (BSE) and the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry’s Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) are pleased to announce a new initiative to hire students as Youth Ambassadors (YAs) at intermediate units and special education technical assistance networks across PA. This program is a product of ongoing collaboration between both agencies to strengthen agency partnership and enhance transition outcomes for students with disabilities.
YAs will work collaboratively with teachers, OVR, Local Education Agencies (LEA) Transition Coordinators, PaTTAN, and Bureau of Special Education (BSE) staff to improve the transition of students with disabilities from school to postsecondary education or an employment outcome. They will participate in local and statewide meetings, assist with program development, assist in the development of youth engaging media, and support students with disabilities in their communities. This position is designed to provide YAs with Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), as well as the practical application of learned skills.