The Right to Education Consent Agreement of 1972 provided for the establishment of a Local Task Force (LTF) in each of the 29 Intermediate Unit regions to ensure that the intent and spirit of the agreement is carried out throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Although the initial intent of the LTF was to represent the needs and interests of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, today's LTF has expanded its efforts to include all students with disabilities.

The LTF is required to have 51 percent parent membership. Other members of the LTF include representatives from IU8, school district representatives, and regional special education service agencies.

Parent(s) of a student having a disability are invited to become a member of the LTF. Membership is easy; (1) attend two LTF meetings in a current school year and (2) request to become a member. There is never a cost to attend or to become a member of the LTF.

Any parent, local school district representative or community agency provider serving individuals with disabilities is welcomed and encouraged to become a member of the LTF.

LTF meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month from October through May (excluding January). The 2023-2024 LTF meeting dates:

• October 11, 2023 - 9:30 am - 11:30 am
  
• November 8, 2023 - 9:30 am - 11:30 am
• December 13, 2023 - 9:30 am - 11:30 am
  
• February 14, 2024 - 9:30 am - 11:30 am
• March 13, 2024 - 9:30 am - 11:30 am
• April 10, 2024 - 9:30 am - 11:30 am
• May 8, 2024 (Election Meeting) - 9:30 am - 11:30 am

All LTF8 meetings are held virtually.

MEETING SCHEDULE (times are approximate):

9:30 am - 10:30 am - Regular Business Meeting

10:30 am - 11:30 am - Informational Session - Presentation and discussion on topics related to Special Education and selected by members of the LTF

1. To advocate for the improvement, strengthening and expansion of educational programs for students with disabilities.
2. To foster collaboration and communication among parents, schools and community agency providers.
3. To assist families of school-age students with special education needs by providing information and support to help with navigating the special education landscape, including laws and regulations that affect their rights to special education.
4. To educate the community at large about the needs of students with disabilities.
5. To identify local needs and challenges based on feedback from LTF members then communicate these to local LTF contacts and to the State Task Force.
6. To assist the administration in carrying out the rules and regulations growing out of the Right to Education Consent Agreement.

Altoona Area - Bedford Area - Bellwood-Antis - Berlin-Brothersvalley - Blacklick Valley - Cambria Heights - Central Cambria - Chestnut Ridge - Claysburg-Kimmel - Conemaugh Township Area - Conemaugh Valley - Everett Area - Ferndale Area - Forest Hills - Greater Johnstown - Hollidaysburg Area - Meyersdale Area - North Star - Northern Bedford County - Northern Cambria - Penn Cambria - Portage Area - Richland - Rockwood Area - Salisbury-Elk Lick - Shade-Central City - Shanksville-Stonycreek - Somerset Area - Spring Cove - Turkeyfoot Valley Area - Tussey Mountain - Tyrone Area - Westmont Hilltop - Williamsburg Community - Windber Area

Central PA Digital Learning Foundation (CPDLF) - Hope for Hyndman

Marty Dombrowski, LTF Chairperson

Kim Capenos, LTF Co-Chairperson

email: InfolocaltaskforceBBCS@gmail.com

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Local-Task-Force-on-the-Right-to-Education-IU8-139052819635010/

Dr. Amy Woomer, Chief Education Officer

Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8

814-940-0223

email: IU8LTF@iu08.org

DISCLAIMER: No member of the LTF8 has direct affiliation with Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8, except those individuals identified as employees of IU8 and acting as IU8 employees to support the LTF. The actions, opinions, and viewpoints of LTF8 members do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints of the Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8 organization or its employees.