Welcome!
Partners Resource Network (PRN) is a non-profit agency that operates the Texas statewide network of Parent Training and Information Centers (PTI's funded by the US Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) . The PTI Projects are: PATH, PEN, and TEAM. The Texas PTIs provide training, education, information, referral, emotional support, and individual assistance in obtaining appropriate services. In addition, PRN serves as one of OSEP’s six Regional Parent Technical Assistance Centers (RPTAC) and works with Parent Centers in eight states and 2 territories.
What's New
Are you ready to move? Become an ACTION PARENT in 2012.
PATH Project and Partners Resource Network presents: Action Parent 2012, an IDEA Special Education Conference and Workgroup. These mini-conferences will be held all over North, Northeast and Southeast Texas during the Spring and Summer of 2012. Registration is free but is required in order to attend. Please take a moment to complete the registration form here: www.surveymonkey.com/s/ActionParent2012.
New PRN Staff Appointments
Partners Resource Network (PRN) is pleased to announce two new staff appointments. The Office of Special Education Programs in Washington, DC has approved the appointment of Julissa Porro as the new project director of the TEAM Project (Texas region 2). Julissa brings a wealth of knowledge and experience working with parents and professionals within the fields of education and disability related issues. She previously held other positions with the Texas PTIs. The second new staff appointment is Jon Howell in PRN's newly established position of Statewide Network Manager. In his new role with PRN, he will be using the knowledge and skills gained over the last several years as the PEN project director to provide guidance and leadership to the entire statewide PTI network (PATH, PEN, and TEAM Projects).
Can Parents Revoke Consent To IDEA Services And Then Demand § 504 Services Instead?
Although the Missouri decision is not binding precedent in Texas, it is significant because it is the first reported case to tackle this issue. Relying on OCR guidance, the court made it clear that parents cannot refuse to accept the IDEA services as specified in a child’s IEP and then require a school district to develop a program under § 504. Full article >
Assistive Technology Solutions Fact Sheet
The Family Center on Technology and Disability has a new AT fact sheet that provides visual examples of a range of AT products to help parents begin their search for assistive technology. The fact sheet includes basic questions to consider when trying to identify AT devices that will best suit your child and illustrates examples of some of the AT options available. Each AT example has an icon indicating whether it is high-tech, mid-tech, or low-tech.
http://www.fctd.info/assets/assets/19/AT_solutions-2011-FCTD.pdf?1322842743
“No Boundaries” Education
Educators spend a lot of time and effort modifying and adapting lessons for students with differing needs. Try the Universal Design for Learning approach CAST recommends to make lessons more accessible to all students from the start.
http://nichcy.org/no-boundaries-education
Helping Your 11th or 12th Grader with Career Preparation and “Fit”
Learn strategies to help your older teen prepare for a career – including real-life work experience.
http://www.ncld.org/in-the-home/parenting-issues
The Facts on Charter Schools and Students with Disabilities
This helpful resource clarifies the role of charter schools in serving students with disabilities. Use the list of links to find your state’s charter guidance, as well as to connect with “helpful websites” for more information. http://nichcy.org/publications/charters
