PA TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE NETWORK (PATTAN) Ed. System Training

Supporting a child with a disability through the education process takes a team approach. As a parent, you are an essential partner in your child’s education.  There are many partners that are able to provide support, including your local school district. Additionally, the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN) offers many resources, training events, and videos to assist you in learning about specific disabilities and education initiatives.

Parent Consultants with experience in various disabilities. Each regional PaTTAN office has a parent consultant on staff who can provide assistance to you. Our parent consultants are: 

Office of Dispute Resolution  The Office for Dispute Resolution (ODR) provides the resources for parents and educational agencies to resolve disputes concerning the identification, evaluation, educational placement, or the provision of a free appropriate public education for students with disabilities, students who are gifted, and children with disabilities served by the early intervention system. ODR also provides help for your special education questions and concerns through ConsultLine. ConsultLine advisors are available to answer questions and provide information about special education programs and the laws governing these programs for parents of, and advocates for, children with disabilities, or those who are thought to have a disability. You can reach ConsultLine at 1-800-879-2301 (Toll Free in Pennsylvania) or 717-901-2146 (Outside Pennsylvania). Simply leave a message with your question or concern, and the appropriate advisor will return your call within three business days.

PA State Task Force The primary purpose of the state task force and the twenty-nine (29) local task forces (one in each intermediate unit) is to ensure that the intent and spirit of the Right to Education Consent Agreement is carried out throughout the Commonwealth or Pennsylvania.

Transition Guide The Planning for the Future Checklist is a tool to be used by families, students with disabilities, and IEP teams as they consider all aspects of transition planning and prepare for life after high school.  The checklist is organized by age band (ex. 14-15 years old) and lists topics/actions to consider for education/training after high school, employment, and community living.