PEN assistance available

Parent Education Network (PEN) has provided information and technical assistance to parents of children with disabilities and the professionals who serve them since 1984. PEN assists parents to develop strategies to work effectively within the educational system to advocate for their child to obtain a free appropriate public education as required by federal law. PEN is continuing under a five year grant from the U.S. Department of Education to provide services to parents in Pennsylvania.

PEN provides parents of infants/ toddlers, preschoolers and school-age students with one-onone consultation with a knowledgeable staff person to assist in developing strategies to resolve issues specific to their child. PEN has five regional offices to assist parents on a local and regional basis. PEN distributes written information and parent guides that address the special education process and provides workshops throughout the Commonwealth addressing special education laws, regulations, communication, negotiation and advocacy skills development. PEN has a list of publications that are available from the PEN office or can be ordered from their website at www.parentednet.org.

PEN services and written materials are available free of charge. Parent Education Network can be contacted at 1-800-522-5827 V/TDD for information and consultation, to request a workshop in your area, or to be placed on our mail list to receive the quarterly newsletter, PENews, special education alerts and flyers for PEN workshops and conferences.