Advocacy/Support
The Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network is an initiative of the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education. There is an Information for Parents page that includes valuable resources.
The Office of Dispute Resolution ConsultLine is a toll free help line for your special education questions and concerns. ConsultLine advisors will answer your 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 be disabled.
Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania (DRN) is a statewide, non–profit corporation designated as the federally–mandated organization to advance and protect the civil rights of adults and children with disabilities. DRN works with people with disabilities and their families to ensure their rights to live in their communities with the services they need, to receive a full and inclusive education, to live free of discrimination, abuse and neglect, and to have control and self–determination over their services. DRN provides legal advice, technical assistance, and information and referral related to special education and early intervention issues. To speak to someone in the Intake Department regarding these issues, call 800-692-7443.
PEN is Pennsylvania’s statewide Parent Training and Information Center. Much of the information included in this site is designed to support Pennsylvania parents of children with special needs.
HUNE is a not for profit organization that provides free bilingual English and Spanish training, technical assistance and individual assistance to parents of infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities and to professionals who work with children. This assistance helps parents to participate more effectively with professionals in meeting the educational needs of children and youth with disabilities. HUNE works to improve educational outcomes for children and youth with all disabilities (emotional, learning, mental, and physical) from 0-21 years of age. Hune maintains a special-education helpline which provides up to date information and referral for parents and professionals in ensuring that children with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE). The number is 215-425-5112.
Wrightslaw provides a wealth of information about special education law, education law, and advocacy for children with disabilities. The Special Ed Advocate is a free online newsletter about special education legal and advocacy topics.
Disability.gov offers comprehensive information about programs and services to better serve more than 50 million Americans with disabilities, their family members, veterans, employers, educators, caregivers and anyone interested in disability-related information.