Families

DeafBlind Project Family Email List:

What is the DeafBlind Project Family Email List?
- The PA DeafBlind Project maintains an email list of families who wish to receive updates on events, learning opportunities, resources, and more to assist you in supporting your deafblind child. The email list is maintained by our Project’s Family Engagement Consultants (FECs) who are also parents of children and youth who are deafblind.

Family Resource Group
The PaTTAN Family Resource Group shares monthly newsletters containing resources, upcoming events, and community networks that support families of students who are deaf or hard of hearing, deafblind, or blind/low vision. Signing up is an easy way for you to get updates and opportunities delivered straight to your inbox!

Family Resource Group Flyer

Who should sign up?
- Pennsylvania families and educators of children who are blind or visually impaired (BVI), deaf or hard of hearing (DHH), or deafblind (DB) are invited to sign up for the PaTTAN Family Resource Group. Please pass this invitation on to any other families you may know who have a child with hearing concerns, as well as school staff and medical professionals who can help spread the word
How do I sign up?
- To sign up to receive monthly newsletters from the Family Resource Group, complete the brief sign up form and you’ll begin receiving the newsletters each month.
Why sign up?
- The Family Resource Group is a way for PaTTAN to send up-to-date resources, opportunities, and connections directly to your family. It helps you and your child have more access to what you need for success in school and beyond. It will keep your family more informed about the special education process and available supports across Pennsylvania.
What information do I need to provide? Will my information be kept private?
- Your information will not be shared outside of the PaTTAN initiatives. You do not need to provide any identifying information about your child. Information will be grouped according to your area of interest (BVI, DHH, DB). You may unsubscribe at any time.
Who can I contact for more information?
- If you’d like more information, please contact Erin Campion (DHH Parent Coordinator) at ecampion@pattan.net

Student-Led IEPs

What is a Student-Led IEP?
- A Student-Led IEP is your child’s annual Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting in which your child plays an integral role in planning, providing input, and/or leading.
How does the Student-Led IEP Process help my child?
- Having an active part in ther IEP process helps your child:
  - Be a leader
  - Be a good communicator for themself
  - Work with a team to solve problems
  - Focus on how to reach their goals
  - Take responsibility for their learning
  - Plan for their future
How can our family benefit from the Student-Led IEP Process?
- Supporting your child to lead their own IEP process helps you:
  - Understand the IEP process
  - Increase your input, and your child’s ideas, in the IEP process
  - Build partnerships with the entire IEP team
  - Grow your advocacy skills and your child’s self-advocacy skills
  - See your child’s current growth and envision the road ahead
  - Show your child’s abilities and keep the focus on your child’s plan for their future
Where can I get more information about the Student-Led IEP process?
- Visit the Student-Led IEP page of the PaTTAN website for more information

Featured Family Resources Accordion: (first bullets are the accordion “button” text; second bullets are content for the expansion)

PA Communication Plan for Students Who Are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or DeafBlind
- What is the PA Communication Plan for Students Who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing or DeafBlind?
  - PA Communication Plan flyer The PA Communication Plan is the first part of the IEP document for students who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deafblind and is important in determining your child’s educational support. Its purpose is to establish discussion among IEP team members who review your child’s needs based on their communication skills and access needs.
  - The Annotated version of the PA Communication Plan includes notes that describe the purpose of each section of the plan and important considerations that the team should discuss when completing the plan for your child.
Individualized Education Program (IEP) Resources
- What is an Individualized Education Program (IEP)?
  - An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is the document that outlines how your deaf or hard of hearing child will receive a free and appropriate education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE) that meets their needs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). An IEP outlines your child’s eligibility for special education services, their present levels of performance, their goals to address any areas of need with specially designed instruction, any modifications or accommodations that may be needed, and related services information. The goals in an IEP are designed to be achieved within one year of progress and the IEP team - including you and your child, when appropriate - must meet at least annually to review the IEP.
  - The Annotated version of the IEP document includes notes that describe the purpose of each section and includes guidance for the team when completing the document for your child.
  - More information about IEPs can be found on the PaTTAN IEP Information page
Section 504 Plan Resources
- What is the difference between an IEP and a 504 Plan?
  - While an IEP under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) guarantees your deaf or hard of hearing child a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE) that meets their needs through specially designed instruction, curriculum modifications (when appropriate), accommodations, and related services, a 504 Plan can offer continued accommodations and related services (when appropriate) for students who are no longer entitled to services under IDEA.
  - For more information on 504 Plans, check out the links below:
    - What Is a 504 Plan? (https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/504-plans.html?ref=search&WT.ac=msh-p-dtop-en-search-clk)
    - 504 Plan or IEP? (https://www.pattan.net/Videos/504-or-IEP)
    - Understanding the Differences Between IDEA & Section 504 (https://www.ldonline.org/ld-topics/special-education/understanding-differences-between-idea-and-section-504)
    - Key Differences Between Section 504 & IDEA (https://www.wrightslaw.com/howey/504.idea.htm)

Community Organizations

Pennsylvania Partnership for the Deafblind
National Family Association for Deafblind
Helen Keller National Center
National Center on Deafblindness
The PEAL Center works with families, youth and young adults with disabilities and special health care needs across Pennsylvania to help them understand their rights and advocate for themselves.
HUNE (Hispanos Unidos para Niños Excepcionales) is a not for profit organization that provides free bilingual (English and Spanish) programs, supports, and services on all aspects of special education for children and youth with all disabilities from 0-26 years of age and their families.
Pennsylvania Office for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing is an information, resource, and advocacy center for deaf and hard of hearing Pennsylvanians.

A key component of success of the Pennsylvania DeafBlind Project is family partnership and engagement. The Project offers many family engagement activities, such as family-to family networking, online support, an annual conference, and connection to PaTTAN’s other low incidence initiatives.