Parent Training and Information Centers

In any endeavor, lack of information can make a huge impact on the results or impact of that endeavor. This certainly happens with services and information for individuals with disabilities and those that care about them. While many are aware that public schools provide services and programs for students with disabilities, many are not aware of this and others are not aware of how to access services or obtain the maximum services possible. Even more people are unaware that states provide services to children as young as birth.

When Congress passed the first law requiring schools to provide services to children with disabilities, they also provided funding for an entity (Parent Information and Training Center, PTI) in each state to assist parents in understanding the new law and their rights. Each state has at least one center. The centers provide training, referral, information, resources, consultation and emotional support for parents and young adults. The centers are now responsible for providing this help for individuals with disabilities from ages birth to 26.

The centers are to coordinate with the state agencies that work with these age groups, do not receive any financial support from these agencies. The state agencies are to help make citizens aware of the centers, but some states do a better job than others. Some states also work closer with the centers than others. While the centers are only one source of information about services and regulations, they are an important source.

A list of all centers can be accessed at www.taalliance.org/centers/index.htm . There are differences in the resources each center has and their activities. However, centers and individuals can look at other center’s websites to obtain information that can help them. I have found many very good resources at most of the PTI websites. Centers have limited ability/staff to attend IEP meetings. However, a number of Centers have programs to train parents about IEP meetings and then pay them to attend meetings with other parents.

I encourage you to become aware of your state’s PTI and share this information with others. The PTI’s can provide parents and individuals with training, information and referrals to other organizations and agencies. Parents, families and individuals need information. Information is power.