PTRC
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PTRC
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Parent Training and Resource Center The Parent Training and Resource Center (PTRC) is a program offering support, training, information and referral to families accessing special education services for their children and youth with disabilities. The PTRC is funded by the US Dept. of Education through funds allocated by Part D of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The PTRC addresses the need to empower parents/caregivers to strengthen their role as participants in the provision of appropriate educational services for their children with special needs. The PTRC is funded through a grant from the United States Department of Education to provide education, training and support to families accessing special education services in Berkeley, Dorchester & Charleston Counties. Services Include:
Download the PTRC brochure in English or Spanish . Special Education - A Crash Course (downloadable) Like its predecessor, the newly reauthorized Individual with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA '04) emphasizes a strong role for parents, ensuring their participation in the provision of appropriate educational services for their children. We know that parent involvement greatly enhances the effectiveness and ultimate success of the special education experience. It is well recognized that parents bring pertinent information to the education decision-making process. Parents need to be prepared to participate in this important process. Careful preparation and planning in required. This handout is designed to provide a review of the basics elements of the Individual Education Program and your role in its development and implementation. Here we'd like to share some of the ideas and suggestions that many feel make a successful IEP meeting. Free Lending Library The FRC offers free access to a comprehensive catalog of resource materials. Items available for loan include books, audio and video cassette tapes, articles, journals, and a variety of training curricula. The FRC library contains topics related to specific disabilities, self-advocacy issues, current therapies, and special education. Many resources are available in Spanish and arrangements may be made to access materials through any FRC satellite branch.
Peer-Parent Mentor Program Through the Peer-Parent Mentor Program, the PTRC provides support to parents accessing special education services for their children with disabilities. The program employs parents of children with special education needs who have received extensive and specialized training. The training includes information on the IDEA, Section 504, ADA, effective communication techniques and South Carolina special education policies and procedures. The Peer-Parent Mentors have received specialized training under the supervision of Mitchell Yell, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Programs for Special Education, University of South Carolina. After completing the training program, Mentors are partnered with other parents who need assistance in advocating for education services for their children with special needs. Peer-Parent Mentors work one-on-one with their parent partners and are available to attend IEP (and other) meetings as necessary. A comprehensive special education resource manual is shared with parents who receive Peer-Parent Mentor services. The PTRC Peer-Parent Mentor services are available to families in Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester Counties. The Parent's Manual on Special Education Services This Manual covers a wide variety of topics related to educating children and youth with disabilities. The Manual includes information on education laws, early intervening services, special education programs, dispute resolution, and effective advocacy practices. A section of the Manual with key information is in Spanish. In collaboration with the Charleston County School District's Office of Exceptional Children, a hard copy of this Manual is available as a resource for teachers and administrators at every Charleston County public school. You may review an electronic copy of the Parent's Manual on Special Education Services by clicking here . NOTE - This file is very large (57 MB). Depending on your Internet connection, download time can range from 5 to 25 minutes. Please refer to the User's Guide for the Parent's Resource Manual to aid in your use.
Annual Disabilities Conference Each year the PTRC presents a daylong conference, developed and planned by parents and consumers, offering workshops on a variety of topics. The conference is held at The Citadel in Charleston. Because of support from the US Department of Education and the Psychology Department at The Citadel, cost to attendees is minimal.
PTRC Newsletter Quarterly, the PTRC publishes "The Coalition" newsletter, on behalf of The Advocacy Coalition for People with Disabilities and the Family Resource Center for Disabilities and Special Needs. The Coalition features articles of interest to both families and professionals. The newsletter also reports on area recreation and learning opportunities, as well as a comprehensive list of regional support groups. Once a year the "The Coalition" includes a special resource insert. Contact the PTRC office to be added to the mailing list. Subscriptions are free. You may download the newsletters in Adobe Acrobat format. (To view our newsletters, your browser must be equipped with Adobe Acrobat Reader, which you can download from Adobe free of charge by clicking here .) Summer 2009 Newsletter Spring 2009 Newsletter Fall 2008 Newsletter Summer 2008 Newsletter Winter 2008 Newsletter
The PTRC Satellite Branches:
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Lending Library Peer-Parent Mentor Disabilities Conference PTRC Newsletter Satellite Branches 
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