Local Task Force
The Southwestern Local Task Force serves in an advisory and advocacy role to protect the rights of students with special needs; encourages the cooperation among public and private agencies; accentuates the positive; and acts as a catalyst enhancing collaboration in education.
The Local Task Force considers problems brought to its attention by its members, and identifies system-wide issues that affect the education of all students. The Task Force investigates theses issues and recommends solutions as well as provides speakers and presentations to address areas of concern.
Members
Parents, representatives of agencies serving the disabled, representatives of agencies advocating for the disabled, and educators are all eligible to become members of the Local Task Force. According to the Consent Decree, there must be a majority of parents on the committee. Interested parents are critical to the membership to keep the Local Task Force effective. Our members are from Fayette, Greene, and Washington Counties.
Who may attend?
Any interested person or parent of a student with a disability may attend any of the regularly scheduled Local Task Force meetings. It is not necessary to be a member to attend, and no advance notice is necessary. You are always welcome.
Duties of the Task Force
Assist the administration in carrying out the rules and regulations growing out of the Right to Education Consent Decree
Assist parents of students with special needs in understanding the law/regulations that affect their rights and help develop an appropriate educational program for the student with special needs
Review recommendations of the State Task Force and advise the administration of any recommendations which should be adopted or implemented in the Intermediate Unit 1 area
Encourage cooperation with public and private agencies which provide service to school age children with special needs
Identify local needs and problems and develop recommendations for consideration by appropriate agencies
Recommend solutions to problems in areas of concern as identified or brought to the attention of the task force
Advise on the best methods of informing the community about programs of special education
Assist the task force in the collection of data to determine the effectiveness of the Right to Education Consent Agreement
State and Local Meeting Agendas
November 2023 Meeting
Intellectual Disabilities/Autism Presentation
Intellectual Disabilities/Autism Presentation Recording
November 2023 State Task Force Meeting
October 2023 Meeting
Student-Led IEP Meeting Presentation Recording
Transition Councils of Southwestern Pennsylvania Website
September 2023 State Task Force Meeting
June 2023 Meeting
Futures Planning for Individuals with Special Needs Presentation
May 2023 State Task Force Meeting
April 2023 Meeting
Guardianship Presentation Recording
March 2023 State LTF Meeting
February 2023 Meeting
Understanding the Language of Special Education
What You Need to Know About Special Education Presentation Flyer
January 2023 State LTF Meeting
Meeting Minutes
December 2022 Meeting
Building a Strong IEP Presentation by the PEAL Center
November 2022 State LTF Meeting
October 2022 Meeting
Meeting Notes
September 2022 State LTF Meeting
June 2022 Meeting Notes and Agenda
Jan 2022 Meeting Notes and Agenda
Minutes from October 7 Local meeting
Local Task Force December minutes
State meeting 11-3-2021
State Meeting Agenda 9-22-2021
Understanding Legislative Process by The ARC of PA
State meeting 11-4-20-Agenda , PA developmental Disabilities Council PPT , ODR updates
Special Education Resources for Parents
LINKS
Digital Learning Guide for Families https://tech.ed.gov/publications/digital-learning-guide/parent-family/
Fayette County Family Resource Directory (PDF Document)
Parent Education and Advocacy Leadership (PEAL) Center Online Trainings
Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN) Resources for Families
DOWNLOADS
ASERT: Autism Services, Education, Resources, and Training (PDF Document)
ASERT Brochure (PDF Document)
ASERT Flyer (PDF Document)
Autism Red Flags (PDF Document)
Frequently Asked Questions Sheet: Individualized Education Program (IEP) Ideas (PDF Document)
Frequently Asked Questions Sheet: Starting an Autism Support/Self-Advocacy Group (PDF Document)
Frequently Asked Questions Sheet: Top 10 List (PDF Document)
Greene County Find-Out Resource Directory (2.5 MB PDF Document)
Pennsylvania Autism Needs Assessment Brief Overview (PDF Document)
Right to Education State Task Force Handbook (PDF Document)
State Task Force - How does the ABC of behavior dictate the FBA (PPTX Document)
Special Education Paperwork and Procedures