Partners Resource Network is a non-profit agency that operates the Texas statewide network of Parent Training and Information Centers. PTI’s are funded by the US Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP).
The PTI Projects are: PATH (ESC region 5-13,) PEN (ESC Region 14-19) and TEAM (ESC Region 1-4 and 20.) They help parents to: • Understand their child’s disability; • Understand their rights and responsibilities under IDEA; • Obtain and evaluate resources and services; • Participate as team members with professionals in planning services for their children. They offer: • Individual assistance over the phone and in-person to families who have questions about their child’s needs. • Workshops for parents and professionals take place on an ongoing basis throughout Texas. • Resources such as printed publications and online materials are available on a variety of relevant topics. All these services are provided at no cost to you. The goal of PRN is to empower the parent to be a strong advocate for their child. Occasionally, a coordinator from PRN will be able to participate in an ARD meeting but certain criteria must be met and the parent should have attended a workshop presented by PATH and ARD Clinic or webinar. 1. The parent has as disability that limits their ability to understand the law/process/information as presented. 2. A grandparent is raising their grandchild and the grandparent is having difficulty understanding the law/process/information as presented. 3. The youth is in the foster care system and the foster parents need assistance understanding the law/process/information. 4. The youth is part of the juvenile justice system and the parents/youth need assistance understanding the law/process/information. 5. The coordinator is working with the parent AND youth to plan, prepare, attend an ARD meeting. (Youth is learning to advocate for his/herself.) Bryan/College Station is in Region Six and our Regional Coordinator is Sabrina Thompson. To schedule a one-on-one appointment please call her at (936) 348-0013 or send her an email at region6prn@gmail.com |
Additional ResourcesThe 2018 IDEA Manual is an extensive resource regarding your child's rights under IDEA and the IEP/ARD process. This will explain what to expect when you begin the process for an evaluation through your school and what to expect during an ARD meeting.
Download in English Download in Spanish Notice of Procedural Safeguards (updated July 2018.) The Procedural Safeguards explains parents’ specific rights and responsibilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Download in English Download in Spanish Parent's Guide to the Admission Review and Dismissal (ARD) Process The guide is designed to give you, as the parent of a child who is or may be eligible for special education services, a better understanding of the special education process and of your procedural rights and responsibilities so that you will be able to fully participate in the decision-making process regarding your child’s education. Download in English (updated July 2018) Download in Spanish (updated July 2018) Educational Resources from Disability Rights Texas http://www.texasprojectfirst.org/ |
Become a Parent Partner
Participate in monthly trainings and workshops provided by PATH Project. These trainings will help you become an advocate for your child. You can also choose to become a Parent Partner and become an advocate for others. They have online courses your can take to learn more about how to become a better advocate for your child. Visit their website at www.PartnersTX.org for more information.