PEN is part of a national system of Parent Training and Information Centers (PTIs), serving South Central, Northeast, Southeast and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  We are funded by the US Department of Education and the Pennsylvania Department of Education.  2009 marks our 25 year anniversary of service to parents of children with disabilities.  PEN is a coalition of professionals and parents of children representing a range of disabilities and ages.  We are committed to serving parents of all special needs children-- birth to adulthood; including parents of children in pre-school, regular education classes, educational/residential placement, adult systems and those children not yet identified as needing service.     

PEN provides technical assistance, information, skill development trainings, workshops and referral services to parents to help children reach their full potential in educational, vocational and community settings.  Much of the information included in this site is designed to support Pennsylvania parents of children with special needs, but information and links are included on Federal Special Education, National Disability Issues and Resources and Special Education Legal links that will also pertain to parents and individuals with disabilities in other states. We hope you find the following information helpful.   

Since our primary objective is to support parents, please feel free to call us for further information or assistance. Parents within Pennsylvania may reach us at our toll free number, 1-800-522-5827. Thank you for visiting. 

 Office for Dispute Resolution Survey

The Office for Dispute Resolution (ODR) offers parents and schools, [Local Education Agencies (LEAs)], a way to resolve disagreements regarding a student's special education program and/or placement through mediation. 

If you have used mediation services, ODR is asking all constituents to answer a brief survey about mediation in Pennsylvania.  Results will be shared with the ODR Stakeholder Council.  Please complete the ODR Mediation Survey on or before Friday, February 5, 2010  Click here to participate .