Our Mission

Parent Transition Group (PTG)

Mission Statement:

The Parent Transition Group (PTG) is a meeting of parents, students, agencies, businesses, educators, and legislators.  Information and support is provided to assist parents of students with disabilities who are making the transition from high school to postsecondary education, employment, and community living.  

History:

Several students and parents attended a Mentoring Day in Harrisburg.  Upon returning home, they discussed the importance of transition planning for their youth and the need for parent support.  The parents formed the Parent Transition Group and became a committee of the IU 28 Local Task Force on the Right to Education.  

The PTG is a working model of the IDEA- Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and PA Transition Communities of Practice.  The MOU includes the Departments of Education, Labor & Industry, Public Welfare, and Health who are equal partners with the parents to provide successful transitions for students with disabilities from schools to education/training, meaningful employment, and successful adult community living.  Because of the success of the PTG, our consultant was asked to be part of a panel presentation at the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Summit, National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE) National Conference, PA Community on Transition Conference, a NASDSE national teleconference, and other groups interested in beginning their own Parent Transition Group.  Our consultant is currently a member of the PA Community On Transition State Leadership Team. 

The Parent Transition Group provides:

·         workshops on transition issues

·         mentoring for parents of transitioning students

·         opportunities for networking with the local MOU partners

·         current information on transition issues

·         opportunities for students and parents to do presentations at the local and state levels on transition issues

The Parent Transition Groups meets from 10-12 on the 1^st Monday of each month during the school year at The Arc of Indiana County office. Lunch is provided following the meetings. The meetings are informal and casual to foster open communication.