Local Task Force Zoom Meeting Link
The LTF3 Meetings will now be available on Zoom Meeting, so you can now access the meetings from your computer or telephone! Thank you, Brian Welles and the Allegheny Intermediate Unit for setting this up; we appreciate your support!
Topic: Local Task Force Zoom Meeting Link
Time: This is a recurring meeting that occurs on the first Wednesday of each month
Join from PC, Mac, iOS or Android: https://paiu.zoom.us/j/199666919
Or join by phone:
+1 646 558 8656 or +1 669 900 6833 (US Toll)
Meeting ID: 199 666 919
International numbers available: https://zoom.us/u/alogmfj2
Or join from a H.323/SIP room system:
Dial: 162.255.36.11
Meeting ID: 199 666 919
If you have never used Zoom before, or will be using it on a different device, I recommend logging in at least 10-15 minutes early so you have time to troubleshoot any issues and test your settings. I have found that some of my devices will not allow me to increase the volume enough so I can hear and I always use my laptop for that reason. You may need to experiment with your device and earbuds/headphones/external speakers, etc. to find the right combination for you.
Also, if you are logging in from a device with a camera but don't want to be shown on-screen, just click on the video camera in the lower left corner of the screen, once you're in the meeting, so a red line appears through the camera icon. If you are new to Zoom, you'll also want to type your name in, so we can see who is present and who you are when you are speaking.
Lastly, we ask that ALL participants MUTE themselves as soon as they enter the meeting. Click on the microphone icon on the lower left of the screen so that a red line appears through the microphone. Otherwise, the background noise from the open microphones will obscure what the current speaker is saying. Zoom will give you instructions to open your mic, if you'd like to make a comment or ask a question. You can do that by clicking on the microphone, speaking, and clicking it back off when you're done, or by holding down the space bar continuously while you speak and releasing it when you are done.
I'm sure we'll be working through some technical difficulties our first few meetings, as we'll have to experiment with the room set up, camera/microphone placement, and how we can all work smoothly together through the Zoom interface. Please be patient with us as we try to expand our meetings to include even more families!
Thank you very much and we look forward to seeing you tomorrow at 6:30 pm, either in person or via Zoom!
Sharon Janosik & Debbie Efkeman
Co-Chairs, LTF3
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For related news and information, join the discussion at our Facebook Community.
Welcome to The Local Task Force on the Right to Education in Allegheny County
Welcome to our website.
PARENT ASSISTANCE LINE (412) 394-5930
A member will answer questions or provide information to the caller concerning special education issues.
IMPORTANT!
The City of Pittsburgh has its own Local Task Force. Their parent assistance hotline number is (412) 323‑3996.
OUR MISSION:
The Local Task Force serves as a resource for children with all disabilities and their families in the 42 school districts in Allegheny County.
MEETING SCHEDULE:
Meetings are held the first Wednesday of every month except July and August at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit offices at the Waterfront in Homestead from 6:30 till 8:30 p.m.
HISTORY:
The Local Task Force (LTF) system was established in 1972 as part of the Consent Decree between the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the PA Association for Retarded Citizens. The PARC Consent Decree guaranteed a free public program of education for all school-aged persons with mental retardation or thought-to-have mental retardation regardless of their intellectual functioning.
Today the LTF system supports all school-aged persons with all disabilities and their families.
MEMBERSHIP:
The Local Task Force on the Right to Education is open to:
- PARENTS
- PROFESSIONALS
- EDUCATORS
- AGENCY REPRESENTATIVES
Under the Consent Decree, parents must make up 51% of the membership.
OTHER SERVICES PROVIDED
- Cyclical Monitorings
School districts are audited by the Bureau of Special Education every 5 years. The LTF provides information to the chairperson of the cyclical monitoring team. This information can be commendations or issues and concerns which have been brought to the task force’s attention.
- Parent Satisfaction Survey
Local Task Forces can initiate a process with school districts to have the school districts disseminate the Parent Satisfaction Survey developed by the 29 Local Task Forces throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Although not mandatory, the school districts can benefit from receiving feedback from the families of sons and daughters who have IEPs. This survey could be done any year except in the school year when the district is involved in their Cyclical Monitoring or Indicator 13 training. Families can make this request to our Local Task Force 3 through the Parent Assistance Line or in person at one of the 10 public meetings held from September through June.
Imagine Different: Allegheny ELO Project
Introduction to the Peal Center
February 2023 Meeting Agenda
Please note that the ZOOM meeting link will be the same for the entire 2022-23 school year.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://aiu3.zoom.us/j/99112011232
Meeting ID: 991 1201 1232
One tap mobile
+19292056099,,99112011232# US (New York)
Dial by your location
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 991 1201 1232
Find your local number: https://aiu3.zoom.us/u/ab29Syg5SL
2022-23 Meeting Dates
Dec 7
Jan 4
Feb 1
Mar 1
Apr 5
May 3
June 7
December 2022 Approved Minutes
RMU Trees Network Ringing in the New Year Newsletter
RMU Trees Network
RMU Trees Network
Ringing in the New Year 2023 Newsletter
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Parent Q&A Meeting - THIS MONDAY
Monday, January 9 7PM-8PM
Start 2023 off with us! Come learn and discuss the curriculum that your child is learning in school. We will be facilitating discussions around curriculum for children with disabilities. Curriculum can include PA Standards, functional standards, specialized programs, and adaptations. The aim of this parent group meeting is to provide information and to connect parents who are facing similar experiences. Parent attendance and participation provides information to us to effectively prepare and plan resources to support parents. The meeting will be hosted virtually by Dr. Vicki Donne, Trees Network Director and Mrs. Deanna Hiltz, Trees Network Outreach Specialist. Parents can register for the meeting by contacting Vicki Donne at donne@rmu.edu or Deanna Hiltz at hiltzd@rmu.edu, 412-397-5465, or by registering at https://forms.gle/HUoKL5omxjzwZLNT7 Upon registration, registrants will be sent a Google Meets calendar invite.
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Virtual Book Club
Starting Tuesday, January 17 from 6PM-7PM
We will be reading this remarkable story about a girl who was born with no arms. She meets a friend when her family moves and together they learn about facing their worst fears despite disabilities and challenges. Our goal of our first book club is to get children and young adults together virtually to establish connections, friendships, and comradery. Sign up by emailing Deanna Hiltz at hiltzd@rmu.edu
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Resources for Parents and Educators
The Network provides resources for parents and teachers. We created a web site with various resources and previous newsletters that can be read and viewed at https://www.rmu.edu/academics/provost/trees. Also, in each newsletter we try to provide links to resources of topics discussed in our parent meetings and workshops as well as other information that may be helpful to families, schools, and the community.
Standards Aligned System (SAS) is a “comprehensive, researched-based resource to improve student achievement. SAS identifies six elements that impact student achievement: Standards, Assessments, Curriculum Framework, Instruction, Materials & Resources, and Safe and Supportive Schools. Schools and educators across Pennsylvania are supported in their efforts to implement SAS.” SAS - Pennsylvania Department of Education Standards Aligned System - SAS (pdesas.org)
Demonstration of Standards Aligned System (SAS) video Pennsylvania Department of Education Standards Aligned System (SAS)
A Day In Our Shoes - This includes 100 functional life skills to promote independence. 100 Functional Life Skills IEP Goals | Independent Functioning (adayinourshoes.com)
WrightsLaw keeps up-to-date information about special education law and advocacy for children with disabilities. https://www.wrightslaw.com/
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About the Trees Network
The RMU Trees Network provides services and training to enhance the support for children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities and their families through professional preparation of teachers, continued professional development of teachers and service providers, and direct services to children and families. As part of our outreach to families, we host a parent support group, informational workshops, and other educational opportunities. In addition, family members are encouraged to contact the Trees Network for information, advocacy, referrals, and resources. We welcome partnerships with other educational institutions, nonprofits and community service organizations!
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RMU Trees Network Contact
6001 University Boulevard
Nicholson 4th floor
Moon Township, PA 15108
Vicki Donne, RMU Trees Network Director, University Professor, Education Department, SNEHS
Deanna Hiltz, RMU Trees Network Outreach Specialist
412-397-5465
https://www.rmu.edu/academics/provost/trees
https://www.facebook.com/RMUtrees/
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Deanna Hiltz, Trees Network Outreach Specialist
Robert Morris University
6001 University Boulevard
Nicholson 4th Floor
Moon Township, PA 15108
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