Parent Centers Helping FamiliesOutcome Data 2012-2013

National Parent Technical Assistance Center at PACER Center

www.pacer.orgwww.parentcenternetwork.org

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Parent Centers Helping FamiliesOutcome Data 2012-2013

Published by the National Parent Technical Assistance Center (NPTAC) at PACER Center

8161 Normandale Boulevard Minneapolis, MN 55437 952.838.9000 952.838.0199 (Fax) 888.248.0822 (Toll Free) pacer@pacer.org PACER website: PACER.org NPTAC Co-Directors: Paula Goldberg, Sue Folger, and Sharman Davis BarrettNPTAC Communications Coordinator: Debbie AndrewsNPTAC Research Coordinator: Gretchen GodfreyThanks to evaluator Susan Hasazi, former professor at the University of Vermont, for her assistance in developing the original forms used to collect the data reported in this book.

©2013, PACER Center, Inc.

The contents of this publication were developed under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, # H328R080012. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. While permission to reprint this publication is not necessary, the citation should be:

National Parent Technical Assistance Center (2013). Parent Centers Helping Families: Outcome Data 2012-2013, Minneapolis MN, PACER Center.

On request, this publication is available in alternate formats, such as Braille, large print, or audiotape.

2 Dear Colleagues Letter3 The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)4 Why Parent Centers?5 Technical Assistance for Parent Centers 2012-2013 6 Success Story— Sharon Patterson7 About the Data 8 Parent Center Data8 Help Parents/Professionals through Individual Assistance9 Help Parents/Professionals through Trainings/Presentations10 Help Children with All Disabilities11 Help Children Ages Birth to 2612 Help Families of Diverse Backgrounds13 Help Families of Diverse Backgrounds through Trainings/Presentations and Individual Assistance14 Help Parents/Professionals through Information Dissemination15 Help Parents/Professionals through Extended Services16 Success Story— Malissa Sayavong17 Outcome Data17 Children Receive More Appropriate Services18 Parents are More Knowledgeable about How to Work with Schools19 Parents Address Critical Needs Related to Their Child’s Education20 Parents are Provided with Information to Make Decisions21 Parents Share Information with Others22 Parents Receive Useful Information23 Parents Receive High Quality Materials24 Disagreements are Resolved with Schools25 Parent Technical Assistance Center Network 2012-201326 Parent Centers 2012-2013

Table of Contents

We are delighted to share with you this publication highlighting the important

work of the more than 100 Parent Training and Information Centers (PTIs) and Community Parent Resource Centers (CPRCs) funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs. The information in this booklet reflects the work of the Parent Center Network from October 1, 2012 – September 30, 2013. The report includes data on the numbers of parents and professionals served by Parent Centers, outcomes of the services provided, and success stories exemplifying Parent Centers’ positive impact on families of children with disabilities.

The data show that in 2012-2013 federally funded Parent Centers collectively made more than 1.4 million contacts with parents and professionals through trainings, presentations, individual assistance, and extended services. Parent Centers also made more than 19 million contacts through newsletters and websites. Parent Centers continually engage in new and innovative outreach activities so they can assist more families, including those from culturally and racially diverse backgrounds. The data indicate that Parent Centers are cost effective.

Most importantly, however, the data and success stories reveal that Parent Centers provide useful, high-quality, and relevant services to parents and professionals. Parents reported that they received useful information, are more knowledgeable about working with schools, and that their children have received more appropriate services because of information from PTIs and CPRCs.

We would like to express our appreciation to all the Parent Centers for helping to produce positive outcomes for children with disabilities. We also thank the families and professionals for their collaboration and partnership.

Thank You!Paula Goldberg, Co-DirectorSue Folger, Co-DirectorSharman Davis Barrett, Co-DirectorGretchen Godfrey, Research Coordinator

National Parent Technical Assistance Centerat PACER Center

Dear Colleagues,

2

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

In 1984, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) established Parent Centers across the nation. They are charged with helping families and schools to understand the law and how to use it to benefit children with all disabilities.

Before IDEA:• childrenandyoungadultswith

disabilities often did not receive appropriate education services

• manywereexcludedentirelyfrompublic schools or the general curriculum

• undiagnoseddisabilitiespreventedchildren from succeeding in school

• inadequateresourcesinschoolsforcedfamilies to seek education services outside the public school

Because of IDEA:• childrenandyoungadultswith

disabilities receive a free, appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment

• moststudentsprogresstopostsecondary education, employment, independent living, and being part of the community

• studentsandfamiliescanlooktothefuture with hope

The IDEA changed the world for American children and young adults with disabilities. Parent Centers are an integral part of its success.

“Disability is a natural part of the human experience and in no way diminishes the right of individuals to participate in or contribute to society. Improving educational results for children with disabilities is an essential element of our national policy of ensuring equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for individuals with disabilities.”

–The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)3

Parent Centers—Parent Training and Information Centers (PTIs) and Community Parent Resource Centers (CPRCs)—provide training and assistance to the families of the nation’s 7 million children with disabilities. They are funded through the U.S. Department of Education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Every state has at least one Parent Center, and those with large populations may have more. There are currently 103 Parent Centers in the United States.

Parent Centers serve families of children of all ages (birth to 26) and all disabilities (physical, cognitive, behavioral, and emotional). Parent Centers provide a variety of services including one-on-one support and assistance, workshops, leadership training, publications, and websites. The majority of Parent Center staff and boards are parents of children with disabilities, so they are able to bring personal experience and expertise when working with families.

Specifically, Parent Centers help families to:

• betterunderstandtheirchildren’s disabilities and education needs• communicatemoreeffectivelywith school and related professionals• understandtheirrightsand responsibilities under the IDEA• obtainappropriateservicesfortheir children• resolvedisagreementswiththeschool or other agencies• connectwithothercommunity resources that assist children with disabilities

Parent Centers work collaboratively to improve outcomes for children with disabilities. They collect and share data from their work experience that leads to improved practices in serving children and youth with disabilities and their families.

Why Parent Centers ?

4

Technical Assistance for Parent Centers 2012-2013

5

In 2012-2013, the Parent Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) network was a partnership of one national and six regional Parent Technical Assistance Centers, each funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs. These seven projects comprised a unified technical assistance system to support the more than 100 Parent Training and Information Centers (PTIs) and Community Parent Resource Centers (CPRCs) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

The Regional PTACs conducted annual conferences and provided individualized technical assistance to Parent Centers in their region. The National PTAC produced high quality materials and conducted a national conference, institutes, and webinars on critical topics for Parent Centers.

Together, the National and Regional Parent Technical Assistance Centers helped Parent Centers improve outcomes for families of children and youth with disabilities.

Technical Assistance and Research-Based Information

• Maintainedacommunicationsinfrastructure for Parent Centers, including toll-free numbers, websites, newsletters, and social networking tools

• Developedanddisseminatednewparent training materials and resources

• Providedindividualizedtechnicalassistance, conference calls, and site visits

National Collaborations• PartneredwiththeU.S.Departmentof

Education’s Technical Assistance and Dissemination Network

• InitiatedactivitiesamongParentCenters and stakeholders on issues of systems change and school reform

Training Events

• Conductednationaltopicalinstitutes,webinars, and conference

• Conductedregionalconferences,webinars, and conference calls

Technology/Business Partnerships

• MaintainedParentCenterNetworkportal (www.parentcenternetwork.org)

• Utilizedonlineconferencingtoconduct and archive trainings for Parent Center staff

• Strengthenedrelationshipswithnational experts on business and the media to strengthen the effectiveness of Parent Centers

Evaluation Activities

• Conductednationalneedsassessment• CollecteddatafromParentCentersto

measure effectiveness and outcomes of the parent program

• Assessedeffectivenessoftechnicalassistance services through formative and summative evaluation activities

Parent Center Success Story

Sharon PattersonAfter raising five children of her own, Sharon Patterson felt like she was a successful mother who knew what she was doing. When they became foster parents, she and her husband Greg realized they had much to learn about children with disabilities. “I didn’t know what I didn’t know!” she says.

Now, with the help of the Association for Special Children and Families (ASCF) in New Jersey, a Community Parent Resource Center, Sharon and Greg (the family’s names have been changed to protect their privacy) have lovingly fostered an amazing 75 children – some with severe disabilities and special health care needs.

Sharon first contacted the Parent Center in 2007 for help with her now-adopted daughter Valerie, who was born three months premature with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and an addiction to cocaine. In the years since, Sharon has utilized many of the resources offered by the Parent Center: advocacy workshops, support groups, coaching and referrals, after-school activities and tutoring, and weekend programs. Now 8 years old, Valerie attends a regular classroom, loves the trampoline, and plays basketball even though she has cerebral palsy. “Valerie is the most delightful child now that I can’t even begin to tell you,” Sharon said proudly.

What does it take to raise 75 foster children? Someone who does their homework, stays positive, and doesn’t give up, says Angela Abdul, director of the Parent Center. “We teach our parents how to cooperate, and Sharon is a prime example of that,” she says. “When advocating for your child, it’s not about winning battles, but building relationships.”

That means bringing complete documentation to a meeting, being respectful and assertive, and seeking the opinions of professionals who can provide an accurate assessment of your child’s needs. Sharon shared her strategy: “I listen, I suggest, and then I get the support of the medical professionals before I go to the school,” she said. “If you have a good relationship, they want to help you.”

Although she admits that raising so many children with disabilities can be overwhelming at times, Sharon relies on the Parent Center’s support to persevere. “The center helped me see that children with disabilities may be on a different path but they are still going to make progress,” she said. “Your child is still going to make you smile.”

6

7

The data on the following pages were collected and compiled by the National Parent Technical Assistance Center. Ninety-nine percent (99%) of Parent Centers submitted reports based on data collected from Oct. 1, 2012 – Sept. 30, 2013.

Parent Centers reported the number of parents and professionals receiving various types of services, such as individual assistance, workshops, assistance at Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, and information dissemination. In addition to collecting demographic data on the parents and professionals served, each Parent Center also made 50 follow-up calls to families who received their services in the previous year. A random sample of 25 parents who received individual assistance and 25 parents who attended a workshop were called and asked to respond to survey questions that reveal the impact Parent Center services had on their child and family. Therefore, the outcome data in this book is the result of surveying over 5,000 parents across the country. The responses remain anonymous and the calls were made by a third party who did not provide services to the parents. Online surveys were also used to collect outcome data from parents and professionals.

About the Data

2012-2013 8

Parent Centers Help Parents and Professionals through Individual Assistance

Parent Centers provide direct assistance to parents and professionals through telephone calls, emails, letters, home visits, and meetings.

The information helps parents learn about special education laws and procedures, find appropriate services for their children, and communicate with schools and other agencies. Professionals use information from Parent Centers to learn about specific disabilities, special education laws and services, and parent-professional communication.

Number of Parents and Professionals that Received Individual Assistance from Parent Centers

665,529

430,742

1,096,271

“I am a better advocate now and

a better part of the team.”“The information led me to ask better

questions at the school.”

Parents Professionals Total

2009-2010

Parent Centers Help Parents and Professionals through Trainings and Presentations

Parent Centers have been extremely successful at disseminating valuable information to parents and professionals through trainings, workshops, presentations, and conferences.

Parent Centers provide trainings both in-person and online.

9

“The trainings increased my knowledge of my rights and what words to use to make an impact. It also increased my confidence

level in IEP meetings.”

“In every training I’ve attended, I’ve always received very useful information.”

217,260

101,100

318,360Number of Parents and Professionals that Attended Trainings or Presentations by Parent Centers

2012-2013

Parents Professionals Total

2012-2013

Parent Centers Help Families of Children with All Disabilities: Physical, Cognitive, Learning, & Emotional

Parent Centers provided services to families of children with all disabilities.

“I am very happy with the work the Parent Center provided and it has opened many

doors – improved my child’s quality of life!”

“The Parent Center helped us figure out what steps we needed to take to make sure

our child was getting the correct special education services.”

% S

erve

d

Disabilities

Disability % Served

Autism _____________________24.69%

ADD/ADHD __________________12.37%

Specific Learning Disability ____ 9.17%

Other Health Impairment _____ 8.78%

Multiple Disabilities __________ 7.01%

Emotional Disturbance _______ 6.19%

Intellectual Disability ___________ 6.02%

Developmental Delay _________ 5.95%

No IDEA Disability ____________ 5.59%

Suspected Disability __________ 4.73%

Speech/Language ____________ 3.90%

Orthopedic Impairment _______ 2.18%

Deaf/Hearing Impairment _____ 1.50%

Vision Impairment ___________ 0.59%

Traumatic Brain Injury ________ 0.48%

Deaf-Blindness ______________ 0.45%

Gifted _______________________ 0.43%

10

2009-2010

% S

erve

d

Parent Centers Help Families with Children Ages Birth to 26

Parent Centers help improve outcomes for children from infancy to young adulthood.

“Without your help, my son would have dropped out. Thank you so much.”

“The Parent Center gave me the most useful information I have received in my child’s

thirteen years. It was so helpful.”

11 2012-2013

4.27%

14.73%

36.82%

18.96% 18.27%

6.95%

Birth-2 3-5 6-11 12-14 15-18 Beyond High School

Ages Served

35%

30%

25%

20%

15%

10%

5%

0%

2012-2013

Parent Centers Help Families of Culturally and Racially Diverse Backgrounds

Parent Centers provide services to parents and professionals of culturally and racially diverse backgrounds through individual assistance, trainings, and presentations. The National and Regional Parent Technical Assistance Centers disseminate translated materials and information regarding cultural diversity and competency.

“Sometimes the language can be a barrier, but having the materials in my same

language makes it easier to understand.”

“The Parent Center helped me understand many of the cultural differences in working

with the school staff and helped me to understand the best way to approach my

concerns with the school.”

27%

Percentage of People from Culturally and Racially Diverse Backgrounds Served by Parent Centers

12

Parent Centers Help Families of Culturally and Racially Diverse Backgrounds through Trainings, Presentations, and Individual Assistance

Parent Centers are committed to reaching families and professionals of culturally and racially diverse backgrounds through their trainings. Staff members create specific trainings to help families communicate with school staff, understand cultural differences, learn special education laws, and find out about different disabilities.

Parent Centers are committed to increasing individual assistance (calls, emails, letters, home visits, and meetings) to families and professionals from racially or culturally diverse backgrounds. Parent Centers conduct outreach to diverse communities by hiring staff members who speak Spanish, Hmong, Somali, Chinese, and other languages and are familiar with these cultures. Parent Centers also provide materials in families’ native languages.

Percentage of People from Culturally and Racially Diverse Backgrounds that Attended Trainings and Presentations by Parent Centers

27%

27%

Percentage of People from Culturally and Racially Diverse Backgrounds that Received Individual Assistance from Parent Centers

2012-201313

Parent Centers Help Parents and Professionals through Information DisseminationParent Centers provide indirect assistance to parents and professionals by sending informative print and electronic newsletters and establishing and updating websites. The number of yearly visits to Parent Center websites has more than doubled since 2003-2004.

Parent Centers also reach people through resource fairs, poster sessions, and media events such as public service announcements and newspaper articles.

Newsletters provide readers with up-to-date research-based materials, information, family success stories, additional resources, and local news and events.

Parent Center websites provide people with a background on the Parent Center, workshop schedules, scientifically-based research, personal stories, additional resources, links to other technical assistance projects funded by the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), and information about state and national laws affecting special education. Each website reflects the unique characteristics of the Parent Center and the community it serves.

“The website has great resources.”“The resources were readily accessible

and accurate.”

Number of Parents and Professionals Reachedthrough Information Dissemination

Newsletters Sent

WebsiteVisits

Poster Sessions and Resource

Fairs

12,070,914 11,456,548 471,417

2012-2013 14

9,501 947 426 321

2012-2013

Number of Parents and Professionals Receiving Extended Services

MediationFacilitated IEP

MeetingsResolution Sessions

IEP Meetings

Parent Centers Help Parents and Professionals through Extended Services

Parent Centers provide extended services to parents by attending Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings and helping parents understand and participate in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) options including Mediations and Facilitated IEP Meetings.

At IEP meetings, Parent Center staff help parents and school personnel understand how the special education process works, and they often facilitate communication between parents and professionals.

At Facilitated IEP Meetings, Mediations, and Resolution Sessions, Parent Center staff help families resolve disagreements with the school and give advice to find a working solution for families. Resolving disputes early helps prevent due process filings and other more adversarial and expensive processes.

“The Parent Center spent a lot of time with us.”

“I was able to use the information at every school and IEP meeting. You

are the voice of reason between the parent and the school.”

15

Parent Center Success Story

Malissa SayavongSouthida Sayavong knew that her 8-year-old daughter was a bright, capable child but even she was surprised to learn that Malissa could use her iPad to correctly spell ‘San Francisco,’ a city nearby that the family often visits.

Malissa is non-verbal and communicates through signing and other means. She has fine and gross motor issues and some visual impairment, and has been diagnosed with autism and an intellectual disability. In spite of her child’s many challenges, Southida believed that Malissa was capable of learning and wanted her Individualized Education Program (IEP) to include appropriate goals that encouraged academic progress. Southida, whose primary language is Lao, was frustrated because she had not been able to effectively communicate what she believed to be Malissa’s true capabilities. “I didn’t know what to do,” she said. “I was relying on the teacher’s advice.”

It was in an English language class that Southida learned about the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF) in Berkeley, Calif., a Parent Training and Information Center. That’s where Southida and her husband Sid discovered that they had rights as parents that could positively impact Malissa’s education. “Southida may not have known about special education law,” said Ann McDonald-Cacho of DREDF, “but she knew intuitively that the program wasn’t meeting her

daughter’s needs. The idea that she had a say in the matter had not even occurred to her.”

DREDF arranged for a translator to help improve communication with school personnel. Southida sought outside evaluations and devised creative ways to demonstrate her daughter’s capabilities, including the use of home video. With the help of DREDF, Southida was able to have Malissa’s IEP rewritten. “We learned how to advocate for our child,” Southida said. “We learned how to bring our concerns to the IEP team and how to solve problems and make informed decisions. DREDF provided the support and information that we needed.”

Malissa is now doing better at school. She has an excellent memory, can recall and spell many different words, and count from 1 to 100 and back again. Malissa also knows the password for her family’s iPad, which she uses to learn and watch her favorite cartoons on YouTube. The school has provided an iPad, which she uses to learn and communicate in class. Someday she might also come to know what a great example her mom is for other parents of children with disabilities.

“Southida is the sweetest, most humble, soft-spoken person but she would not let go,” McDonald-Cacho said. “She has become a tireless advocate for her child.”

16

Outcome Data2009-2010

Outcome Data

“The Parent Center continued to support my decisions and gave me options of

how I could reach the next steps, which eventually led to a different placement

that was more appropriate.”

“We have implemented a plan to get the services my child needs. I have a better understanding of my roles and

responsibilities and am taking action to get the services my child needs.”

Outcomes: Children Receive More Appropriate Services

Eighty percent of parents reported that their child has received more appropriate services because they have put to use the information they have learned from the Parent Center.

Eighty percent of parents reported that their child has received more appropriate services because they have put to use the information they learned at the workshop.

No- 20%

Parent Centers Help Children Receive More Appropriate Services

Via Workshops

Parent Centers Help Children Receive More Appropriate Services

Yes- 80%

No- 20%

Outcome Data2012-201317

ViaIndividual Assistance

Yes- 80%

The outcome data on pg. 17-24 is a result of surveying more than 5,000 parents across the country.

Outcome Data

Outcomes: Parents are More Knowledgeable about How to Work with Schools

Ninety-five percent of parents reported that because of the information they received from the Parent Center, to a great or some extent, they are more knowledgeable about how to work with schools.

Ninety-seven percent of parents reported that because of the information they received at the workshop, to a great or some extent, they are more knowledgeable about how to work with schools.

“Because of the Parent Center’s help, we have the best IEP ever

and I am more confident.”

“I understand the IEP process so much better now.”

Via Individual Assistance

To a Great/Some Extent-

95%

Not at All- 5%

Parent Centers Help Parents Become More Knowledgeable about How to Work with Schools

Via Workshops

Not at All- 3%

Parent Centers Help Parents Become More Knowledgeable about How to Work with Schools

To a Great/Some Extent-

97%

18Outcome Data2012-2013

Outcome Data2009-2010

Outcome Data

Outcomes: Parents Address Critical Needs Related to Their Child’s Education

Eighty-nine percent of parents reported that because of the information they received from the Parent Center, they were able to work with the school to address a critical need related to their child’s education.

Ninety percent of parents reported that because of the information they received at the workshop, they were able to work with the school to address a critical need related to their child’s education.

ViaIndividual Assistance

Yes- 89%

No- 11%

Parent Centers Help Parents Address Critical Needs Related to Their Child’s Education

Via Workshops

No- 10%

Yes- 90%

Parent Centers Help Parents Address Critical Needs Related to Their Child’s Education

“My child was able to get her IEP because of the information provided by

the Parent Center.”

“We would not have the great program for my son without the good information

from the Parent Center.”

19Outcome Data

2012-2013

Outcome Data

Outcomes: Parents are Provided with Relevant Information to Make Decisions

Ninety-four percent of parents reported that the Parent Center provided them with the relevant information they needed to make decisions about their child’s education.

Ninety-six percent of parents reported that the workshop provided them with the relevant information they needed to make decisions about their child’s education.

Yes- 94%Via Individual Assistance

No- 6%

Parent Centers Provide Parents with Relevant Information to Make Decisions

Via Workshops

Yes- 96%

No- 4%

Parent Centers Provide Parents with Relevant Information to Make Decisions

“Now I know what questions to ask and to not be afraid to ask as many

questions as I need.”

“I feel more confident with what I am doing for my son.”

20Outcome Data2012-2013

Outcome DataOutcomes: Parents Share with Others the Information They Received from Parent Centers

Eighty-three percent of parents reported that they have shared the information they received from the Parent Center, to a great or some extent, with other families.

Eighty-eight percent of parents reported that they have shared the information they received at the workshop, to a great or some extent, with other families.

The impact of Parent Centers’ work is multiplied exponentially through parents’ sharing of information with others, making Parent Centers even more cost effective.

ViaIndividual Assistance

To a Great/Some Extent-

83%

Not at All- 17%

Parents Share with Others the Information They Received from Parent Centers

Via Workshops

To a Great/Some Extent-

88%

Not at All- 12%

Parents Share with Others the Information They Received from Parent Centers

“I have made copies of the IEP information you gave me and shared it

with other families.”

“Not only do I use the information that was given to me, but I share it with

other parents as well.”

21Outcome Data

2012-2013

Outcome Data

Outcomes: Parents Receive Useful Information

Ninety-six percent of parents reported that the information they received from their contact with the Parent Center was very useful.

Ninety-eight percent of parents reported that the information they received from the workshop was very useful.

Via Individual Assistance

Very Useful- 96%

Not Useful- 4%

Parent Centers Provide Useful Information to Parents

Via Workshops

Very Useful- 98%

Not Useful- 2%

Parent Centers Provide Useful Information to Parents

“The Parent Center helped me know what I needed to do to prepare for

the school year.”

“I am more knowledgeable, know how to advocate for my child, and can help

other parents.”

22Outcome Data2012-2013

Outcome DataOutcomes: Parents Receive High Quality Materials

Ninety-seven percent of parents reported that the materials available from the Parent Center were of high quality.

Ninety-seven percent of parents reported that the materials used at the workshop were of high quality.

“The materials are high quality. I wish all materials I receive from other

agencies were as user friendly.”

“All materials were good, parent friendly, and understandable to me as the parent struggling to learn about

my rights and services that should be available to my child.”

ViaIndividual Assistance

No- 3%

The Materials Available from the Parent Center Are of High Quality

Yes- 97%

Via Workshops

No- 3%

The Materials Available from the Parent Center Are of High Quality

Yes- 97%

23Outcome Data

2012-2013

Outcome Data

Yes- 83%

No- 17%

Parent Centers Help Parents Resolve Disagreements with Schools

Via Individual Assistance

“I communicate better with the school. We had a difficult IEP that the Parent

Center helped us resolve.”

“Many things have changed. She has been evaluated and is now receiving services.”

Outcomes: Disagreements are Resolved with Schools

Eighty-three percent of parents reported that the information and support they received from the Parent Center helped them to resolve a disagreement with the school.

24Outcome Data2012-2013

Region 1—Statewide Parent Advocacy Network (SPAN)

35 Halsey Street, 4th Floor Newark, NJ 07102 973.642.8100 | 973.642.8080 (Fax) | 800.654.7726 (Toll Free) span@spannj.org | www.spannj.org CT, ME, MA, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VT Co-Directors: Diana Autin and Debra Jennings

Region 2—Exceptional Children’s Assistance Center (ECAC)

907 Barra Row, Suite 102/103 Davidson, NC 28036 704.892.1321 | 704.892.5028 (Fax) | 800.962.6817 (Toll Free) ecacta@ecacmail.org | www.ecac-parentcenter.org DE, KY, MD, NC, SC, TN, VA, DC, WV Director: Connie Hawkins

Region 3-Partners Resource Network (PRN)

1090 Longfellow Drive Beaumont, TX 77706 409.898.4684 | 409.898.4869 (Fax) | 800.866.4726 (Toll Free)partnersresource@sbcglobal.net | http://www.partnerstx.org AL, AR, FL, GA, LA, MS, OK, Puerto Rico, TX, US Virgin Islands Director: Janice Meyer

Region 4-Wisconsin FACETS

600 W. Virginia Street, Suite 501 Milwaukee, WI 53204 414.374.4645 | 414.374.4655 (Fax) | 877.374.0511 (Toll Free) region4ta@wifacets.org | www.wifacets.orgIL, IN, IA, MI, MN, MO, OH, PA, WI Co-Directors: Jan Serak and Courtney Salzer

Region 5—PEAK Parent Center

611 North Weber, Suite 200 Colorado Springs, CO 80903 719.531.9400 | 719.531.9452 (Fax) | 800.284.0251 (Toll Free) region5ptac@peakparent.org | www.peakparent.org AZ, CO, KS, MT, NE, ND, NM, SD, UT, WY Director: Barbara Buswell

Region 6—Matrix Parent Network and Resource Center

94 Galli Drive, Suite C Novato, CA 94949 415.884.3535 | 415.884.3555 (Fax) | 800.578.2592 (Toll Free) region6@matrixparents.org | www.matrixparents.org AK, CA, HI, ID, NV, OR, WA, the outlying areas of the Pacific Basin and the Freely Associated States Director: Nora Thompson

25

National Parent Technical Assistance Center at PACER Center

8161 Normandale Boulevard, Minneapolis, MN 55437-1044 952.838.9000 | 952.838.0199 (Fax) | 888.248.0822 (Toll Free)

pacer@pacer.org | www.pacer.org

Co-Directors: Paula Goldberg, Sue Folger, and Sharman Davis Barrett

Parent Technical Assistance Center Network 2012-2013

Parent Training and Information Centers (PTIs) and Community Parent Resource Centers (CPRCs) 2012-2013

Community Parent Resource Centers

ALABAMAParent Education Center Wetumpka (334) 567-2252

ALASKALinks Mat-Su Wasilla (907) 373-3632Stone Soup GroupAnchorage (907) 561-3701

ARIZONARaising Special KidsPhoenix (602) 242-4366

ARKANSASArkansas Disability Coalition Little Rock (501) 614-7020Northwest Arkansas Community Parent Center Springdale (479) 927-4100

CALIFORNIAChinese Parents Association for the Disabled San Gabriel (626) 307-3837DREDFBerkeley (510) 644-2555Exceptional Parents UnlimitedFresno (559) 229-2000Fiesta Educativa Los Angeles (323) 221-6696MatrixNovato (800) 578-2592ParentsCAN Napa (707) 253-7444Parents Helping Parents San Jose (408) 727-5775Rowell Family Empower-ment of Northern CARedding (530) 226-5129Support for Families of Children with DisabilitiesSan Francisco (415) 282-7494

Support for Families of Children with Disabilities San Francisco (415) 282-7494TASKAnaheim (714) 533-8275TASK, San DiegoSan Diego (619) 282-0846

COLORADODenver Metro Community Parent Resource Center Aurora (303) 365-2772PEAK Parent Center, Inc. Colorado Springs (800) 284-0251

CONNECTICUTConnecticut Parent Advocacy Center, Inc.Niantic (860) 739-3089AFCAMP/Hartford–New Haven Community Parent Resource Center Hartford (860) 297-4358

DELAWAREParent Information Center of DelawareWilmington (302) 999-7394

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIAAdvocates for Justice and EducationWashington (202) 678-8060

FLORIDACentral Florida Parent Center, Inc.Palm Harbor (727) 789-2400Parent to Parent of Miami, Inc. Miami (305) 271-9797PEN ProjectDunedin (727) 523-1130POPIN Project Tallahassee (727) 523-1130

GEORGIAParent to Parent of Georgia, Inc.Atlanta (770) 451-5484

GUAMGuam’s Positive Parents TogetherHagatna (671) 477-7472

HAWAIIHawaii Parent Training and Information CenterHonolulu (808) 536-9684

IDAHOIdaho Parents Unlimited, Inc.Boise (208) 342-5884

ILLINOISFamily MattersEffingham (217) 347-5428Family Resource Center on Disabilities Chicago (312) 939-3513

INDIANAIN*SOURCESouth Bend (574) 234-7101

IOWAAccess for Special Kids (ASK)Johnston (515) 243-1713

KANSASFamilies Together, Inc.Wichita (316) 945-7747

KENTUCKYKentucky Special Parent Involvement NetworkLouisville (502) 937-6894

LOUISIANALouisiana PTIHarahan (504) 888-9111Pyramid CPRC New Orleans (504) 899-1505MAINEMaine Parent FederationAugusta (207) 588-1933

MARYLANDThe Parents’ Place of MarylandGlen Burnie (410) 768-9100

MASSACHUSETTSFederation for Children with Special NeedsBoston (617) 236-7210Urban Pride Allston (617) 206-4570

MICHIGANMichigan Alliance for Families–Region 1Detroit (313) 557-8780Michigan Alliance for Families–Region 2c/o The Arc Michigan (800) 292-7851S.P.E.A.K.S. Education Newberry (906) 293-8984

MINNESOTAdiscapacitados abriendose caminos St. Paul (651) 293-1748PACER Center, Inc.Minneapolis (888) 248-0822

MISSISSIPPIMS PTIJackson (601) 969-0601

MISSOURIMissouri Parents Act (MPACT)Kansas City (816) 531-7070

MONTANAParents Let’s Unite for Kids Billings (406) 255-0540

NEBRASKAPTI NebraskaOmaha (402) 346-0525

NEVADANevada PEPLas Vegas (702) 388-8899NEW HAMPSHIREParent Information CenterConcord (603) 224-7005

NEW JERSEYAssociation for Special Children & Families Hewitt (973) 728-8744

Statewide Parent Advocacy Network (SPAN)Newark (800) 654-7726

NEW MEXICOEPICS Project Albuquerque (505) 767-6630Parents Reaching OutAlbuquerque (505) 247-0192

NEW YORKThe Advocacy CenterRochester (585) 546-1700Advocates for Children of New YorkNew York (212) 947-9779Parent Network of WNY Buffalo (716) 332-4170Resources for Children with Special Needs, Inc.New York (212) 677-4650Sinergia/Metropolitan Parent CenterNew York (212) 643-2840United We Stand Brooklyn (718) 302-4313

NORTH CAROLINAECAC, Inc.Davidson (800) 962-6817FIRST Asheville (828) 277-1315Hope Parent Resource Center Hickory (828) 256-5202

NORTH DAKOTAND Pathfinder PTIMinot (701) 837-7500

OHIOOCECD–Region 1Marion (740) 382-5452OCECD–Region 2Marion (740) 382-5452

OKLAHOMAOklahoma Parents Center, Inc.Holdenville (405) 379-6015

OREGONFamily and Community Together (FACT)Portland (888) 988-FACT (3228)Oregon FIRST Portland (503) 232-4500

PALAUPalau Parents Empowered Koror 011-680-488-1432

PENNSYLVANIAHispanos Unidos para Niños Excepcionales Philadelphia (215) 425-6203Mission Empower Erie (814) 825-0788Parent Education and Advocacy Leadership Center Pittsburgh (412) 281-4404Parent Education Network York (717) 600-0100

PUERTO RICOAPNISan Juan (787) 763-4665Centro Margarita Cidra (787) 739-6030

RHODE ISLANDRI Parent Information Network, Inc.Cranston (401) 270-0101

SOUTH CAROLINAParent Training and Resource Center Charleston (843) 266-1318PRO-PARENTS of SCColumbia (803) 772-5688

SOUTH DAKOTASouth Dakota Parent ConnectionSioux Falls (605) 361-3171

TENNESSEESupport & Training for Exceptional Parents, Inc.Greeneville (423) 639-0125

TEXASChildren’s Disabilities Information Coalition El Paso (915) 217-2747Partners Resource Network–PATH ProjectBeaumont (800) 866-4726Partners Resource Network– PEN ProjectLubbock (806) 762-1434Partners Resource Network– TEAM ProjectHouston (713) 524-2147

UTAHUtah Parent CenterSalt Lake City (801) 272-1051

VERMONTVermont Family NetworkWilliston (802) 876-5315

VIRGINIAFormed Families Forward Fairfax (703) 282-3408Parent Educational Advocacy Training CenterFalls Church (703) 923-0010

VIRGIN ISLANDSV.I. FINDSt. Thomas (340) 774-1662

WASHINGTONOpen Doors for Multicultural Families Kent (206) 372-1072Washington PAVETacoma (253) 565-2266

WEST VIRGINIAWest Virginia PTIClarksburg (304) 624-1436

WISCONSINAlianza Latina Aplicando Soluciones Milwaukee(414) 643-0022Wisconsin FACETSMilwaukee (877) 374-0511

WYOMINGParent Information CenterBuffalo (307) 684-2277

National Parent Centers

OREGONNational Indian Parent Information CenterGrants Pass (855) 720-2910

WASHINGTONSpecialized Training of Military Parents (STOMP)Tacoma (800) 5PARENT

Parent Centers Helping Families: Outcome Data 2012-2013 highlights the important work of the more than 100 Parent Training and Information Centers (PTIs) and Community Parent Resource Centers (CPRCs) funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs. The report includes data on the numbers of parents and professionals served by Parent Centers, outcomes of the services provided, and success stories exemplifying Parent Centers’ positive impact on families of children with disabilities.

About the Book