January 27, 2016 | By: Stephania WIlliams
Navigate Life Texas works to maintain the accuracy and integrity of the content on this site. This blog has been updated since its first publication to reflect changes with other organizations, links to other sites and other information. The substance of the article and the writer’s story have not been altered.
The PEN Project works to empower parents of children with disabilities in their roles as parents, decision-makers and advocates.
PEN helps parents understand their child’s disability. They also help parents understand their rights and responsibilities under IDEA. To do this, they offer a variety of services, including individual assistance over the phone and in person. The PEN Project offers workshops for parents and professionals. All services are provided at no cost to parents.
The PEN Project serves west and north Texas from the Concho Valley to El Paso to the panhandle. Take a look at their map to get more information about the area they serve.
PEN has a monthly e-newsletter that gives you the inside scoop on training and workshops in your area. You can subscribe or check out the latest newsletter. Workshops and trainings explore topics such as laws, disabilities, policies and procedures. They’re all geared toward helping parents and caregivers access the resources their children need.
If your passion is helping other parents understand the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) process, you may want to learn more about PEN’s Parent Leadership Training. Parent Leader candidates must have a strong foundational knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Parent Leaders are volunteers for Partners Resource Network (PRN).
Parent Leaders help parents prepare for their child’s ARD meeting. They also help to identify issues and support the collaborative process of the meeting. Often, that means helping a parents and schools agree on parts of the ARD. Parent Leaders attend a two-day training program to prepare them for this role.
Call 833-847-2686 to contact them or email them at [email protected]. PEN’s office is located at 7400 Viscount Blvd, Suite 201, El Paso TX 79925.
Don’t forget to check out the Find Services, Groups and Events page for more resources.