What is the Local Task Force?
The Local Task Force is a group of parents, educators, disability-service organizations, advocates, and community members who work together on issues affecting students with disabilities and special education. IU1 describes its purpose as helping protect students' educational rights, improving collaboration among families, schools, and community agencies, sharing information about special-education programs, and recommending solutions when concerns arise.
The LTF also has an important historical role connected to Pennsylvania's Right to Education efforts. Its work includes reviewing issues affecting special education and helping inform families and the community about available programs and resources.
Who should attend?
You do not have to be an educator or professional to attend. IU1 specifically says that any interested person or family member of a student with a disability may attend regularly scheduled meetings.
Meetings are especially relevant for parents and caregivers of children with disabilities, students and self-advocates, special-education teachers and other educators, school-district personnel, disability advocates, community/service agencies, and anyone interested in special education in Fayette, Greene, or Washington County. Parents are particularly important: IU1 states that the task force's membership is required to have a majority of parents.
So, for a parent wondering whether this is "for me," the answer is yes—even if you don't currently have a problem with your child's school. It can be a place to learn about special-education rights and resources, meet other families and professionals, ask questions, and bring attention to broader concerns affecting students with disabilities.
Register for the October meeting HERE.