News / Events
Important Dates
- July 11-13, 2012 - NPTAC Topical Institute: Minneapolis, MN - Register today!
- Innovative Technology to Broaden the Scope of Your Parent Center
- July 23-25, 2012 - OSEP Project Directors Conference, Washington, D.C.
- July 30-August 1, 2012 - OSEP Leadership Conference (previously OSEP Mega Conference), Washington, D.C.
- September 19-21, 2012 - NPTAC Topical Insititutes: Minneapolis, MN - Register today!
- Forward Thinking in Management and Leadership: Sustainability in an Ever-Changing World (includes staff development and hands-on training for trainers)
- Meeting the Needs of Youth with Disabilities: Looking Across Education, Mental Health and Juvenile Justice Systems for Multi-Disciplinary Solutions
U.S. Department of Education Releases Restraint and Seclusion Resource Document
The U.S. Department of Education released a new resource document discouraging the use of seclusion and restraints for all students and promoting positive behavioral supports.
Celebrate National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day on May 9th
National Children’s Mental Health Awareness day, sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), will take place on May 9, 2012. This annual event educates the public about the importance of children’s mental health and seeks support for a comprehensive system of care approach to children's mental health services. Learn More>>>
New Publications on Juvenile Justice
Three new publications have been released by the Technical Assistance Partnership for Children and Family Mental Health aimed at providing information on how to meet the mental and behavioral health needs of youth in the juveniles justice system. They include:
- A Primer for Mental Health Pracitioners Working with Youth Involved in the Juvenile Justice System
- New Directions for Behavioral Health Funding and Implications for Youth Involved in the Juvenile Justice System
- Screening and Assessment in Juvenile Justice Systems: Identifying Mental Health Needs and Rish of Reoffending
New Report on Seclusion and Restraint: How Safe is the Schoolhouse?
This report, published by the Autism National Committee, is a comprehensive description and analysis of state seclusion/restraint statutes, regulations, and nonbinding guidance as of January 2012.
Technology Leadership Initiative (TLI) Project Page Launched
Information and resources from the Technology Leadership Initiative (TLI) project that supported Parent Centers to more effectively incorporate technology into their mission are now available on the portal. Find a technology plan template, archived webinars, and links to tools and resources to assist Parent Centers in the strategic technology planning process.
Call for Entries! TATRA's 2012 Award for Excellence
PACER Center's TATRA (Technical Assistance on Transition and the Rehabilitation Act) Project is proud to announce a call for entries for its 2012 Award for Excellence in Transition-focused Parent Training. This annual award seeks to identify and highlight promising transition tools developed by OSEP-funded Parent Training and Information Centers, Community Parent Resource Centers, and RSA-funded parent training projects. Deadline for submissions: March 2, 2012. For more information go to: www.pacer.org/tatra/pdf/TATRAAward%20forExcellenceFlyer.pdf.
New Guidance on Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights recently released new guidance on the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADAAA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504) in elementary and secondary schools. A Dear Colleague letter and FAQ clarify schools’ responsibilities to evaluate students for disability and provide a free appropriate public education given changes in the law.
Annual Report on IDEA
On December 23rd, OSEP released its 30th Annual Report to Congress on the Implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Final Part C Regulations Posted
Final regulations governing Part C (Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) were posted in the Federal Register on September 28, 2011.


