The PEAL Center helps Pennsylvania families who have children with disabilities and/or special health care needs from birth to age 26. PEAL also educates self-advocates and youth on self-advocacy, self-determination and leadership development.
PEAL, Pennsylvania’s Statewide Parent Training and Information Center, gives families and self-advocates safe and confidential support to help you through any situation. PEAL is an organization of parents of children with disabilities and/or special health care needs who bring knowledge and experience as a resource for education and special health care information and resources in Pennsylvania.
Services available at no cost to you:
- Connect with a Family Resource Specialists who provide individual assistance by phone, email or in-person. Individual assistance is available in both English and Spanish, as well as other languages as needed
- Attend an in-person training, conference or other event to connect with PEAL staff, other families or experts in the field
- Register for one of PEAL’s online trainings, which cover a broad range of topics
- Take part in an intensive leadership development courses for families and caregivers
Education
Educational Rights means that every child in this country who has a disability – no matter the nature of the disability – has the right to a public education at no cost to their families.
The federal law that gives children with disabilities from birth to age 21 the right to a free and appropriate education is called the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Under this law, an appropriate education means that educational services must be individually designed to meet a child’s unique needs in the least restrictive environment (LRE).
We’ve put together resources and information to help you understand your rights and role as a parent/caregiver. Use these resources to help you navigate the educational systems.
- Early Intervention
- Transitions within School
- Planning for Adulthood
Healthcare
We envision a world of optimal health and quality of life for all children and youth with special healthcare needs (CYSHCN) and their families. The challenge of creating an effective system of care depends on ensuring families are partners in care; that there is early and continuous screening; that there is access to a medical home where community based coordinated care is provided; where adequate insurance and funding is available to cover services; and that families and providers plan for transition to adult care and services.
Use the resources provided to help you understand and navigate the healthcare systems. We’ve selected resources that intentionally promote family-centered, community-based, coordinated care for CYSHCN.
