Right to Education
Local Task Force
Special Education Parent Support Group
What is the Right to Education in Pennsylvania?
The Right to Education Consent Agreement of 1972 provided for the establishment of a Local Task Force (LTF) in each of Pennsylvania’s 29 Intermediate Unit regions to ensure that the intent & spirit of the agreement is carried out throughout the Commonwealth. The state of Pennsylvania agreed to provide a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for all children with disabilities & the decree established the standard that each child must be offered an Individualized Education Program (IEP) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) while promoting inclusion.
Goals of the LTF
- Encourage positive collaboration & communication between families, school districts, and community partners.
- Identify systemic needs or problems and forward them to the State Task Force.
- Provide information and resources relevant to students with special needs.
- Respond to concerns affecting the special needs community and provide recommendations to help resolve the issues.
- Serve in an advisory and advocacy role to protect the rights of students with disabilities.
Upcoming Meetings
Local Task Force meetings are open to the public.
Anyone who wishes to attend is welcome.
Thursday, March 27th, 2025, 6:00 - 8:00pm
In person - Northwest Tri-County IU5, 252 Waterford Street, Edinboro, PA 16412
Online - Virtual Link
Thursday, May 22, 2025, 6:00 - 8:00pm
In person - Northwest Tri-County IU5, 252 Waterford Street, Edinboro, PA 16412
Online - Virtual Link Coming Soon
For questions or concerns about LTF5 or your child's school program, contact:
Jennifer Ford
Local Right to Education Task Force Chairperson
or
Michele Hecker
Local Right to Education Task Force Co-Chair
LTF Membership
LTF5 invites all parents and caregivers of students with disabilities to attend meetings and/or become members. Membership is easy.
There is no cost to attend meetings or become a member of the LTF.
To become a member:
- Attend two LTF meetings in the current school year
- Request to become a member by completing the online form linked.