Coronavirus (COVID-19)
At Partners Resource Network (PRN), our primary, fundamental concern is protecting the well-being of members of our community and educating others on how they can be strong allies to people with disabilities through the COVID-19 outbreak.
This event, first and foremost, has all of us focused on the safety and health of our families, friends, and clients. We are closely monitoring the rapidly changing data and facts associated with COVID-19 and the impact it is having both locally and around the world.
Keeping in mind the information from medical experts, and with input from our disability community, we are putting a plan in place to minimize any possible disruption to our ability to provide services to the families of children and youth with disabilities in our state.
We are prepared to continue the high level of service you expect from us, and have taken the following steps to do so with everyone’s health and safety in mind:
- We have encouraged our staff to work remotely through the end of April.
- We are moving all previously scheduled in-person events through April 2020 to virtual platforms. Details will be available on these developments through our Regional Coordinators, website, and social media.
- Through the end of April, we are moving as much of our programming online as possible.
- In instances where it’s not possible to adapt our programming for a virtual set-up, we will be canceling or rescheduling these events until further notice.
As this situation is fluid, with information rapidly changing and updating, PRN will continuously asses the circumstances, and make changes as necessary to protect the well-being of our clients and staff.
If you participate in any of our programs, your Regional Coordinator (RC) will be in touch with you to provide you with more specifics about any upcoming events or activities you were signed up for.
We are taking these actions for one simple reason: The more people and organizations that practice social distancing over the next few weeks will make the world an overall safer place for people with disabilities and chronic health conditions.
Regardless of if you yourself are at high risk for COVID-19, we encourage everyone to read up on the best practices of how to be a strong ally to our friends, family members, and peers at this time.
Resources for More Information on COVID-19
- Centers for Disease Control (CDC) – People at Risk for Serious Illness from COVID-19
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
- Texas Department of Health and Human Services
- List of County Public Health Entities in Texas
- Major Texas cities: Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Lubbock, San Antonio
Guidance from the U.S. Department of Education (USDE)
- USDE: Q&A on Providing Services to Children with Disabilities During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Outbreak (PDF) March 13, 2020
- USDE: COVID-19 (“Coronavirus”) Information and Resources for Schools and School Personnel
- USDE: Addressing the Risk of COVID-19 in Schools While Protecting the Civil Rights of Students Fact Sheet (PDF) March 16, 2020
- OCR Short Webinar on Online Education and Website Accessibility March 17, 2020
- Secretary DeVos: New Resources for Educators and Leaders on Flexibility, Privacy, and Educating students with Disabilities during Coronavirus Outbreak March 12, 2020
Guidance from the Texas Education Agency (TEA)
- TEA: COVID19 and Special Education in Texas Q&A (PDF) Updated March 26, 2020
- TEA: COVID 19 and Special Education in Texas (PDF) March 20, 2020 – TEA has published guidance for Texas public schools regarding the current COVID 19 pandemic and students with disabilities served by special education. This guidance is intended to compliment what was published on March 12, 2020 by the United States Department of Education (ED), Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP).
- TEA: COVID-19 Initial Guidance and FAQs
- TEA: Updates on policies and procedures related to special education complaints, mediation, and due process hearings:
- Notice Special Education Complaints & Resolution Requests (PDF) March 20, 2020
- Notice Special Education Due Process Hearing Requests (PDF) March 20, 2020
- Notice Special Education Mediation Requests (PDF) March 20, 2020
- Aviso demandas de educación especial o solicitudes de reconsideración (PDF) 20 Marzo 2020
- Aviso solicitudes de audiencia de debido proceso de educación especial (PDF) 20 Marzo 2020
- Aviso Solicitudes de Mediación de Educación Especial (PDF) 20 Marzo 2020
- TEA: Webpage dedicated to information and guidance related to COVID-19
More Resources
- Disability Rights Texas – Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak: Protecting the Rights of Students with Disabilities in Public Schools
- Disability Rights Texas – Resources, news, and other information important to people with disabilities regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
- Legal FAQs on Coronavirus, School Closings, and Special Education from Understood.org
- COVID-19 and Students with Disabilities from the National Center for Special Education in Charter Schools
- Tele-Intervention and Distance Learning Resources from ECTA
- Supporting Individuals with Autism through Uncertain Times – Free online toolkit designed to help families and caregivers supporting individuals with autism during the COVID-19 epidemic. It includes user-friendly strategies, ready-made resources and examples, and links to additional supports to help families navigate this time.
- Texans Urged to Use 2-1-1 Texas Social Services Hotline For COVID-19 Information and Referrals
- Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus): A Parent Resource (Available in English, Spanish, Amharic, Chinese, and Korean)
- Activities to Keep Kids Busy at Home – If kids have to stay home or activities are canceled because of the virus, it can be hard to find ways to keep them busy. Discover activities to keep kids occupied—and learning—at home from Understood.org
- How to Talk About Coronavirus With Kids from Understood.org – Many kids find news about the virus upsetting or confusing. It can be especially hard for kids who have trouble processing information or managing emotions.
- Get tips for talking about coronavirus with kids.
- From handwashing to anxiety, get tips on helping kids cope.
- Hear about coronavirus anxiety from Amanda Morin, and what she does to avoid passing it along to her kids.
- Rapid Response Resources: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) from Policy Innovators in Education (PIE)
Resources in Spanish
- COVID19 y Educación Especial en Texas Actualizado el 20 de marzo de 2020
- Guía interina para los administradores de programas de cuidados infantiles y escuelas de kínder a 12o grado de los EE. UU. para planificar, preparar y responder a la enfermedad del coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19)
- Qué decir y hacer si la escuela cierra por el coronavirus
- Hable con sus hijos sobre el COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Un recurso para padres
Disabilities
Need information about disabilities? You’ve come to the right place! We have a large selection of resources on disabilities as well as information on Texas support groups and other helpful organizations. Topics include:
Categories under IDEA
- ADHD | Trastorno por Déficit de Atención /Hiperactividad (ADHD)
- Autism | El Espectro del Autismo
- Categories of Disability under IDEA | Categorías de Discapacidad bajo IDEA
- Deaf-Blindness
- Deafness | Sordera y la Pérdida de la Capacidad Auditiva
- Developmental Delay
- Emotional Disturbance (ED) | Trastornos Emocionales
- Hearing Impairment | Sordera y la Pérdida de la Capacidad Auditiva
- Intellectual Disability | Discapacidades Intelectuales
- Multiple Disabilities
- Learning Disability (LD) | Discapacidades Específicas del Aprendizaje
- Other Health Impairment (OHI) | Otro Impedimento de la Salud
- Speech and Language Impairments | Trastornos del Habla y Lenguaje
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) | Lesión Cerebral Traumática
- Tourette Syndrome (TS)
- Visual Impairment including Blindness | Impedimentos Visuales
More Disability Resources:
Education Laws
Since the 1960s, there has been a virtual avalanche of federal legislation that relates directly or indirectly to individuals with disabilities, particularly children and youth. Use the links below to explore several of the most influential laws:
Babies & Toddlers (Ages 0-3)
Early intervention is an effective way to help very young children (birth to the third birthday) catch up or address specific developmental concerns as soon as possible in their lives. Early intervention services are authorized under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. To learn more about these vital services, explore the topics in our resources for Babies & Toddlers (Ages 0-3):
- Overview of Early Intervention
- Key Terms to Know in Early Intervention
- Parent Notification and Consent in Early Intervention
- Writing the IFSP for Your Child
- Developmental Milestones | Hitos del Desarrollo y Crecimiento
- Providing Early Intervention Services in Natural Environments
In Spanish | En español – Ayuda para los Bebés Hasta Su Tercer Cumpleaños
Children & Young Adults (3 to 26 years)
The education of children with disabilities is a top national priority. IDEA sets high standards for their achievement and guides how special help and services are made available in schools to address their individual needs. To learn more about these vital services, explore the topics in our resources for Children & Young Adults (3 to 26 Years):
- 10 Basic Steps in Special Education
- Key Terms to Know in Special Education
- Questions Often Asked by Parents about Special Education
- Parental Rights under IDEA
- Special Education Services for Preschoolers with Disabilities
- Evaluating Children for Disability
- All About the IEP
- Placement Issues
- Supports, Modifications, and Accommodations for Students
- Addressing Behavior Issues
- Transition to Adulthood
- Resolving Disputes Between Parents and Schools
More Resources:
Evaluations
- Scheduling the IEP Meeting and Notifying Parents
- The Right to Disagree | Derecho de No Estar de Acuerdo
- El Proceso de Determinar la Elegibilidad del Niño
- Requesting an Independent Evaluation for Your Child | Cómo Solicitar una Evaluación Independiente de Su Niño
- Right to Obtain an Independent Educational Evaluation | Derecho de Obtener una Evaluación Educativa Independiente
- Right to Receive a Complete Explanation of IDEA’s Procedural Safeguards | Derecho a Recibir una Explicación Completa Sobre Todas las Garantías Procesales
IEPs
- The Short-and-Sweet IEP Overview | El Equipo y el Contenido del IEP
- Developing Your Child’s IEP
- The IEP Team | Más Sobre el Equipo del IEP
- When the IEP Team Meets | Reuniones para Desarrollar el IEP
- Contents of the IEP | Sobre Cada Componente del IEP
- Present Levels | Sobre Cada Componente del IEP
- Annual Goals | Sobre Cada Componente del IEP
- Benchmarks or Short-Term Objectives
- Measuring & Reporting Progress | Sobre Cada Componente del IEP
- Special Education | Sobre Cada Componente del IEP
- Related Services | Servicios Relacionados
- Supplementary Aids and Services | Sobre Cada Componente del IEP
- Extent of Nonparticipation | Sobre Cada Componente del IEP
- Service Delivery | Sobre Cada Componente del IEP
- Transition Planning | Sobre Cada Componente del IEP
- Age of Majority | Sobre Cada Componente del IEP
- Special Factors in IEP Development
- Parental Rights under IDEA | Derechos de los Padres bajo IDEA
- Revisando el IEP
- Parental Right to Participate in Meetings | Derecho de los Padres de Participar en Reuniones
- Requesting a Meeting to Review Your Child’s IEP | Cómo Solicitar una Reunión para Revisar el IEP de su Niño
Placement, Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) & Discipline
- Placement | Determinando la Ubicación del Niño
- LRE in Placement Decisions | La Definición de Ambiente Menos Restrictivo
- School Inclusion Resources
- Placement and School Discipline
- Discipline, in Detail
- General Authority of School Personnel
- School Authority in Special Circumstances
- Manifestation Determination
- Are Services Provided During Disciplinary Removals?
- Appeals and Expedited Due Process
- Child’s Placement During the Appeal Process
- What is Basis of Knowledge?
- Reporting Crimes
- Discipline: A Case Study
Behavior
- Behavior Expertise
- Behavior Assessment, Plans, and Positive Supports
- Behavior at Home
- Behavior at School
- Bullying
Transition
- How Can Parents Help with Transition?
- Preparing Your Child for Life
- Navigating Admissions to Colleges with Learning Disabilities
- Employment Connections
- Myth-Busting: Hiring Workers with Disabilities
Dispute Resolution, Complaints, Mediation, Due Process
- Five Options for Dispute Resolution | Cómo Resolver Disputas Entre Familias y Escuelas
- Informal Approaches to Resolving Disputes
- Filing a State Complaint | Queja Estatal
- State Complaint, in Detail
- Mediation | La Mediación
- Mediation in Detail
- Due Process Complaints | Queja de Proceso Debido
- The Resolution Process | El Proceso de Resolución
- Due Process Hearings | Audiencia de Proceso Legal Debido
- The Due Process Hearing, in Detail | Apelación y Acción Civil
Fact Sheets
We’ve put together a collection of fact sheets on a variety of topics to help you along on your way to becoming an advocate for your child. Topics include: accommodations, disabilities, advocacy, ARD process, assistive technology, and much more. Visit the Fact Sheets page to view the full collection.
Statewide Webinars
Throughout the year, our statewide team host free statewide webinars covering a variety of topics and including a Q&A session at the end. All of our webinars are free! Visit the Statewide Webinars page for information about upcoming webinars as well as recordings and resources from past webinars.
Online Courses
We are always looking for new ways to help parents and caregivers on their way to becoming advocates for their children. We believe the best way to meet this goal is to empower parents and caregivers through education. With this in mind, we hope the self-guided online courses will become a valuable resource on your way to advocacy. Our online courses are available at http://learn-online.prntexas.org/
Healthy Families Resources
- eResources for Suicide Prevention in Texas (PDF, 123KB)
- Youth Suicide Prevention (PDF, 2MB)
- Sexting: A Brief Guide for Educators and Parents (PDF, 200KB)
- Digital Drama Prevention Toolkit (PDF, 581KB)
- Healthy Families Staying Fit Learning Lab | Powerpoint (PDF, 2MB)
Learning Lab Resources
- Menu Planning Activity (PDF, 206KB) | Modelo del Plan de Alimentación (PDF, 211KB)
- Menu Planning Example (PDF, 209KB) | Modelo del Plan de Alimentación (PDF, 214KB)
- Portions Card (PDF, 490KB) | Tarjetas de Equivalencia (PDF, 417KB)
- Test Your Knowledge: Calorie Burn (PDF, 220KB) | Ponga a prueba su conocimiento: Consumo de calorías (PDF, 219KB)
- Test Your Knowledge: Portions (PDF, 337KB) | Ponga a prueba sus conocimientos: Porciones (PDF, 315KB
Military Families
- Step by Step Checklist-Resolve School Issues with the Interstate Compact
- School Issues Covered by the Interstate Compact
- School Support Plans for Deployment – Tips for Parents
- Relocation for Military Families
- Military Family Resources for Youth and Young Adults Transitioning from High School
- Military Families and Medicaid
- Military Families and Extended Care Option (ECHO)
Spanish Resources
ADA: El Acta para los Norteamericanos con Discapacidades
Apelación y Acción Civil
Ayuda para Niños con Discapacidades (3-26)
Audiencia de Proceso Legal Debido
Ayuda para los Bebés Hasta Su Tercer Cumpleaños
Categorías de Discapacidad bajo IDEA
Cómo Resolver Disputas Entre Familias y Escuelas
Cómo Solicitar una Evaluación Independiente de Su Niño
Cómo Solicitar una Reunión para Revisar el IEP de su Niño
Derecho a Recibir una Explicación Completa Sobre Todas las Garantías Procesales
Derecho a Recibir una Notificación Previa por Escrito
Derecho de No Estar de Acuerdo
Derecho de Obtener una Evaluación Educativa Independiente
Derecho de los Padres de Participar en Reuniones
Determinando la Ubicación del Niño
Discapacidades Específicas del Aprendizaje (LD)
Discapacidades Intelectuales
El Espectro del Autismo
El Equipo y el Contenido del IEP
El Proceso de Determinar la Elegibilidad del Niño
El Proceso de Resolución
Impedimentos Visuales
La Evaluación Gratuita de Niños
La Mediación
Lesión Cerebral Traumática
Más Sobre el Equipo del IEP
Otro Impedimento de la Salud
Preguntas Comunes de los Padres sobre la Educación Especial
Queja de Proceso Debido
Queja Estatal
Reuniones para Desarrollar el IEP
Revisando el IEP
Sección 504 de la Ley de Rehabilitación de 1973
Servicios Relacionados
Sobre el Proceso de Educación Especial
Sobre la Ley IDEA
Sordera y la Pérdida de la Capacidad Auditiva
Trastornos Emocionales
Trastornos del Habla y Lenguaje
Trastorno por Déficit de Atención /Hiperactividad (ADHD)
Special Education in Texas
Need help understanding the special education process in Texas? Check out these important resources to learn more: