Our mission is to empower & support Texas families & individuals impacted by disabilities… PEN Regional Coordinators are here for you!
We can help you understand your child’s disability, understand your rights and responsibilities under IDEA, obtain and evaluate resources and services for your child, and fully participate as a team member with professionals in planning services for your child. What kind of assistance does PEN offer?
* Individual assistance over the phone and in-person
* Workshops and webinars on a variety of spe
cial education topics
* Access to resources such as printed publications and online courses
How Do I Get Started? - Call us at our coordinating office at 915.259.8717 or email us at [email protected]
Is There A Cost? - No. All of our services are provided at no cost to parents of infants, toddlers, children and youth with all types of disabilities. What if I'm not sure if PEN Project can help me? - Call us anyway! PEN Project offers many services and can provide contacts for other national, state and community resources, so chances are, there is something to fit your needs
Join us on Tuesday, August 29th at 12:15 p.m. CT for our webinar 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘀: 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 & 𝗣𝗕𝗜𝗦.
Shiloh Carter, Senior Litigation Attorney at Disability Rights Texas (DRTx), will review your child’s rights related to student discipline including informal removals, potential remedies, and advocating for evidence based positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS).
Register today at: https://buff.ly/3PdGJLt
Meet the PEN Project team!
Bonnie Perez Ramirez - Project Director
Elizabeth Bustos - Activity Coordinator
Office: 915.259.8717 | Toll Free: 1.833.847.2686
Region 12 - Waco, TX & Surrounding Areas
Michele Lammers | 254.275.1362 | [email protected]
Region 14 - Abilene, TX & Surrounding Areas
Jamie Thomas | 325.450.2774 | regions14.15@prn@gmail.com
Region 15 - San Angelo, TX & Surrounding Areas
Jamie Thomas | 325.450.2774 | [email protected]
Region 16 - Amarillo, TX & Surrounding Areas
Adrienne Williams | 806.281.3495 | [email protected]
Region 17 - Lubbock, TX & Surrounding Areas
Adrienne Williams | 806.281.3495 | [email protected]
Region 18 - Midland / Odessa, TX & Surrounding Areas
Leslie Hernandez | 432.530.4382 | [email protected]
Region 19 - El Paso, TX & Surrounding Areas
Molly Saenz | 915.494.3925 | [email protected]
Lubbock Families!! We're excited to announce our annual conference registration is now open!
It Takes A Village, Region 17 Conference and Resource Fair
Sponsored by Amerigroup
Saturday, September 23, 2023
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Christian Life Assembly of God
5917 66th Street, Lubbock, TX 79424
Speakers from:
Legacy Developmental Pediatrics, Burkhart Center, Amerigroup, and more!
Register: https://bit.ly/PEN-Village-2023
Exhibitor opportunities available: https://bit.ly/PEN-Village-Exhibitor2023
Calling all youth self-advocates ages 14-22! Come hang out with us, make new friends and talk about how the first week of school went!
Thursday, August 31 at 6:30pm
Howdy Homemade Ice Cream, 2628 West Loop 289, Lubbock, Texas
Questions? Call or email Adrienne Williams at 806-281.3495 or [email protected]
August 30st 6:30 CST/5:30 MST
A safe meet-up where teens can make friends, socialize and play games! Creative, fun, and new conversational topics every month.
This event is for youth with different abilities and disabilities, ages 14 and up.
Register at: https://bit.ly/August-Hangout
Documentation of Your Child's Educational Records
August 22, 2023 at 10 AM MST
Register here: https://bit.ly/3psMaM9
This workshop is designed to teach parents how to gather, organize and access accurate information about their child’s educational records.
Contact Molly Saenz at 915-494-3925 or [email protected] if you have any questions
Odessa Tx, Midland Tx And surrounding areas.
ODESSA: Superior has partnered with the Permian Basin Fair and Exposition to bring Texans the second annual Sensory Special Day! Anyone with a sensory processing disorder and their families will receive entry to the fair at no cost. Between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 6 at Ector County Coliseum Fairgrounds, families can enjoy this sensory friendly event with limited lights and music. There will also be opportunities for families to learn more about community resources available to them.
August 31st 6:30 CST/5:30 MST
A safe meet-up where teens can make friends, socialize and play games! Creative, fun, and new conversational topics every month.
This event is for youth with different abilities and disabilities, ages 14 and up.
Register at: https://bit.ly/August-Hangout
The 2023 El Paso Buddy Walk website is now live! Join us on Saturday, October 7th, in person at the EPCC Valle Verde campus. Register your team today by visiting www.EPBuddyWalk.org
Effective teamwork begins and ends with communication
Mike Krzyzewski
¿Ha visto Usted las nuevas traducciones al español del proyecto Futuros Independientes que Funcionan (Independent Futures that Work)? Nosotros hemos traducido todas nuestras hojas de consejos é infográficas al español y las tenemos ahora.
Haga clic aqui: ⬇️⬇️⬇️
https://www.independentfuturesthatwork.com/flyers-and-handouts/?fbclid=IwAR15GM7NTnmaNWZRytYYmpqhfit3jTzcNySeufHbmb7lLAguug4xd6fqP9M
¡El Proyecto Futuros Independientes que Funcionan! ha traducido recientemente las hojas de consejos y los infográficos del proyecto al idioma español. Puede encontrar estos recursos en: https://buff.ly/3scnTv0
Busque en la sección de Hojas de Consejos y Recursos en Español.
August 31st 6:30 CST/5:30 MST
A safe meet-up where teens can make friends, socialize and play games! Creative, fun, and new conversational topics every month.
This event is for youth with different abilities and disabilities, ages 14 and up.
Register at:
https://bit.ly/August-Hangout
Free Workshop
Overview of Procedural Safeguards
Aug. 28th at 9am.
Location
840 Prospector Trail, Harker Heights, TX 76548
Contact: Michele Lammers
254-275-1362
[email protected]
Registration Link is Now OPEN- Sponsorship is Available
Come join us for our 2nd annual All Together Special Needs Conference! This event was a huge success last year and you won't want to miss it. Whether you are a family member, caregiver, or professional, this event it for you. Registration is $15 per person and lunch is included. Limited sponsorship is available, just check the box on the registration form if you need assistance. Childcare will also be available with a reservation. Space will be limited. To stay up to date on information find us on Facebook at "All Together Special Needs Conference."
The All Together Special Needs Conference sign up link :
www.templebiblechurch.org/thehub
Come out and talk to other parents that understand. Make new friends. Support each other. New Topics each moth.
Contact if you have questions
Michele Lammers
254-275-1362
[email protected]
Feel free to share!!!!
Join us on Tuesday, August 29th at 12:15 p.m. CT for our webinar 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘀: 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 & 𝗣𝗕𝗜𝗦.
Shiloh Carter, Senior Litigation Attorney at Disability Rights Texas (DRTx), will review your child’s rights related to student discipline including informal removals, potential remedies, and advocating for evidence based positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS).
Register today at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_elz9XqZqShyp27cpiWEEVQ
From our friends at Lbk-Can /Lubbock Community Autism Network:
FREE Training for parents/guardians, teachers, etc by PEN Project.
Monday, August 21st @5:30 pm
Register Here:
https://bit.ly/3O1g8zt
In person you'll receive hands on resources and food and drinks will be provided, as well as, childcare or you can watch and ask questions via FB Livestream here at LBK-CAN.
“It’s Monday.
Get a new perspective.
Whatever obstacle you’re
Facing- it’s not permanent.”
-unknown
Attention YOUTH! Do you need help with exploring careers?
This website, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration and developed by the National Center for O*NET Development can help you with that. The site explores what youth want to do for a living, with search areas using keywords, browsing careers by industry, and answering some questions about the types of work they might enjoy.
You can access the website via the Independent Futures that Work website at: https://www.independentfuturesthatwork.com/resource/my-next-move-website/
Navigating the Contentious ARD
David Beinke, Director of Advocacy for Cirkiel & Associates, shares tips for parents on communicating effectively with their child's school and managing a difficult ARD meeting.
Special Guest Presenter: David Beinke, Director of Advocacy, Cirkiel & Associates
Watch the recording here: https://fb.watch/mrwIGodMIk/
If you’re a parent of a person with a disability you have to register for our ABLE Account education series!! No if’s, ands, or buts … 😳
Be sure to share this post too!!
You might even receive a $100 participation stipend that will be paid into an ABLE Account. Register at https://bit.ly/ABLEarcep
[image description: image with logo for The Arc of El Paso above a Greek column with the words Register at bit.ly/ABLEarcep in orange lettering. Centered are the words ABLE Account, and to the right pointing to the corners are the words Learn about and chance to receive $100 stipend, all in front of light blue background]
8 Tips for After Your ARD Meeting
1. Carefully review your child’s IEP at home.
2. Keep your child’s IEP and related documents organized.
3. If appropriate, follow up with a thank you.
4. Take time to discuss the IEP with your child in terms they will understand.
5. Keep in contact with your child’s teacher.
6. Make sure the IEP is being implemented as written.
7. If you have concerns with your child’s progress, you can request an ARD meeting at any time.
8. Always keep in mind that you and the educational team will have an ongoing relationship.
Download our "25 Tips for Effective ARD Meetings" factsheet by clicking here:
https://prntexas.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/25-Tips-for-ARD-Meetings-Partners-Resource-Network.pdf?fbclid=IwAR2DlzS4-ad8aLhOpFtdt8f_ip9GNUMyPJRqMYnz3K8YX1MIqIqEqf4Gb6Y
10 Tips for Effective ARD Meetings
1. Remember, you are a very important part of your child's ARD committee, and your input is valuable.
2. Keep communication respectful and treat everyone with dignity.
3. Take notes during the ARD meeting.
4. Be sure present levels of performance are reviewed.
5. Focus on your child’s individual needs.
6. Encourage ARD committee members to use simple language when writing the IEP.
7. Be open to new ideas and strategies and be willing to compromise.
8. Take a break if needed.
9. Sign wisely.
10. If you and the school fail to agree after reconvening the ARD meeting, you do not have to sign agreement.
Download our "25 Tips for Effective ARD Meetings" factsheet by clicking here:
https://prntexas.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/25-Tips-for-ARD-Meetings-Partners-Resource-Network.pdf?fbclid=IwAR2DlzS4-ad8aLhOpFtdt8f_ip9GNUMyPJRqMYnz3K8YX1MIqIqEqf4Gb6Y
7 Tips to Prepare Before Your ARD Meeting
1. Request a copy of any recent evaluations and drafts of present levels and proposed IEP goals.
2. Make a list of concerns you would like to discuss at the meeting.
3. Plan how you will handle issues where you and the school may not agree.
4. Contact other ARD committee members before the meeting to build a positive relationship and brainstorm ideas about your child’s program ahead of time.
5. Invite someone you trust to attend the meeting with you to offer moral support, take notes, and help you stay on track.
6. If your child will be attending the ARD meeting, explain its purpose and what it will look like in a way they can understand.
7. Know your rights.
Download our "25 Tips for Effective ARD Meetings" factsheet by clicking here: https://prntexas.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/25-Tips-for-ARD-Meetings-Partners-Resource-Network.pdf?fbclid=IwAR2DlzS4-ad8aLhOpFtdt8f_ip9GNUMyPJRqMYnz3K8YX1MIqIqEqf4Gb6Y
JOIN US TODAY!!!
Educational Options in Texas
FREE WEBINAR!
August 8, 2023 @ 12:00pm CST
This workshop will help inform parents about some of the different educational options available in Texas for their children and how these different educational options provide special education services to students with disabilities. We will define the four main educational options in Texas, identify some key terminology for special education provision to students in the different educational options, and compare some of the different aspects of what special education services are available, and how these services are provided to students.
REGISTER HERE: Register here: https://bit.ly/3Y30isM
For more info:
Adrienne Williams
806-281-3495
[email protected]
August 31st 6:30 CST/5:30 MST
A safe meet-up where teens can make friends, socialize and play games! Creative, fun, and new conversational topics every month.
This event is for youth with different abilities and disabilities, ages 14 and up.
Register at:
https://bit.ly/August-Hangout
Educational Options in Texas
FREE WEBINAR!
August 8, 2023 @ 12:00pm CST
This workshop will help inform parents about some of the different educational options available in Texas for their children and how these different educational options provide special education services to students with disabilities. We will define the four main educational options in Texas, identify some key terminology for special education provision to students in the different educational options, and compare some of the different aspects of what special education services are available, and how these services are provided to students.
REGISTER HERE: Register here: https://bit.ly/3Y30isM
For more info:
Adrienne Williams
806-281-3495
[email protected]
3 Butterfield Trail, Suite 128A
El Paso, TX
79906
| Monday | 8am - 12pm |
| 1pm - 5pm | |
| Tuesday | 8am - 12pm |
| 1pm - 5pm | |
| Wednesday | 8am - 12pm |
| 1pm - 5pm | |
| Thursday | 8am - 12pm |
| 1pm - 5pm | |
| Friday | 8am - 12pm |
| 1pm - 5pm |
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when PEN Project posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Send a message to PEN Project:
In a few minutes we will have Patricia Gill M.Ed., LPC (Clinical Provider Trainer, Training-Education for Superior HealthPlan) presenting on 𝗖𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 😵😵🎄🎁🎅 We will learn to identify stress that children may feel during the holidays. This presentation also teaches ways to create a healthy environment for holiday events. Register: https://buff.ly/3sSXbVs ** This presentation will NOT be recorded. Bonnie Perez Ramirez
Communication Skills November 16th at 5:30 pm O'Shea Elementary 1800 Leroy Bonse Dr. El Paso, TX 79936 Communicating effectively with professionals that provide services to your child is key to obtaining and maintaining services. Workshop participants will learn the three components of communication, verbal, nonverbal and paraverbal, in order to communicate more effectively with others. We will also explore how to effectively receive messages from others and discuss the barriers to effective communication. *Childcare is provided!!! ALL are welcome!
𝙎𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙄 𝙊𝙥𝙚𝙣 𝙖𝙣 𝘼𝘽𝙇𝙀 𝘼𝙘𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩? November 16, 2022 at 11 a.m. MT (12 p.m. CT) There are many decisions to be made as you prepare for the future of your special needs family member. Living with a disability is often associated with significant costs. That’s why individuals and families should consider contributing to an ABLE account. ABLE accounts offer tax-advantaged savings that can fund disability expenses. Join us as Special Needs Financial Planner Allison Schaberg explains how to successfully plan for your future. Register: https://tinyurl.com/PEN-November
Join us on November 15, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. MT (10 a.m. CT) for a presentation by Patricia Gill M.Ed., LPC (Clinical Provider Trainer, Training-Education for Superior HealthPlan)!!! 🎄🎁🎅𝗖𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 😵😵 We will learn to identify stress that children may feel during the holidays. This presentation also teaches ways to create a healthy environment for holiday events. Register: https://buff.ly/3sSXbVs ** This presentation will NOT be recorded.
Communication Skills November 16th at 5:30 pm O'Shea Elementary 1800 Leroy Bonse Dr., El Paso, TX 79936 Communicating effectively with professionals that provide services to your child is key to obtaining and maintaining services. Workshop participants will learn the three components of communication, verbal, nonverbal and paraverbal, in order to communicate more effectively with others. We will also explore how to effectively receive messages from others and discuss the barriers to effective communication. *Childcare is provided!!!
Join us on November 15, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. MT (10 a.m. CT) for a presentation by Patricia Gill M.Ed., LPC (Clinical Provider Trainer, Training-Education for Superior HealthPlan)!!! 🎄🎁🎅𝗖𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 😵😵 We will learn to identify stress that children may feel during the holidays. This presentation also teaches ways to create a healthy environment for holiday events. Register: https://buff.ly/3sSXbVs ** This presentation will NOT be recorded.
Youth Self-Avocate Panel
Transition Supports During High-School and Post-Graduation
Special Guest Presenter!! Joanne Fluke “Living with a Disability & Being the Best Self Advocate”
STAR Medicaid Programs & Transitioning to Adult Medicaid Shelly Bailey, MAXIMUS Medicaid Waiver and Special Population Specialist
Disability & Aging Respite: Why Is It Important? Alesha Burks, Aging & Disability Resource Center Director West Central Texas Council of Governments
Dr. Kerry Magro on Dude, Where is My IEP?
Dr. Kerry Magro on Autism and Bullying
Lacye Martínez & Traci Hopper invite you to join us at Midland Shared Spaces today!! Information, networking, breakfast and lunch is provided and door prizes!!
Special Olympics Texas
Behaviors and Predictability by the Autism Academy
Safe Travel for All Children: Resources to Support Parents & Caregivers of CHSCN by Taiya Jones
Join us from 12-3. Kids fun day. !!! Friendship Baptist church. 7615 Matamoros Dr.
Unidos Por Un Futuro Mejor, Conferencia Anual de Educación Especial 2022 Descripción General de Salud Mental por Rocio Bickei, LPC
Unidos Por Un Futuro Mejor, Conferencia Anual de Educación Especial 2022 Hablando Sobre Auto-Representación por Alina Arredondo 
Wish you and yours a safe 4th of July holiday!
Closing out Camp Ability with Minions, sensory friendly style!!
Camp Ability Zoo Day
Cha-cha-cha
Hey y'all! Did you know it's time for another edition of S. T. O. M. P.? Coming up on Friday, June 24th, we will be joined by THE Rich Capodagli, LPC as we tackle the topic of mental health. If there was ever a mental health guru, it's this guy! **Because at PEN, we believe mental health is so important, we invite parents to attend this event as well. We will have plenty of open discussion, along with opportunities for Q&A.** We hope to see you this Friday, 6/24, at 6:00pm CT. Link to register is below! https://tinyurl.com/PRN-STOMP ALWAYS REMEMBER: YOU MATTER!
Be sure to join us THIS Friday night (June 10th) for our next S. T. O. M. P. session: "Summer Lovin': Dating and Relationships 101" w/ Dr. Wes Dotson! Who: All Youth and Young Adults w/ Disabilities (recommended for ages 14+) When: Friday, June 10th Time: 6:00pm CT Register Now: https://tinyurl.com/PRN-STOMP S. T. O. M. P. on by!
Our Annual Community Agency Night & Potluck with Socorro ISD!
Partners Resource Network - PEN Project is hiring. What we offer: • Paid time off such as holidays, sick days, and vacation days • Flexible work schedules • Work from home • Work equipment is provided • Mileage reimbursement • Internet reimbursement • Professional Development opportunities - get paid to learn! • Great company culture based on our values of being Humble, Hungry & People Smart https://tinyurl.com/PEN-rcJobs for more position descriptions.
Fort Bliss Protestant Youth Group
Cassidy RoadFort Bliss Armed Forces Wellness Center
Carrington RoadFort Bliss Army Wellness Center
Darrington RoadMobilization and Deployment, DPTMS
Cassidy Road
Center Against Sexual & Family Violence
Giles Road
Border Network for Human Rights
N Piedras Street
Big Brothers Big Sisters of El Paso
Wyoming Avenue
Garth House, Mickey Mehaffy Children's Advoca
Mcfaddin Avenue
El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank
Plaza Cir
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