PEAL Center

10/21/2026

Congratulations to Jamie Ray-Leonetti on her new role as Executive Director of Temple University’s Institute on Disabilities! PEAL looks forward to continuing to work alongside Jamie and the IOD team to strengthen access, support families, and expand opportunities for people with disabilities across Pennsylvania.

We are excited to announce that Jamie Ray-Leonetti will be the new executive director of the Institute on Disabilities in the College of Education and Human Development at Temple University!

Ray-Leonetti, who has served as associate director of policy for the IOD since 2018, will step into her new role on Nov. 2. Before joining the IOD, she worked at the Pennsylvania Client Assistance Program and Disability Rights Pennsylvania, as well as the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

“Jamie has been a tireless champion for people with disabilities, and her policy leadership has shaped the IOD’s impact across the Commonwealth,” said Dean Monika Williams Shealey.

Ray-Leonetti is excited to continue and expand the work of the IOD.

“I am excited to listen and lead with purpose as we train the next generation of diverse leaders,” Ray-Leonetti said. “I look forward to hearing from individuals with disabilities and families across the Commonwealth; collaborating with community partners; engaging with faculty, students and staff in CEHD and the larger Temple community; and supporting IOD staff to ensure that disability is recognized as part of our natural human experience.”

Read more on our website: https://buff.ly/x94Ei2n

Temple University College of Education and Human Development

10/21/2026

You Don’t Have to Navigate Early Intervention Alone! Navigating Early Intervention can bring questions, challenges, and uncertainty, but families don't have to figure it all out on their own!

In our latest blog, PEAL staff member Sue K. shares how PEAL is expanding resources, learning opportunities, and family leadership initiatives to support families of young children.

Read the full blog to learn more about what's ahead and how PEAL is here to support families every step of the way!

https://pealcenter.org/about/news-updates.html/article/2026/10/14/you-don-t-have-to-navigate-early-intervention-alone

10/20/2026

The countdown is ON! Our Capitol Region Conference is happening THIS SATURDAY, October 24, in Camp Hill, PA!

Still want to attend but concerned about travel costs? We're here to help!

At PEAL Center, we understand that travel expenses can be a financial burden for families. That's why we may be able to provide limited mileage reimbursement and hotel accommodations to help make attending more accessible.

Don't let travel costs stop you from joining us for a FREE day of learning, connecting, and advocacy!

For travel support inquiries, email [email protected].

There's still time to register! https://pealcenter.org/nextgen-capitol

10/20/2026

Join Families to the Max and Local Task Force 3 for a FREE IEP Binder Workshop! Learn how to organize your child's IEP and school documents while building the confidence to approach IEP meetings collaboratively.

📅 November 4, 2026
🕕 Dinner: 6:00 PM | Presentation: 6:30–7:30 PM
📍 Allegheny Intermediate Unit, Homestead, PA

All supplies and materials will be provided, along with a light dinner!

📢 Register by October 30!
🔗 https://tinyurl.com/LTF3IEPBinder

10/19/2026

Is your young child experiencing challenges in preschool?

Join PEAL and Trying Together for an early intervention webinar designed to help families recognize barriers to participation and learning and identify possible next steps.

November 18, 2026
12:00 to 1:15 p.m.
Register: https://www.tfaforms.com/5236389

10/17/2026

Join us on October 28th for an informative webinar on Behavior and Discipline Guidance for Students with IEPs.

Discover valuable strategies and resources to better support your child's needs. PEAL's Family Resource Specialist will provide insights tailored for parents and guardians, ensuring you feel empowered in advocating for your child’s education.

All parents and guardians are welcome!

Scan the QR code or visit bit.ly/4yCFwRt to join at the time of the event

10/16/2026

There’s still time to register for our Capitol Region Conference in Camp Hill, PA!

Join us for informative sessions designed to equip families, youth, and professionals with practical tools, resources, and strategies to strengthen advocacy and better support children and youth with disabilities.

PEAL Center conferences are FREE to attend!

We can't wait to see you there!

Register Now: https://tfaforms.com/5227771

10/16/2026

Meet Dr. Amira Hill-Yancy, a speaker at the Capitol Region Conference!

How can families and schools work together to put an IEP into practice every day? In “From Paper to Practice: Practical Tools to Keep Every IEP on Track,” Dr. Hill-Yancy will share strategies to help teams deliver the supports, accommodations, and services outlined in a student’s IEP.

As a Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network Educational Consultant, Dr. Hill-Yancy brings experience as a teacher, administrator, and Special Assistant to the Secretary of Education. Participants will explore PaTTAN resources, tools for ongoing communication, and ways to involve students in their learning goals while addressing misunderstandings early.

Join us Saturday, October 24, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Penn Harris Hotel & Convention Center in Camp Hill, PA.

Learn more and register: pealcenter.org/nextgen-capitol

10/15/2026

Did you know PEAL’s conferences are free to attend?

Join our speakers at the Capitol Region Conference to learn about inclusive education, putting IEPs into practice, college opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities, alternatives to guardianship, and building strong family support systems.

Join us Saturday, October 24, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Penn Harris Hotel & Convention Center in Camp Hill, PA.

Need help getting there? Limited travel support may be available for families, including mileage/travel reimbursement and/or lodging. Email [email protected] to learn more.

Don’t miss out! Register today: pealcenter.org/nextgen-capitol

10/15/2026

Today, October 15, PEAL recognizes White Cane Safety Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the independence, mobility, and achievements of individuals who are blind or have low vision.

The white cane is more than a mobility tool it represents independence, accessibility, and the right to navigate communities safely and confidently.

https://whitecaneday.org/