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Local Task Force Information

Local Task Force on the Right to Education – Beaver County

The Right to Education Task Force was established in 1972 as part of the P.A.R.C. Consent Decree, which ensured a free and appropriate public education for children with intellectual disabilities. In 1975, Pennsylvania regulations expanded these rights to include children with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, emotional challenges, and hearing, visual, speech, and language impairments.

Mission and Purpose

The Beaver County Local Task Force is an independent group of parents and community members dedicated to supporting the rights of students with special needs. The Task Force works in collaboration with Beaver County school districts, Intermediate Unit 27 (IU27), and community organizations to enhance, monitor, and advocate for special education programs and services.

Its primary goals include:

  • Recommending improvements and expansions of services for school-aged students with disabilities.

  • Promoting awareness and professional development based on parent and participant needs.

  • Serving as a resource for parents and caregivers navigating special education systems.

Membership and Structure

The Local Task Force is facilitated by elected officials and supported by the Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit (BVIU) and all 14 school districts in Beaver County.
By regulation, at least 51% of the Task Force members must be parents or guardians of students receiving special education services.

Other participants may include:

  • Concerned community members

  • Representatives from BVIU and local school districts

  • ARC Advocacy Services

  • Local and regional special education service providers

Key Responsibilities

The Local Task Force is responsible for:

  • Supporting school districts and IU27 in implementing the Right to Education Consent Decree.

  • Helping parents understand their legal rights and how to develop appropriate educational programs for their children.

  • Reviewing and advising on recommendations from the State Task Force.

  • Building partnerships with public and private agencies serving students with special needs.

  • Identifying local challenges and recommending solutions.

  • Enhancing community awareness of special education programs.

  • Assisting in data collection to evaluate the impact of the Consent Decree.

Public Participation

All Task Force meetings are open to the public and provide a forum for collaboration, information sharing, and advocacy.

Contact Information

For more information, please contact:

Pam Stiffey
📞 724-774-7800, Ext. 3002
📧 pam.stiffey@bviu.org