DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION State Plan and Preschool Application; Public Comment Period [26 Pa.B. 5724] Written public comment is invited regarding the Department of Education's proposed amendments to its State Plan under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)--Part B, and the preschool Section 619 grant application to the United States Department of Education. The State Plan represents a contract between the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the United States Department of Education under IDEA-B. The State Plan describes the comprehensive framework of the delivery of special education in the Commonwealth.
The purpose is to receive comments on the Commonwealth's proposed amendments to its application for Federal funds authorized by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act under Part B and Section 619/Preschool. Comments regarding necessary changes are especially welcomed. These funds will be used to render services and programs to children with disabilities who are eligible for services under the act.
Copies of the proposed amendments are available by calling (717) 772-0635 or the TDD at (717) 787-7367. Alternative formats of the documents (for example, braille, large print, cassette tape) can be made available to members of the public upon request. Moreover, public comment is welcomed in alternative formats such asbraille or taped comments, and telephone comments from the disabled. Persons who are disabled and wish to submit comments by telephone should call Nancy Ziegler at (717) 783-6134 or TDD (717) 787-7367.
Written comments will be received until January 31, 1997. The written comments should be directed to Jill Deitrich, Administrative Assistant, Bureau of Special Education, 333 Market Street, 7th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17126-0333.
Following receipt of all comments, the Department of Education will consider all public comments and make any necessary modifications to the State Plan and preschool application before submission, by March 1, 1997, of the final proposal to the Secretary of the U. S. Department of Education.
Additionally, public testimony will be held by the Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education for those wishing to present oral testimony on the State Plan proposals. One written copy of oral testimony at the time of presentation would be appreciated. Presentations should be limited to 15 minutes.
Dates, locations and times for oral testimony on the State Plan are as follows:
January 7, 1997--3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Eastern Instructional Support Center, 200 Anderson Road, King of Prussia, PA 19406; January 8, 1997--3 p.m. to 7 p.m., PennTech, Gateway Corporate Center, 6340 Flank Drive, Suite 300, Harrisburg, PA 17112; January 9, 1997--3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Western Instructional Support Center, 5347 William Flynn Highway, Gibsonia, PA 15044. To schedule an opportunity to present testimony, please call Nancy Zeigler, no later than January 2, 1997, at (717) 783-6134 or TDD at (717) 787-7367. Persons with a disability who wish to attend the public testimony scheduled above and require an auxiliary aid service or other accommodation to participate in the proceedings should contact Nancy Zeigler at the telephone number listed above.
EUGENE W. HICKOK, Jr.,
Secretary[Pa.B. Doc. No. 96-1971. Filed for public inspection November 22, 1996, 9:00 a.m.]
