Individuals with Disabilities Education Act--Part B; Application for Federal Grant [33 Pa.B. 5829] Written public comments are invited regarding the Department of Education's (Department) proposed modifications to its policies and procedures under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act--Part B (IDEA-B). The grant on file with the United States Department of Education describes the State's policies and procedures in effect to ensure the Department meets the Federal requirements to ensure that a free appropriate public education is made available to all children with a disability from 3 to 21 years of age. The policies and procedures on file with the United States Department of Education are available for viewing at www.pde.state.pa.us (select ''K-12 School,'' go to ''Special Education'' and choose ''Grants and Funding'').
The IDEA-B funds, received under 34 CFR 300.110, will be used to render services and programs to children with disabilities who are eligible for services under IDEA-B as well as training and technical assistance given to professional staff who render services to children with disabilities.
Copies of the proposed modifications are available by calling (717) 783-2311 or TDD at (717) 787-7367. Alternative formats of the documents (for example, Braille, large print or cassette tape) can be made available to the public upon request. Public comment is welcomed in alternative formats such as Braille, taped comments and telephone comments for the disabled. Persons who are disabled who wish to submit comments by telephone should contact Nancy Zeigler, (717) 783-6134.
Written comments will be received until February 6, 2004, and should be sent to Patty Todd, Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education, 333 Market Street, 7th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17126-0333.
Following receipt of comments, the Department will consider the public comments and make any necessary modifications to the policies and procedures before submission of the final proposal to the Secretary of the United States Department of Education by March 3, 2004.
Additionally, opportunity for public testimony will be held by the Department's Bureau of Special Education for individuals wishing to present oral testimony on the proposed modifications. 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 modifications are as follows:
* January 13, 2004, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at PaTTAN--Pittsburgh, 3190 William Pitt Way, Pittsburgh, PA
* January 14, 2004, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at PaTTAN--Harrisburg, 6340 Flank Drive, Harrisburg, PA
* January 15, 2004, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at PaTTAN--King of Prussia, Anderson Road, King of Prussia, PA
To schedule an opportunity to present testimony, call Nancy Zeigler by January 9, 2004. Persons with a disability who wish to attend a public testimony and require an auxiliary aid, service or other accommodation to participate in the proceedings should contact Nancy Zeigler.
VICKI L. PHILLIPS, Ed.D.,
Secretary[Pa.B. Doc. No. 03-2269. Filed for public inspection November 26, 2003, 9:00 a.m.]
