Parent Training and Information Center

- The Hawaii PTI

The Hawaii PTI is the Parent Training and Information Center for our Island home. Since 1990, PTI (formerly known as AWARE) has been supported by grants from the U.S. Department of Education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).  Through this project, parents of children with special needs and the professionals who serve them are provided support, training and "educational advocacy" services. 

An advocate is defined as, "one who pleads another's cause; one who speaks on behalf of or for another."  An advocate does not mean and adversary.  The focus of PTI is listening, assisting, supporting, mentoring and training parents to be the best advocate for their child.

What We Do:

We empower parents and support professionals through:

Information

• Information packets and brochures on specific disabilities, laws, regulations and other special topics

• Information to understand Hawai`i's education and child serving systems

• Referral to other agencies, organization and programs

Individual Assistance

• Telephone technical assistance

• Facilitating communication with educators involved with the your child

• Problem solving consultations

• Individual case advocacy

Workshops

• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Amendment of 2004

• Chapter 56

• Understanding Evaluations

• Development of the Individualized Education Program (IEP)

• "So We Don't Agree": Mechanisms to Resolve Disputes

• The Who, What, Where, and Why of Special Education Rules Regarding Discipline

• ADHD: What Is It and How Does It Affect Learning

• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

• What is a Learning Disability?

• IEP Clinic

• Other Special presentations (see the workshop page for descriptions)

When You Call:

Systems Advocacy

Our Intake/Information Specialist will listen to your concerns and ask questions in order to complete our Request for Assistance form.  Parents may be asked about their child's strengths, needs, interests, and progress at school.  We may also inquire whether the child has been determined eligible for special education and related services, if an Individualized Education Program (IEP) has been developed for your child, and/or and IEP meeting has been held with the school.

We believe that training and mentoring begins from the moment a parent or professional calls for information or assistance.  Depending on the inquiry, we may provide immediate suggestions and technical assistance, we may suggest attendance at a workshop or support group, or we may ask the parent to gather additional information. 

All information provided to us is confidential.  Many parents contact PTI requesting an "advocate" to accompany them to meetings.  PTI supported staff or LDAH trained volunteers may be able to provide this service as resources allow.