NOTICES
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Proposed Grant Application by the Department of Education under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act for Federal Fiscal Year 2022
[52 Pa.B. 1364]
[Saturday, March 5, 2022]Public comment is invited regarding the Department of Education's (Department) proposed grant application under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA-B) for Federal Fiscal Year 2022. The annual grant application provides, in part, assurances that the Commonwealth's policies and procedures in effect are consistent with the Federal requirements to ensure that a free appropriate public education is made available to all children with a disability from 3 years of age to 21 years of age, including children who have been suspended or expelled from school.
The public participation requirements relevant to Part B are in 34 CFR 300.165 (relating to public participation) and in section 441(b)(7) of the General Education Provisions Act (20 U.S.C.A. § 1232d(b)(7)). In accordance with these requirements, and prior to submitting a State plan, adopting any policies and procedures needed to comply with Part B, the Commonwealth must ensure reasonable opportunities for participation by local agencies, representatives of the class of individuals affected by this program and other interested institutions, organizations and individuals in the planning for and operation of the IDEA-B program. Section 76.102 of 34 CFR (relating to state-administered programs) indicates that the IDEA-B grant application is considered a State plan.
Copies of the proposed 2022 IDEA-B grant application are available by viewing the documents at https://www.education.pa.gov/K-12/Special%20Education/IDEA/Pages/default.aspx. The current IDEA-B policies and procedures are available for viewing at the previously listed web site. Alternative formats of the documents (for example, Braille, large print, CD) can be made available to members of the public upon request.
The Department will accept written public comment beginning March 10, 2022, until May 10, 2022. The written comments should be directed to Jeanette Alexander, Special Education Adviser, Bureau of Special Education, the Department, 333 Market Street, 7th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17126-0333, jeaalexand@pa.gov.
Public comment is also welcome in alternative formats such as Braille, recorded comments and telephone comments for individuals with disabilities. Individuals who are disabled and wish to submit comments by telephone should contact Aaron Ioos at (717) 772-3500.
Additionally, the Department will provide individuals wishing to present verbal testimony on the proposed 2022 IDEA-B grant application an opportunity to do so. One written copy of verbal testimony prior to the time of presentation would be appreciated. Presentations should be limited to 15 minutes.
Verbal testimony regarding the proposed 2022 IDEA-B grant application must be provided virtually on March 16, 2022, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
To schedule an opportunity to present verbal testimony, or for persons with a disability who require an accommodation to participate in the proceedings, contact Aaron Ioos at (717) 772-3500, aioos@pa.gov no later than March 14, 2022. Individuals will be provided with a link to participate.
Following receipt of all written and verbal comments, the Department will consider all comments and make any necessary modifications to the proposed 2022 IDEA-B grant application before submission of the 2022 IDEA-B grant application to the Secretary of the United States Department of Education.
NOE ORTEGA,
Secretary
[Pa.B. Doc. No. 22-343. Filed for public inspection March 4, 2022, 9:00 a.m.]
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