Right to Education Local Task Force (LTF5)

The Right to Education Consent Agreement of 1972 provided for the establishment of a Local Task Force (LTF) in each of Pennsylvania’s 29 Intermediate Unit regions to ensure that the intent & spirit of the agreement is carried out throughout the Commonwealth. The state of Pennsylvania agreed to provide a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for all children with disabilities & the decree established the standard that each child must be offered an Individualized Education Program (IEP) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) while promoting inclusion.
 
IU5's Right to Education Local Task Force (LTF5) is committed to empowering families, individuals, school systems, and local agencies to better support students with disabilities through meaningful collaboration and shared resources. 
 

Goals of LTF

  • Encourage positive collaboration & communication between families, school districts, and community partners.
  • Identify systemic needs or problems and forward them to the State Task Force.
  • Provide information and resources relevant to students with special needs.
  • Respond to concerns affecting the special needs community and provide recommendations to help resolve the issues.
  • Serve in an advisory and advocacy role to protect the rights of students with disabilities.
 

Meetings & Membership

LTF5 meetings are open to the public and held both online and in person, and all interested individuals are welcome to attend. There is no cost to attend meetings or to become a member.
 
We are actively working to increase participation at our meetings, which provide a collaborative space for families, agencies, and school systems to network and share information and resources.
 
LTF5 invites parents and caregivers of students with disabilities to attend meetings and consider becoming members. To join, individuals must attend two LTF meetings within the current school year and submit a membership request through the online form provided.

Schedule

The meeting ID for all meetings is: 349 554 5391 
The passcode is: 5610
 
All meetings are held in person at Northwest Tri-County IU5, 252 Waterford Street, Edinboro, PA 16412
 
To access meetings virtually, join the Zoom link below.
 
  • Sept 10, 2026, 9-11 AM
     
  • Oct 8, 2026, 6-8 PM
     
  • Nov 5, 2026, 9-11 AM
     
  • Jan 21, 2027, 6-8 PM
     
  • March 11, 2027, 9-11 AM
     
  • April 29, 2027, 6-8 PM
     
  • May 27, 2027, 9-11 AM
For questions or concerns about LTF5 or your child's school program, contact:
 
Michele Hecker
Local Right to Education Task Force Co-Chair
Phone: 814-450-3345
or
Jennifer Ford
Local Right to Education Task Force Chairperson