303.320—Public awareness program.
Each system must include a public awareness program that focuses on the early identification of children who are eligible to receive early intervention services under this part and includes the preparation and dissemination by the lead agency to all primary referral sources, especially hospitals and physicians, of materials for parents on the availability of early intervention services. The public awareness program must provide for informing the public about—
(a)
The State's early intervention program;
(b)
The child find system, including—
(1)
The purpose and scope of the system;
(2)
How to make referrals; and
(3)
How to gain access to a comprehensive, multidisciplinary evaluation and other early intervention services; and
(c)
The central directory.
(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1820-0550)
Code of Federal Regulations
(Authority:
20 U.S.C. 1435(a)(6)
)
Code of Federal Regulations
Note 1:
An effective public awareness program is one that does the following:
1. Provides a continuous, ongoing effort that is in effect throughout the State, including rural areas;
2. Provides for the involvement of, and communication with, major organizations throughout the State that have a direct interest in this part, including public agencies at the State and local level, private providers, professional associations, parent groups, advocate associations, and other organizations;
3. Has coverage broad enough to reach the general public, including those who have disabilities; and
4. Includes a variety of methods for informing the public about the provisions of this part.
Code of Federal Regulations
Code of Federal Regulations
185
Note 2:
Examples of methods for informing the general public about the provisions of this part include: (1) Use of television, radio, and newspaper releases, (2) pamphlets and posters displayed in doctors' offices, hospitals, and other appropriate locations, and (3) the use of a toll-free telephone service.
Code of Federal Regulations
[58 FR 40959, July 30, 1993, as amended at 63 FR 18295, Apr. 14, 1998]