Autism Society Western New York

Williamsville Agency Fair
2023-01-19 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Williamsville North High School, 1595 Hopkins Road, Williamsville, 14221, United States
A great opportunity to learn more about activities, programs and events available for young adults with disabilities both while in school and after high school.
You will be able to speak to agencies and organizations about:

Recreational programs
Respite
Housing
Dayhab without walls
Pre-Voc
College programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities

LOCATION: Williamsville North High School (2nd Floor Library),1595 Hopkins Road, Williamsville, NY 14221
REGISTER TODAY! FREE EVENT! REGISTER: https://parentnetworkwny.org/events/williamsvilleagencyfair/
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

The Collaborative Community Mission Fine Motor Group (Southtowns)
2023-01-23 17:15 - 17:45 | Lakeshore Library, 4857 Lakeshore Rd., Hamburg, NY, 14075, United States
Join the Collaborative Community Mission (CCM) on January 23, from 5:15-5:45 pm for their first fine motor group. This group will take place at Lakeshore Library (4857 Lakeshore Road, Hamburg). Your child will be completing a winter themed craft, utilizing their fine motor skills, and other fine motor activities will be included. This is a FREE event. Ages 3-8. Spaces are limited.
REGISTER

Free Transition Services Virtual Expo - Western Region (Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, Wyoming)
2023-01-24 18:00 - 20:00
WESTERN REGION (Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, Wyoming)
Person Centered Services is hosting a Free Transition Services Virtual Expo for families of transition aged youth, ages 14-21. The expo will be held on January 24th from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. This FREE event will be held via Zoom.
Their goal is to improve outcomes for students with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families, as they approach adulthood. Through collaboration, education, and networking, we will help individuals and families reach their full potential! Meet and interact with local providers who offer services supporting successful transition to adulthood for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities!
REGISTER

The Collaborative Community Mission January Yoga/Language Connection
2023-01-27 17:00 - 17:30 | BTC Fitness Center, 5324 Rogers Road, Hamburg, NY, 14075, United States
Collaborative Community Connection (CCM)Yoga and Language Connection
Join for their FREE CCM Yoga Connection and CCM Language Connection class at BTC Fitness Center in Hamburg, NY, on January 27 at 5:00 PM. Students will be listening and participating in a winter themed book and activity followed by yoga poses for a fun and interactive combo class!
All ages are welcome, spaces are limited.
REGISTER: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d49acae2ea1fbc43-january#/

Au-Some Evenings at Explore & More
2023-02-10 17:30 - 19:30 | Explore & More – The Ralph C Wilson Jr. Children’s Museum, 130 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14202, United States
Au-Some Evenings at Explore & More

Once a month, our special Au-Some Evenings give children with autism spectrum disorder and sensory processing disorder, their friends and family an opportunity to play and learn together in an understanding and supportive environment. Families will have access to the museum space and play zones, including our cafe. Featured activities include a music center, therapy dogs, art projects and gross motor activities. Explore & More will also have a social narrative about the new museum and its play zones, quiet kits, as well as calming sensory friendly spaces in the museum.
Register for the next Au-Some Evening.

Au-Some Evenings are also supported by J.M. McDonald Foundation, Maria Love Convalescent Fund, and Erie County

For more au-some activities and videos, click here.

SIBSHOP WNY - Saturday, February 11, 2023
2023-02-11 13:00 - 17:00 | Richard E. Winter Student Center, 98 Hughes Ave., Buffalo, NY, 14208, United States
When a child is diagnosed with a developmental disorder or serious chronic physical disorder, the entire family is affected.
WHAT ARE SIBSHOPS?
Sibshops provide support and guidance to siblings of children with special needs. Siblings are encouraged to share the challenges and celebrate the joys with brothers and sisters in similar situations. They reflect a belief that brothers and sisters have much to offer one another—if they are given a chance.
Sibshops WNY are lively, action-packed, 4-hour workshops. They are held quarterly on Saturdays from 1 PM to 5 PM. The Sibshop model mixes information with special guests, events, and discussion activities with new games (designed to be unique, off-beat, and appealing to a wide ability range). The minimum age for participation is six years old.
LOCATION: 2nd Floor—Richard E. Winter Student Center at 98 Hughes Ave. Buffalo, NY 14208—between Jefferson Avenue and Meech Street.
REGISTRATION: $20 per session https://www.sibshopwny.com/
QUESTIONS? Please contact: Susan Putnam, PhD or Sarah Vallo, LMHCP. Email: profputnam@gmail.com or lovallos@my.canisius.edu
Phone: (716) 714-9691

Au-Some Aquarium - Aquarium of Niagara - Friday, April 7, 2023
2023-04-07 18:00 - 20:00 | Aquarium of Niagara, 701 Whirlpool Street, NIagara Falls, NY, 14301
Families impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorder are invited to enjoy a special evening at the Aquarium of Niagara to visit and learn in a supportive environment.
Guests can watch a sea lion presentation, touch sharks and stingrays at M&T Bank Shark and Ray Bay, interact with sensory stations, enjoy snacks, complete crafts, and more.
When: Friday, April 7, 2023, 6-8pm
Cost:

$25 – Family Admission (up to five people; please indicate the number of children and adults attending)
$7 – Individual Group Home Resident
Free – Group Home Staff Chaperone

The program was developed with collaboration between Aquarium of Niagara, Arc of Erie County, and several community partners. Questions? Contact education@aquariumofniagara.org.

SIBSHOP WNY - Saturday, April 22, 2023
2023-04-22 13:00 - 17:00 | Richard E. Winter Student Center, 98 Hughes Ave., Buffalo, NY, 14208, United States

BPO Exceptional Kids: Dan Brown Wild Symphony
2023-04-30 14:30 - 15:30 | Kleinhans Music Hall, 3 Symphony Circle, Buffalo, NY, 14201, United States
BPO Exceptional Kids: Dan Brown Wild Symphony
Dan Brown, author of The Da Vinci Code, has created a uniquely entertaining multimedia symphony show based on his book of children’s poetry featuring Maestro Mouse and his musical friends! Don’t miss this ‘mindful, humorous, musical, and unique’ experience that will enchant both young and old!
Cost: $7.00 child/adult
Purchase tickets
The program offers a number of benefits for Exceptional Kids families, including:

YouTube playlists to help patrons prepare and familiarize themselves with the music to be played at each concert,
inclusive pre-concert sensory activities provided by GiGi’s Playhouse Buffalo,
a designated quiet space for families (in the event that children need to take a break),
augmentative hearing devices,
noise-muffling headphones, and
large-font setlists of concert repertoire. and their families.

Awareness and Education presentations are administered by WCHOB Autism Center professionals for BPO staff, ushers and volunteers to help increase everyone’s understanding of autism spectrum disorders and provide best practices to communicate and interact with Exceptional Kids
For more information, and to get involved please contact the Education Department at (716) 242-7822 or email rpudlewski@bpo.org.
Visit BPO for Exceptional Kids.

Recreational Festival
2023-06-03 10:00 - 14:00 | Cazenovia Park, West Seneca, NY, United States
Parent Network of WNY brings you Recreational Festival!
Learn about recreational programs and services in WNY for children with all abilities. Free activities for all ages and abilities at Cazenovia Park across from the Casino in West Seneca, NY. Cazenovia Park is bordered by Cazenovia Street, Seneca Street, Potters and Abbott Road.

AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
2023-07-31 14:00 - 16:00
The next public meeting of the Autism Spectrum Disorders Advisory Board will be held in person at the Empire State Plaza, Meeting Room 1 in Albany and virtually via WebEx on Monday, July 31, 2023 from 2pm–4pm.

Meeting information including the WebEx link can be found on the OPWDD website here: https://opwdd.ny.gov/event/autism-spectrum-disorders-advisory-board-meeting-9.

The Autism Spectrum Disorders Advisory Board was created in November of 2016 to help provide guidance and information to New York policymakers, individuals with an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis (ASD), and families seeking reliable information regarding available services and supports.

The Members of the Board are tasked with several important duties including:

studying and reviewing the effectiveness of supports and services currently being provided to people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders;

identifying legislative and regulatory activity which may be required to improve existing service systems that support people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders;

identifying methods for improving interagency coordination of services and maximizing the impact and effectiveness of services and agency functions; and

other matters as deemed appropriate by the Board. More information about the Autism Spectrum Disorders Board is available on the OPWDD website.

The Autism Board is interested in hearing your questions, concerns, and ideas at adavisoryboard@opwdd.ny.gov.

Uncovering Neurodiversity in WNY - In person event at Cradle Beach
2023-10-11 09:00 - 17:00 | Cradle Beach, 8038 Old Lakeshore Rd., Angola, NY, 14006, United States
Uncovering Neurodiversity in WNY
What does it mean to be Neuro-affirming? This strength based positive approach will alter your view on “challenging behaviors” and offer you helpful strategies to meet your client or loved ones needs.

Neurodiversity Network of WNY has a number of learning objectives for this event including exploring and understanding neurodiversity and applying practical strategies for creating inclusive environments for neurodivergent children, adults, and their families. They will critically analyze existing systems and structures to identify areas of exclusion, while proposing solutions for creating more equitable and inclusive spaces.

Additionally, they aim to

Engage in open and respectful discussions about the experiences of neurodivergent individuals and their families,
Identify best practices for promoting the rights and inclusion of neurodivergent individuals,
Develop a network of professionals and advocates committed to promoting equity and belonging, and
Create action plans for incorporating and advocating for the use of neuro-affirming practices in our personal and professional lives.

Tickets are donation based, please pay what you can to help support the Neurodiversity Network of WNY organization.

Information & Registration.

Date: Wednesday, October 11, 2023
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EDT
Location: Cradle Beach, 8038 Old Lakeshore Rd, Angola, NY 14006

A Sensational HOLIDAY BALL! #2
2023-12-09 17:00 - 19:00 | The Hub, 4999 McKinley Pkwy, Hamburg, NY, 14075, United States
Join the Sensational Fun team for a magical Holiday Ball! *5-7pm is geared towards older kids but all ages are welcome!
● Dress up or dress down whichever is easier! ● Holiday activities and crafts
● SNACKS & DRINKS with allergy-free options
● Holiday Music, dancing & KARAOKE!
● Gym with lots of room to run and play & BOUNCE HOUSES!
● An extra calming room for regulation!
anddddd SANTA’S COMING! (and Buddy the Elf, and Anna, Elsa & Olaf, Mickey Mouse, The Grinch & Cyndi Loo!)
NEW THIS YEAR! Each child will get a $10 gift that will be personal to them and chosen by them/you! (THIS IS WHY WE ARE STARTING EARLY LOL!) You will be asked when you purchase tickets what gift your child would like!
Saturday, December 9 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: The Hub, 4999 McKinley Pkwy, Hamburg, NY
COST is $12 per person (Kids and Caregivers) ** Caregivers are expected to stay and enjoy the Holiday Ball with their child!
BOOK NOW!

JINGLE BELL JAM - BUFFALO PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA (BPO) KIDS SERIES
2023-12-10 14:30 - 15:30 | Kleinhans Music Hall, 3 Symphony Circle, Buffalo, NY, 14201, United States
A family tradition of festive frivolity including a seasonal souvenir for kids! Santa helps conduct and leads the holiday sing-along.
Location: Kleinhans Music Hall, 3 Symphony Circle, Buffalo, NY 14201
General admission child or adult: $7.00
Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.

Au-Some Evenings at Explore & More - The Ralph C Wilson Jr. Children's Museum
2024-02-09 17:30 - 19:30, 2024-03-08 17:30 - 19:30, 2024-04-12 17:30 - 19:30, 2024-05-10 17:30 - 19:30, 2024-06-14 17:30 - 19:30 | Explore & More – The Ralph C Wilson Jr. Children’s Museum, 130 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14202, United States
Once a month, Au-Some Evenings give children with autism and sensory processing needs, their friends and family an opportunity to play and learn together in an understanding and supportive environment. In addition to a fun night of play with access to the museum space and exhibits, we have special programming for families! The evening features themed Art Studio projects, sensory exploration in our Tinkering Tank, therapy animals from the SPCA and student volunteers from SUNY Buffalo State’s Exceptional Education program. Parent outreach materials including links for social stories, child development resources and play tips are always available. We even provide small giveaways or snacks in the lobby, at the end of the night to help with the transition of leaving the museum. We look forward to having you join us!
To register for the next Au-Some Evening please complete the form, here!

Special thanks to the Exceptional Education department from SUNY Buffalo State for providing volunteers who help support children and families develop language skills, promote social interactions, and facilitate learning through play. Au-Some Evenings was created in 2012 and presented in partnership with: Kathy Doody, Professor in Exceptional Education, and Jana Mertz, The Arc Erie County.

Click here to download our Au-Some Evening flyer!

Questions? Email accessibility@exploreandmore.org.
SPACE IS LIMITED!

Williamsville Central School District Agency Fair (In person event)
2024-03-19 18:00 - 20:00 | Williamsville North High School, 1595 Hopkins Road, Williamsville, 14221, United States
A great opportunity to learn more about activities, programs and events available for young adults with disabilities both while in school and after high school.
You will be able to speak to agencies and organizations about:

Recreational programs
Respite
Housing
Dayhab without walls
Pre-Voc
College programs for
individuals with
intellectual disabilities

REGISTER HERE! FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

Office For People With Developmental Disabilities Open House
2024-03-21 14:00 - 18:00 | Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, 1021 Broadway St., Buffalo, NY, 14212, United States
Find help for your learning and physical challenges. Join Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) for an Open House.
Learn about developmental disability services. Connect with people who can help. Get support for yourself and your loved one. Gain independence.
Children’s activities available.

Recreation Festival at Cazenovia Park in Buffalo, NY - FREE event
2024-06-01 10:00 - 14:00 | Cazenovia Park, West Seneca, NY, United States
Parent Network of WNY is thrilled to host their Recreation Festival on Saturday. June 1, 2024, once again at Cazenovia Park across from the Casino. The festival will run from 10am – 2 pm, and there will be representatives from local organizations serving children, teens, and adults, as well as visits from superheroes and princesses, face painting, and other community groups, including a fire truck! Every family that attends will receive an inclusive Recreation Guide to take home, as well as opportunities for prizes.
Learn about recreation programs and services in WNY for individuals with all abilities. FREE activities and games for all ages and abilities.
Click here for more information.

Get Outdoors & Get Together Day - Saturday, June 8, 2024
2024-06-08 10:00 - 14:00
OPWDD is partnering with NYS State Parks, DEC, and the Department of Veterans Services this year on Get Outdoors & Get Together Day, happening on Saturday, June 8. Fun and accessible outdoor events will be held at select parks and DEC sites across the state! They are sharing a general flyer with you about the event to use to spread the word and encourage people with and without developmental disabilities to attend and join in on the fun. Everyone is encouraged to bring a picnic lunch with them as concession is not available at every location.
At DEC sites, attendees can discover new skills and enjoy a range of introductory-level outdoor recreation activities such as fishing, nature walks and hikes, birding, archery, camping, paddling, and more. Activities will vary at State Parks and range from lawn games to accessible hikes to arts and crafts. Most events will run from 10 am until 2 pm. Events running at slightly different times are noted below.
State Park Event Locations
All State Parks-hosted events run from 10 am until 2 pm
• Sunken Meadow State Park (Suffolk County)
• Buffalo Harbor State Park (Erie County)
• Darien Lakes State Park (Genesee County)
• Allegany State Park (Cattaraugus County)
• Chenango Valley State Park (Chenango County)
• Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site (Montgomery County)
• Taughannock Falls State Park (Tompkins County)
• Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park (New York County)
• Lake Taghkanic State Park (Columbia County)
• Sterling Forest State Park (Orange County)
DEC Event Locations
Most DEC-hosted events run from 10 am until 2 pm, *exceptions noted below
• Hempstead Lake State Park (Nassau County)
• Mount Loretto Unique Area (Richmond County)
• Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center (Dutchess County) *Event time is 9 am until 2 pm
• Norrie Point Environmental Education Center (Dutchess County) *Event time is 11 am until 1 pm
• Kenneth L. Wilson Campground (Ulster County)
• Catskills Visitor Center (Ulster County) *Event time is 10 am until 4 pm • North-South Lake Campground (Greene County)
• Five Rivers Environmental Education Center (Albany County)
• Ausable Point Campground (Clinton County)
• Lowville Forestry Demonstration Area (Lewis County)
• Mendon Ponds Park In conjunction with the ADK Outdoor Expo (Monroe County) *Event time is from 9:30 am until 3:30 pm
• Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center (Erie County)
OPWDD hopes to see you at Get Outdoors & Get Together Day! For the most up-to-date information about the event, click here to visit their website.
If you have questions about the event or wish to be put in touch with the local event coordinator in your region, email OPWDD at communications.office@opwdd.ny.gov.

SummerFest at the Sal Niagara Falls, NY Wednesday, September 11th from 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
2024-09-11 15:00 - 19:00 | SummerFest at the Sal, 1201 Hyde Park Blvd., Niagara Falls, NY, 14301, United States
Come join the Autism Society WNY at SummerFest at the Sal for a great night of music, cars, and more on Wednesday, September 11 from 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm at 1201 Hyde Park Blvd., Niagara Falls, NY. Stop by our table and say “Hello” and check out our resources.

SummerFest at the Sal – FREE EVENT!

Carl the Collector Family Screening Night - A Buffalo Toronto Public Media Event - FREE!
2024-11-12 17:30 - 18:30 | Buffalo Toronto Public Media, Lower Terrace Street, Buffalo, NY, 14202, United States
Join us for a delightful family event as we celebrate the new PBS KIDS show, Carl the Collector!
Enjoy episodes “The Plushie Collection/The Bouncy Ball Collection” and “The Fake Mustache Collection/The Lint Dinosaur Collection” on the big screen before the show premieres! We will also have engaging, hands-on activities related to Carl – AND special exhibits with kids and their collections!
We will have chairs set up AND space on the floor in front for viewing. Bring your own blanket, sleeping bag, bean bag chair – we will provide personal spaces for all!
Please note that we will have a sensory room set up for the duration of the event in case a family needs to step away.
This event is free, but registration is required to attend.
REGISTER HERE.

Calling All Collectors!

Children attending our screening event of Carl the Collector are invited to bring their own treasured collections to share with fellow young enthusiasts. We’ll have dedicated tables set up where kids can proudly display their items and explore the collections of others. Whether it’s rocks, stamps, action figures, or anything in between, we can’t wait to see what unique treasures your child has been collecting! This is a wonderful opportunity for kids to showcase their passions and connect with others who share their interests. Don’t miss out on this chance to celebrate the joy of collecting together! Space is limited. We can accommodate 13 collectors, each at 1 table. Please fill out this application to be a showcased collector: APPLICATION
The first 13 applications will fill these spots, pending approval.
If a child does not get approved for a collection table, they may still bring a prized possession to share with attendees! We will have “Show & Tell” time throughout the event!
FREE PARKING!
