Autism Society Western New York

Evidence-based sensory integration strategies - Free Webinar
2020-08-12 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
Tune in to hear Roseann Schaaf, Ph.D., professor chair in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Thomas Jefferson University, share evidence-based sensory integration strategies for supporting individuals with autism.
Register: https://www.autism.org/evidence-based-sensory/
About the Speaker:
Roseann Schaaf, Ph.D., is professor and chair in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Thomas Jefferson University, Jefferson College of Health Professions and Faculty at the Farber Institute for Neuroscience at Jefferson. Dr. Schaaf is a translational scientist who has devoted her career to the study of children with autism and other developmental disorders, in particular how processing and integrating sensory information impacts participation in daily occupations. Building on her training as a behavioral neuroscientist, Dr. Schaaf’s psychophysiological laboratory was funded by NIH and provided insight into the neurological mechanisms of sensory difficulties in children with autism.

She has received over 35 funded grants totaling $8 million dollars including a recent $4.1 million dollar grant from the NIH to conduct a comparative effectiveness study of occupational therapy using sensory integration. This grant is in collaboration with her colleagues at Einstein Medical College and Queens University and includes a multisensory integration biomarker as an objective outcome measure of neuroplasticity. Roseann has over 70 peer-reviewed journal articles and abstracts, is the author of five books and 13 book chapters and has presented over 150 papers and presentations spanning national and international venues. She is a 2008 recipient of the A. Jean Ayres Research Award and a 1996 recipient of the Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching. Dr. Schaaf became an associate editor of OTJR: Occupation, Participation and Health in 2017.

Webinar: Preventing Parent Burnout for Parents of Children with Special Needs
2020-08-12 18:00 - 19:00
Please join Maryalice Fegeley, Regional Coordinator for Parent to Parent of NYS, as she presents the webinar Preventing Parent Burnout for Parents of Children with Special Needs. Extraordinary parenting responsibilities create extraordinary pressures on parents. At the same time, parenting a child with special needs requires energy, focus, and enthusiasm to be effective in our role. The better off we are emotionally and physically, the better off our families will be. Join us for this webinar on Preventing Parent Burnout and discover positive ways to cope with and effectively manage stress.
Click here to register for the webinar. Contact Tina Beauparlant at 518-381-4350 with any questions.

Webinar: When You Are Considering a Developmental Evaluation for Your Child: A Parent’s Perspective
2020-08-13 11:30 - 12:45
Please join Sharon Marrella, Regional Coordinator for Parent-2-Parent of NYS as she presents the webinar: When You Are Considering a Developmental Evaluation for Your Child: A Parent’s Perspective to Assist Your Visit. This webinar provides an overview of the parent’s perspective when planning for a child’s developmental evaluation. This webinar will not be looking at specific tests or types of evaluations. Instead, we want to share some tips and potential suggestions that we have learned based on our own personal experiences when our children were evaluated. We hope that this provides you with information and ideas when planning for your own child’s evaluation.
Contact Maryalice Fegeley at 716-427-5140 with any questions.
Webinar: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2847036234618884877

Webinar: Preventing Parent Burnout for Parents of Children with Special Needs
2020-08-13 18:00 - 19:00
Please join Maryalice Fegeley, Regional Coordinator for Parent to Parent of NYS, as she presents the webinar Preventing Parent Burnout for Parents of Children with Special Needs. Extraordinary parenting responsibilities create extraordinary pressures on parents. At the same time, parenting a child with special needs requires energy, focus, and enthusiasm to be effective in our role. The better off we are emotionally and physically, the better off our families will be. Join us for this webinar on Preventing Parent Burnout and discover positive ways to cope with and effectively manage stress.
Contact Tina Beauparlant at 518-381-4350 with any questions.
Webinar: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3460971637248711683

Webinar: NYS Autism Insurance Reform
2020-08-18 12:00 - 13:00
Parent to Parent of NYS presents the webinar: NYS Autism Insurance Reform presented by Lin Perry, Project Director for Family to Family Healthcare Information Center. Autism Insurance Reform legislation became effective in 2013, however aspects of the bill, related to Applied Behavioral Analysis, are still being worked on within the NYS government. This webinar will address the overall legislation, who it assists, and how, and will also give an update on the current status of the ABA portion of the legislation.
Contact Maryalice Fegeley (716) 427-5140with any questions. Click here to register for this webinar.

Family-Centered Planning and ASD - Free Webinar
2020-08-19 13:00 - 14:00
Research demonstrates the effectiveness of Family-Centered Transition Planning in increasing student and parent expectations for adult life, student career decision-making, and student participation in employment and post-secondary education. Tune in to learn the latest sustainable processes for implementing a Family-Centered Transition Planning model for youth and young adults with autism spectrum disorders.
Register: https://www.autism.org/family-centered-planning-and-asd/
About the Speaker: Alan Kurtz, Ph.D., is Coordinator of Education and Autism at the Center for Community Inclusion and Disability Studies at the University of Maine. He is a former special education teacher who now works at the Center for Community Inclusion and Disability Studies at the University of Maine. Alan recently coordinated the implementation and research in Maine of a two-state project designed to provide family-centered transition-planning supports to youth with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). He currently co-directs a similar project designed to make family-centered transition supports available on an ongoing and sustainable basis. Alan was the lead author of three disability related curricula including The Maine Employment Curriculum and Quality Employment Supports for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Alan is a former board member of the Autism National Committee and former editor of that organization’s newsletter. In 2008 he was named the Autism Society of Maine’s Professional of the Year in 2008. Additional honors include AAMR Region 10’s Annual Humanitarian Award in 1994 and the Vermont State Director of Mental Retardation Services Program of the Year Award in 1992.

How to Protect My Child’s Future Through Guardianship, Wills & Trusts - LIVE Webinar
2020-08-19 16:00 - 18:00
Planning for the future is especially important when you have a child with a disability. This workshop provides parents or caregivers with an overview of things to think about: guardianship, wills, and trusts. The class will help you to understand your options as you begin to think about plans for your special needs child.
Presented by: Bruce A. Goldstein Attorney at Law
To register online please go to: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7474417781714673423

Webinar: Education for Empowerment: School and Teens in Healthcare Transition
2020-08-20 18:30 - 19:30
Parent to Parent of NYS presents the webinar: Education for Empowerment: School and Teens in Healthcare Transition presented by Lin Perry, Project Director for Family to Family Healthcare Information Center. As our youth with ID/DD or special healthcare needs transition from pediatric to adult healthcare systems, self-advocates and parents alike need to understand the importance of transitioning their healthcare effectively. While many people engage in transition planning for their education to adult systems, sadly healthcare, isn’t often included in those plans. And yet, good health is the most fundamental and foundational aspect of any person’s success.
In this webinar participants will learn what research says, what issues to consider, the importance of transitioning healthcare and some effective means to begin a plan to transition for the caregiver/parent or for the child. The focus is on being a good parent partner with health professionals, and using some tools to begin the conversations and plan for and insure success.
Contact Tina Beauparlant at 518-381-4350 with any questions. Click here to register for this webinar.

FRONT DOOR FAMILY INFORMATION SESSION via WebEx
2020-08-21 15:00 - 17:00
People new to the OPWDD system can access services and supports through the Front Door. The Front Door is the way OPWDD connects people to the services they need and want. Once you enter, a person-centered planning process begins which helps you learn about and access service options taking your needs and desires into consideration. It will also give you the chance to direct your own service plan or help your family member or loved one as they direct theirs.
The Front Door is based on the understanding that people with developmental disabilities have the right to enjoy meaningful relationships, experience personal growth, take part in their community and live in the home of their choice. The Front Door process will guide you through the steps involved in finding out if you are eligible for services with OPWDD, identify your needs, goals and preferences, and help you work on a plan for getting those services.
Families/Individuals are welcome to attend any session that is convenient for them. Families are only required to attend one session even if there are multiple people in the family to be represented. Front Door Information sessions will be held via WebEx and pre-registration is REQUIRED.
To register for upcoming WebEx Front Door Information sessions for June – August 2020 for Region 1/Western & Finger Lakes (counties of Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Chemung, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Niagara, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates) contact Jeffrey Roberts at 585-241-5797 or by email at Jeffrey.e.roberts@opwdd.ny.gov.
DATE TIME
8/21/2020 3pm-5pm
8/25/2020 1pm-3pm

FRONT DOOR FAMILY INFORMATION SESSION via WebEx
2020-08-25 13:00 - 15:00
People new to the OPWDD system can access services and supports through the Front Door. The Front Door is the way OPWDD connects people to the services they need and want. Once you enter, a person-centered planning process begins which helps you learn about and access service options taking your needs and desires into consideration. It will also give you the chance to direct your own service plan or help your family member or loved one as they direct theirs.
The Front Door is based on the understanding that people with developmental disabilities have the right to enjoy meaningful relationships, experience personal growth, take part in their community and live in the home of their choice. The Front Door process will guide you through the steps involved in finding out if you are eligible for services with OPWDD, identify your needs, goals and preferences, and help you work on a plan for getting those services.
Families/Individuals are welcome to attend any session that is convenient for them. Families are only required to attend one session even if there are multiple people in the family to be represented. Front Door Information sessions will be held via WebEx and pre-registration is REQUIRED.
To register for upcoming WebEx Front Door Information sessions for June – August 2020 for Region 1/Western & Finger Lakes (counties of Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Chemung, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Niagara, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates) contact Jeffrey Roberts at 585-241-5797 or by email at Jeffrey.e.roberts@opwdd.ny.gov.
DATE TIME
8/25/2020 1pm-3pm

Early Intervention (EI) to Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) Transition for Parents - Webinar
2020-08-25 16:00 - 17:30
In this training families and caregivers will learn about the role of the Early Intervention Program, Committee on Preschool Special Education Committee and their roles in the transition process.
Participants will learn about the timelines and vocabulary involved with the process.
Lastly, families and caregivers will learn about their roles in the transition from Early Intervention to Preschool Special Education Process.
Your Host: Katie Junevic is an Early Childhood Professional Development Specialist with Parent Network
of WNY. She has been working in the Special Education field for over 10 years and is the
mother to an amazing 8 year old son.
You are invited to a Zoom meeting.
Register in advance for this meeting: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYtcu-prTwtHNJDc2hdESnZlYAvTJEuNpeY
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Live Webinar on August 26: Navigating the Life Stages of ADHD: Key Concerns in Diagnosing and Treating Adolescents
2020-08-26 13:00 - 14:30
Register for this free expert webinar to learn key concerns in diagnosing and treating teens with ADHD on Wednesday, August 26 at 1 pm ET. Sign up and you will receive the free webinar replay link after 8/26 as well!
(Part 2 of a Three-Part Series on Managing ADHD Across the Lifespan)
Register to reserve your spot for this free webinar and webinar replay ►
Not available August 26? Don’t worry. Register now and we’ll send you the replay link to watch at your convenience.
Adolescents face many challenges (and thrilling new experiences) as they transition into adulthood — a passage that is often more difficult for adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Separation and individuation from their families, management of their academic and occupational endeavors, and legal independence may be more problematic for teens diagnosed with ADHD.
Moreover, unhealthy interpersonal interactions, mood disorders, anxiety, and substance use problems may also surface during these years.
The good news is that preventive education, a proper diagnosis that includes evaluation for comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety, and the identification of “stress points” will ease the transition for teens and set them up for a successful launch into adulthood.
In this webinar, you will learn:

Strategies for diagnosing and working with young people with ADHD
How to identify and manage “stress points”
How to help teens with ADHD manage medications, including safe storage and appropriate use of stimulants
The importance of preventive medicine in ADHD and ways to help teens with ADHD to feel and be at their best

Certificate of Attendance: For information on how to purchase the certificate of attendance option, register for the webinar, then look for instructions in the email you’ll receive around 45 minutes after it ends. The certificate of attendance link will also be available here, on the webinar replay page, several hours after the live webinar. ADDitude does not offer CEU credits.
Have a question for our expert? There will be an opportunity to post questions for the presenter during the live webinar.

Meet the Expert Speaker:
Dr. Timothy E. Wilens is the Chief of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and (Co) Director of the Center for Addiction Medicine at the Massachusetts General Hospital. He is a Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Wilens specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD, substance use disorders, and bipolar disorder. Widely published, Dr. Wilens has more than 350 original articles, reviews, chapters, books and editorials to his credit. Dr. Wilens is a consultant to the National Football League, Major/Minor League Baseball, Bay Cove Human Services and Gavin House and is consistently named one of the Best Doctors in Boston and in America for psychiatry.

Got Stress? Get Mindful
2020-08-28 15:00 - 16:00
Youth between the ages of 14 and 26
Do you…
• Feel stressed or overwhelmed?
• Worry a lot about what happened in the past or will happen?
• Want to learn ways to focus better and feel better?
ABOUT THE HOSTS
Saafir is a student at Canisius College studying Human Services. Mindfulness has been an essential part of his work with the Erie County Restorative Justice Coalition and is directly intertwined with the circles and programming that Saafir is passionate about hosting for local youth.
Jesse is a studying education at Canisius College. He first came across mindfulness practice with the Erie County
Restorative Justice Coalition, where Jesse plans circles and leads programs in youth engagement.
You are invited to a Zoom meeting.
Register in advance for this meeting: ParePaOPOPStahttps://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEvce-upz0tH9Wu4xN9CT-AZQQLWtJFKIDr
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Live Webinar on September 1: “My Child’s Handwriting Is So Messy!” Strategies for Improving Dysgraphia in Children with ADHD
2020-09-01 13:00 - 14:00
Dysgraphia is a learning disability that affects the ability of a child, teen, or adult to express their thoughts on paper and on screen. It affects 20% to 60% of people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In addition to impairing handwriting and keyboarding, dysgraphia interferes with academic achievement and self-esteem. In other words, it is much more than messy writing.
Dysgraphia varies in its symptoms and severity, and can be easy to miss in kids, particularly in mild cases. If your child has dysgraphia, they may struggle with more than just writing — they might also find it hard to tie shoelaces, for example. Because children with dysgraphia are often skilled at reading or at expanding on a topic verbally, their struggles with writing may be blamed on “laziness” or “carelessness.” Like other learning disabilities, dysgraphia is genetic and often runs in families.
Occupational therapist and best-selling author Lindsey Biel explains why children can’t always show what they know on paper, and provides practical sensory-smart strategies that can help them do that.
In this webinar, you will learn:

Why handwriting requires much more than fine motor skills
Fun activities that build underlying, foundational skills
Practical ways to enhance attention and reduce conflicting sensory input
Multisensory strategies that helps kids with ADHD enjoy writing
Tips and tools for handwriting and keyboarding

Certificate of Attendance: For information on how to purchase the certificate of attendance option, register for the webinar, then look for instructions in the email you’ll receive around 45 minutes after it ends. The certificate of attendance link will also be available here, on the webinar replay page, several hours after the live webinar. ADDitude does not offer CEU credits.
Have a question for our expert? There will be an opportunity to post questions for the presenter during the live webinar.
Meet the Expert Speaker
Lindsey Biel, M.A., OTR/L, is a pediatric occupational therapist with a private practice in New York City where she evaluates and treats children, adolescents, and young adults with sensory processing issues, developmental delays, autism spectrum disorders, and other challenges. With the COVID-19 pandemic, she now offers teletherapy to families and schools nationwide.
Lindsey is co-author of the award-winning Raising a Sensory Smart Child: The Definitive Handbook for Helping Your Child with Sensory Processing Issues, with a foreword by Temple Grandin. She is also the author of Sensory Processing Challenges: Effective Clinical Work with Kids & Teens and has authored two chapters in Dr. William Steele’s book Optimizing Learning Outcomes as well as contributed to the all-new edition of Kim West’s classic Good Night, Sleep Tight.
Register for this free expert webinar to learn strategies for improving dysgraphia in children with ADHD on Tuesday, September 1 at 1 pm ET. https://goto.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1346109&tp_key=3b93776813Sign up and you will receive the free webinar replay link after 9/1 as well! Not available September 1? Don’t worry. Register now and we’ll send you the replay link to watch at your convenience.

Creating Structure & Routine at Home with Hybrid-Model Schooling
2020-09-04 08:00 - 10:00
Strategies for setting up routine and structure in the home when children are engaged in hybrid-model schooling.
Learn tips to set up a routine that will be helpful in keeping everyone on track with in-school days and distance learning days. Ideas for helping to keep your child/children engaged in their distance learning by setting up the structure they need to be successful.
Strategies for parents/caregivers working from home while children are engaged in distance learning. Participants will receive copy of social skills story titled “School is Different”.
TARGET AUDIENCE: Parents/Caregivers of School-Aged Children
ABOUT THE HOST
Debbie Schutt, MS is Parent Networks’ Behavior Intervention Coordinator. Debbie has been a member of the Parent Network of WNY team since 2018. She has extensive experience working with youth and families through the Office of Mental Health and the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities in the areas of behavior intervention, crisis management, and mental health.
You are invited to a Zoom meeting.
Register in advance for this meeting: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwufu2tqDgoG9yrpOjPsgV24TqSohJ1A-bj
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Live Webinar on September 8: Navigating the Life Stages of ADHD: Key Concerns and Strategies for Diagnosing and Treating Adults with ADHD
2020-09-08 13:00 - 14:00
(Part 3 of a Three-Part Series on Managing ADHD Across the Lifespan)
ADHD in adults is among the most impairing outpatient disorders seen in clinical practice. ADHD is viewed as a disorder of self-regulation and executive functioning. The condition has an adverse affect on family functioning, self-care and independence, education, peer relationships, sexual activities, driving, money management, occupational functioning, antisocial behavior, substance abuse, marriage, and child rearing, among others.
ADHD expert Russell Barkley will discuss the latest research on how to meet the many challenges facing adults with ADHD — from diagnosis and evaluation to everyday symptom management. Adults will also learn about the most effective treatments for managing common risks while living with ADHD.
In this webinar you will learn:

The findings from the latest studies, and Dr. Barkley’s own research, on the impairments caused by ADHD in adulthood
Ways to ensure an accurate diagnosis for adult ADHD
How to identify the detailed risks within each domain of impairment — education, occupational functioning, social functioning, driving, and so on.
Key recommendations and treatments to address ADHD symptoms in adults

Certificate of Attendance: For information on how to purchase the certificate of attendance option, register for the webinar, then look for instructions in the email you’ll receive around 45 minutes after it ends. The certificate of attendance link will also be available here, on the webinar replay page, several hours after the live webinar. ADDitude does not offer CEU credits.
Have a question for our expert? There will be an opportunity to post questions for the presenter during the live webinar.
Meet the Expert Speaker
Russell A. Barkley, Ph.D., is a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, VA. He is board certified in Clinical Psychology (ABPP), Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, and Clinical Neuropsychology (ABCN, ABPP). Dr. Barkley is a clinical scientist, educator, and practitioner who has published 26 other books, rating scales, and clinical manuals numbering more than 43 editions, and creator of 7 award winning professional videos. He has also published more than 300 scientific articles and book chapters related to the nature, assessment, and treatment of ADHD and related disorders. He is the founder and Editor of the clinical newsletter, The ADHD Report, now in its 28th year of publication. Dr. Barkley has presented more than 800 invited lectures in more than 30 countries and appeared on nationally televised shows such as 60 Minutes, the Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS Sunday Morning, CNN, and many others. He has received numerous awards from professional societies and ADHD organizations for his lifetime achievements, contributions to research and clinical practice, and the dissemination of science. His websites are www.russellbarkley.org and www.ADHDLectures.com.
Register for this free expert webinar to learn key concerns and strategies for diagnosing and treating adults with ADHD on Tuesday, September 8, at 1 pm ET. https://goto.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1348191&tp_key=8a74875b6cSign up and you will receive the free webinar replay link after 9/8 as well! Not available September 8? Don’t worry. Register now and we’ll send you the replay link to watch at your convenience.

Take the Stress out of Transition Ask Me
2020-09-09 11:00 - 12:00
Need answers for after the bus stops coming?
Do you have a high schooler with a learning difference?
Do you have questions about accommodations at work or college?
Not sure what to ask? Or who to ask?
Click the link or call in to Ask Me Anything about Transition https://zoom.us/j/94312045558? pwd=[REDACTED] DhORXpzdz09
Dial by your location
+1 646 558 8656
US (New York)
Meeting ID: 943 1204 5558
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/adTpItYB0T
Ask Me Anything: Transition— is hosted by Tonia Weichmann. Tonia is the Transition Coordinator at Parent Network of WNY, with over 20 years of experience working with children, teens, adults, and families on a wide variety of concerns associated with Learning Differences and Transitioning. The years of experiences have provided the ability to support young adults as they develop their skills and goals, educate families and professionals on ways to guide and support young adults, connecting to resources and services, and empower individuals to make an informed decision.

The Role of Neurotransmitters in GI Disorders Related to Autism
2020-09-09 13:00 - 14:00
Tune in to learn about research exploring the role enteric neurotransmitters, specifically serotonin and oxytocin, play in enteric nervous system (ENS) development and how, when signaling of either of these neurotransmitters is abnormal, it can result in intestinal inflammation and/or motility dysfunction.
Register: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/944629322134593803
About the Speaker: Kara Gross Margolis, MD is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and a pediatric gastroenterologist with a clinical expertise in brain-gut axis disorders, and particularly autism spectrum disorders (ASD). She has published highly novel observations on the roles that enteric neurotransmitters, specifically serotonin and oxytocin, play in enteric nervous system (ENS) development and how, when signaling of either of these neurotransmitters is abnormal, result in intestinal inflammation and/or motility dysfunction. She has more recently leveraged her expertise to study disorders of the brain-gut axis from the perspective of the ENS. Her studies in this area thus far have focused on two disorders that have been classically thought of as central nervous system (CNS)-centric, ASD and developmental antidepressant (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor; SSRI) exposure. Her overall goals are to pursue translational research that interrogates basic mechanisms underlying important clinical conditions, in order to utilize this knowledge to develop novel therapeutic strategies.

Help! My Child Won’t Wear a Mask!
2020-09-10 08:00 - 10:00
Strategies and tips for parents, caregivers, and professionals who engage with children experiencing behavior challenges related to wearing a face mask.
Learn tips and strategies to use with children, tweens, and teens. Specific strategies for individuals diagnosed with developmental disabilities, sensory processing challenges, physical disabilities, speech or hearing impairments, and more.
Participants will receive copies of two (2) social skills stories: “We All Wear Masks” and “School is Different”.
TARGET AUDIENCE: Parents/Caregivers of School-Aged Children
ABOUT THE HOST
Debbie Schutt, MS is Parent Networks’ Behavior Intervention Coordinator. Debbie has been a member of the Parent Network of WNY team since 2018. She has extensive experience working with youth and families through the Office of Mental Health and the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities in the areas of behavior intervention, crisis management, and mental health.
You are invited to a Zoom meeting
Register in advance for this meeting: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwkdeygpjkuHtRLyRM8yfLplU3MEub26_j6
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Parent Member Training Webinar Three (3) Part Series- Part 1
2020-09-12 10:00 - 11:00
Parent Members contribute valuable information and support to families who request their attendance at an IEP meeting.
Parent Members participate in discussions
about:
• Eligibility for special education services
• Educational planning and goal-setting
• Learning in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)
• Understanding the evaluation and placement processes
Parent Members help to ensure that the student’s family member(s):
• Understand and are comfortable with the IEP team’s decisions
• Have had their questions and concerns addressed
Hosts
Katie Junevic is an Early Childhood Professional Development Specialist with Parent Network of WNY. She has been working in the Special Education field for over 10 years and is the mother to an amazing 8 year old son.
Tonia Weichmann is the Transition Coordinator at Parent Network of WNY, with over 20 years of experience working with children, teens, adults, and families on a wide variety of concerns associated with Learning Differences and Transitioning.
Saturday, September 12, 19 & 26 from 10 – 11 am. You must attend all three (3) sessions to receive certificate!
You are invited to this Webinar.
Please register in advance https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/3665588557591463437
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
This link will be the same for all three (3) sessions.

Come Ask the Advocate your questions about CSE or 504 plans. Webinar
2020-09-14 11:00 - 12:00
Come Ask the Advocate your questions about CSE or 504 plans.
Do you know how to request information about your child / student?
Do you understand your role at a CSE meeting?
Do you know how to discuss your child’s needs at a CSE meeting?
If you have questions, we have answers for you!
Please register at: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2349488532130010382
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. If you have questions, please contact Tina Beauparlant (518) 381-4350.

Compensatory Services Big Questions for Students with Disabilities During COVID-19
2020-09-15 11:00 - 13:00
During this national emergency, schools must prioritize, above all else, the safety of students, staff, and communities. Consistent with this priority, schools are still obligated to provide a student with a free and appropriate public education.
If a child did or did not receive services during a closure, a child’s IEP team (or appropriate personnel under Section 504) must therefore make an individualized determination whether and to what extent compensatory education services may be needed as a result of COVID-related disruptions to the provision of FAPE. This presentation will include perspectives from both parents and school districts, as well as an overview of the Due Process laws and techniques for parents to monitor academic and IEP goal progress. This presentation is for parents, professionals and providers who want to learn to what extent compensatory education services may be needed this Fall and how to advocate for it.
PRESENTERS:
Christen Smith, Staff Attorney, Legal Aid Society of Northeastern NY
Tina Beauparlant, Reginal Program Manager/Education Specialist, Parent to Parent of NYS
Erin Hill, Director of Special Programs, Cohoes City School District
Registration details: http://parenttoparentnys.org/images/uploads/pdfs/September_2020_Flyer_-_Compensatory_Services_(1)1.docx
http://parenttoparentnys.org/images/uploads/pdfs/September_2020_Flyer_-_Compensatory_Services1.pdf

Health, Wellness, and the Real Value of Your Life Plan
2020-09-15 12:00 - 13:00
Join us for the next installment of our HOT TOPICS webinar series: “Health, Wellness and the Value of Your Life Plan.”
Our experts will discuss “the why” behind the Life Plan, and how it can help you or your loved one live a healthy, fulfilling life!
Register for September 15 webinar at 12 PM ➡️ https://bit.ly/334Ealy

Webinar: Education Records Organizer
2020-09-16 11:00 - 12:00
Please join Trish Washburn, Parent Advocate for Parent to Parent of NYS, as she presents the webinar Education Records Organizer. This workshop is where parents, guardians and advocates of children who receive 504 and special education services take their educational records and organize them into a record-keeping binder. This workshop will assist in being more organized in planning a child’s education, and in the CPSE/CSE process. Contact Tina Beauparlant with questions, 518-381-4350.
Webinar: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2127198061454559745

Ask Me Anything: Take the Stress out of Transition
2020-09-16 11:00 - 12:00

Social Emotional Learning for Children with ADHD in Quarantine - Live Webinar
2020-09-16 13:00 - 14:00
Social distancing has isolated and stressed all of us, but it has caused children with ADHD to lose valuable opportunities to practice their social skills, and make and keep friends. Many school administrators and teachers are hard at work implementing programs to address Social Emotional Learning (SEL) during distance learning, but parents can also do many things at home to strengthen their kids’ social skills, which leads to not only emotional well-being but also better academic performance.
In this webinar, you will learn:

How to support a child who doesn’t do well making or keeping friends, or who has high social anxiety
How to develop social, emotion, behavioral skills for a healthier, happier social life
Strategies to help children feel and show empathy and establish and maintain positive relationships
Caregiver strategies to help children be socially and emotionally competent

Have a question for the expert? There will be an opportunity to post questions for the presenter during the live webinar.

Register for this free expert webinar to learn how to strengthen your child’s social skills during quarantine on Wednesday, September 16 at 1 pm ET.
Register: https://goto.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1361051&tp_key=5efa7cb133
Sign up and you will receive the free webinar replay link after 9/16 as well!

Not available September 16? Don’t worry. Register now and you will be sent the replay link to watch at your convenience.
Meet the Expert Speaker:
Caroline Maguire, M.Ed., ACCG, PCC founded and facilitates a comprehensive SEL training methodology (#ConnectionMatters) for adults, parents, clinicians and academic professionals on how to develop critical social, emotional and behavioral skills, in themselves and in others. Caroline’s book Why Will No One Play With Me? is a playbook that includes foolproof scripts on how to communicate – with anyone, in any situation – and how to ensure the message registers with the recipient – no small task! Through her private practice, publications, lectures and workshops, her mission is to vanquish the devastating effects of feeling different and misunderstood. Please join her on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Medium, Pinterest and download her free video How to Tell a Tighter Story.

Wednesday Wellness with the Experts - Strategies to Support Children Diagnosed with Depression and/or Anxiety
2020-09-16 18:30 - 20:00
Wednesday Wellness with the Experts
This free family wellness series starts September 16. Join Mental Health Advocates of WNY panelists on the following dates, from 6:30PM to 8:00PM via Zoom Meeting:

September 16th: Strategies to Support Children Diagnosed with Depression and/or Anxiety – Presented by Carly Adornetto, LMHC BestSelf Buffalo East Branch

October 21st: Medication Management: Which medications do what? Stimulants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers – Presented by Joshua S. Russell, M.D. Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist

November 18th: What to do if your child is being bullied? – Presented by Kristi Moscato, Community Engagement Manager at Parent Network of WNY, and Stacie Dziwulski, Family Peer Advocate at Mental Health Advocates of WNY

December 16th: Self-care: Managing my own wellness so that I can help my child manage their wellness (yoga relaxation, mindfulness) – Presented by Melinda C. DuBois, Executive Director of Mental Health Advocates of WNY

M
Click HERE to register. If you have any questions regarding these sessions, please email sdziwulski@mhawny.org or call 716-886-1242 ext. 337.

Webinar: Preventing Parent Burnout for Parents of Children with Special Needs
2020-09-17 12:00 - 13:00
Please join Alissa Morris, Regional Coordinator for Parent to Parent of NYS, as she presents the webinar Preventing Parent Burnout for Parents of Children with Special Needs. Extraordinary parenting responsibilities create extraordinary pressures on parents. At the same time, parenting a child with special needs requires energy, focus, and enthusiasm to be effective in our role. The better off we are emotionally and physically, the better off our families will be. Join us for this webinar on Preventing Parent Burnout and discover positive ways to cope with and effectively manage stress.
Click here to register for the webinar. Contact Tina Beauparlant at 518-381-4350 with any questions.

Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with with Disabilities-TRAID
2020-09-17 15:00 - 16:00
In this training families and caregivers will learn about a program manages through the Center for Assistive Technology, (CAT) who is the Western New York Regional TRAID Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities, serving persons and organizations in Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming counties.
TRAID’s goal is to promote independence in the lives of people with disabilities of all ages by using Assistive Technology (AT) to improve everyday functional abilities in education, employment and community living.
Presentation & Discussion with Kimberly Naus & Brendan Stapley!
ABOUT THE HOSTS
Kimberly Naus, Director of CAT Client Services BBA, MS Ed is the Project Coordinator for the WNY TRAID program
operated by New York State and takes part in coordinating outreach presentations. Kimberly coordinates AT development for pre-service students and professionals throughout New York State. She has a Bachelor’s in Business
Administration and a Master of Science in education and has several years’ experience in the field of AT.
Brendan has substantial experience working with people exploring their capabilities with disabilities and has helped to
identify individual targets for personal and environmental function, recommend appropriate solutions, and train toward successful implementation of those solutions. He has presented on AT, at conferences, worked alongside self-advocates and self-advocate groups, and helped raise general awareness of AT in his community.
You are invited to a Zoom meeting.
Register in advance for this meeting: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEscuirrz8qGtcg7CqXNPy4hoXK0NbbDrq-
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the PStSmeeting.

Health, Wellness, and the Real Value of Your Life Plan
2020-09-17 18:30 - 19:30
Join us for the next installment of our HOT TOPICS webinar series: “Health, Wellness and the Value of Your Life Plan.”
Our experts will discuss “the why” behind the Life Plan, and how it can help you or your loved one live a healthy, fulfilling life!
September 17 at 6:30 PM ➡️ https://bit.ly/3bji6HA
