Autism Society Western New York

Mental Health Advocates of WNY's Wednesday Wellness with the Experts
2021-11-17 18:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
This month, Mental Health Advocates of WNY’s free family wellness session is on November 17th, from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM via Zoom Meeting:

November 17, 2021: How an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or a 504 Plan could support your child with Social, Emotional, or Behavioral Challenges in school.
Presented by Parent Network of WNY

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

Understanding the Regulation of the Commissioner of Education Part 200 Students with Disabilities - webinar
2021-11-18 12:00 - 13:30
Please join Tina Beauparlant, Regional Manager / Education Specialist, Parent to Parent of NYS, as she presents a webinar on Understanding the Regulation of the Commissioner of Education Part 200 Students with Disabilities.
This training will take you through the NYS Special Education Regulations step by step. Parents will learn the role they play on the CSE, learn the chain of command regarding the CSE, learn how to request information regarding your child’s IEP and gain an understanding how to communicate with your child’s teachers & administrators.
After this webinar parents will have more knowledge about the educational laws to advocate for their child/children.
If you have question’s contact: Tina Beauparlant (518) 381-4350 or email Tbeauparlant@ptopnys.org
Online Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/445832592110756880

Webinar: NYS Autism Insurance Reform webinar
2021-11-18 18:00 - 19:15
Please join Lin Perry, Project Director, Family to Family Healthcare Information Center, as she presents a webinar on the Autism Insurance Reform.
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.
Online Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6671031032181767694

Region 1 Self-Direction Information Session via WebEx
2021-11-22 09:00 - 11:00
“Everyone has their own likes and dislikes, hobbies and favorite activities. Having a choice is what Self-Direction is all about. You will get to pick your own activities, staff and schedule when you self-direct.
“Self-Direction may be right for you if you can make your own decisions (or have someone to help you do so) and if you want more responsibility, flexible supports and services. Anyone who is eligible for OPWDD services and enrolled in the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waiver can choose to self-direct their services.
“Although the process may seem complicated at first, you will get help at every step. First, you can attend a Self-Direction information session at a nearby Developmental Disabilities Regional Office (DDRO). You will meet with a team of people whom you choose, (your Circle of Support) and they will help you select your services and put together a budget. Your Circle of Support can include family and close friends, your Care Manager, a Support Broker and staff who know you well. You will talk about what you want from life and make it a reality.
“Self-Direction is flexible. You can change things in your plan when you want something different. You can always switch back to a more traditional model of supports if Self-Direction doesn’t suit you.”
(The above description was taken from http://opwdd.ny.gov/types-services/self-direction.)
NOTE: At this time, meetings are conducted virtually.
Attendance is taken using the email address logging in for the session. People cannot receive credit just by calling in.
**People who are unable to access a WebEx session should contact their SD Liaison for a phone session.
Registration is required. Register through WebEx link: https://meetny.webex.com/meetny/onstage/g.php?MTID=edc7e2606aa9019112c6e9f1cb70837d1

OPWDD Front Door Information Session via WebEx
2021-11-22 10:00 - 12:00, 2021-12-01 17:00 - 19:00, 2021-12-14 17:00 - 19:00
ATTEND A FRONT DOOR INFORMATION SESSION TO LEARN ABOUT SUPPORTS AND SERVICES
The OPWDD Front Door Information Sessions outline the process of how you can become eligible for supports and services, the types of supports and services available and where you can go to get assistance. All sessions are presently offered remotely by WebEx. The session length is two hours.
Register: https://opwdd.ny.gov/get-started/information-sessions. Registration for a session is required. Once you have found the date and time that works best for you, please click the link to register for the session.
All Regional Offices offer translation services for the language that best fits your needs. If you require a session in a language other than English or Spanish, including American Sign Language (ASL), please contact your local Front Door Office. Front Door contact numbers may be found on the OPWDD website: https://opwdd.ny.gov/contact-us#access-services-through-front-door

Webinar- Guidelines for Determining the Need for a One-to-One Aide
2021-11-22 12:00 - 13:30
Please join Tina Beauparlant, Regional Manager / Education Specialist, Parent to Parent of NYS as she presents this wonderful webinar:
Guidelines for Determining the Need for a One-to-One Aide
Let’s explore what the IEP team needs to considering, supplemental aids, services and program modifications for all students with disabilities.
A key question for the IEP team is to consider whether the student with a disability does or does not require one-to-one support to make meaningful progress toward annual goals in the IEP in the least restrictive environment (LRE).
If you have question please call Tina Beauparlant (518) 381-435 or email Tbeauparlant@ptopnys.org
Webinar Online Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6734180384408073232

Understanding the Functional Behavior Assessment Process via Zoom
2021-11-22 18:00 - 20:00
Is Your Child Having Behavior Problems at School?
You will learn when, why and how to request a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)/Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) to help get your child’s behavior back on track.
REGISTER
FREE EVENT!
email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
call: 716.332.4170

Executive Function and ASD - Webinar
2021-11-23 13:00 - 14:00
Previous studies have shown that older adults with autism traits may experience notably increased difficulty with executive function. Learn about remerging brain research on the role of the underlying neuroanatomy on executive function for individuals with autism.
About the Speaker
Greg Wallace, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at The George Washington University. His research focuses on neuropsychological and structural brain development in autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental disorders across the lifespan and their impacts on real-world outcomes. He is also particularly interested in eating-related behaviors and their cognitive and neural correlates in typical and atypical (e.g., autism spectrum disorder) development. Dr. Wallace has published extensively and presented his work widely on these and related topics.
REGISTER: https://www.autism.org/exeuctive-function-autism/

Understanding the Functional Behavior Assessment Process via Zoom
2021-11-24 18:00 - 20:00
Is Your Child Having Behavior Problems at School?
You will learn when, why, and how to request a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)/Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) to help get your child’s behavior back on track.
REGISTER: https://parentnetworkwny.org/event/understanding-the-functional-behavior-assessment-process/
email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
call: 716.332.4170

Webinar: Loss, Grief, and Adjustment for Parents of Children with Special Needs
2021-11-29 11:00 - 12:00
Please join Dianne O’Connor, Regional Coordinator for Parent to Parent of NYS, as she presents the webinar Loss, Grief, and Adjustment for Parents of Children with Special Needs. Powerful and intense feelings are natural and common responses to parenting a child with exceptional needs. This training will provide an overview of common emotions experienced by parents and discuss how by sharing and acknowledging these emotions parents can find the inner strength needed to face and embrace their role as a parent of a child with special needs.
Contact Tina Beauparlant at 518-381-4350 with any questions.
Webinar registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7599461944010244876

Holiday Anxiety … Let it Go! via Zoom
2021-11-30 18:00 - 20:00
Holidays are a time of stress, but holidays are also about LOVE. This workshop will give you the tools to “Let It Go” and help you and your family cope with the stressors brought on by holidays. You will feel more empowered to enjoy and experience love and joy this holiday season.
RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY
email: info@parentnetworkwny.org | call: 716.332.4170 online: www.parentnetworkwny.org/events
REGISTER

Webinar: Education Records Organizer
2021-12-01 12:00 - 13:15
Please join Trish Washburn, Regional Coordinator 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 registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4765586172138165007

Bullying & Promoting Well-Being for Students with Disabilities via Zoom
2021-12-01 18:00 - 20:00
Bullying & Promoting Well-Being for Students with Disabilities and/or Mental Health Challenges
In this workshop, parents, caregivers, or educators of children with disabilities learn to recognize the signs of a bullying situation and how to talk to a child.
Learn about the supports and services that can be built into the Individualized Education Program (IEP) to promote social growth and well-being.

REGISTER TODAY! FREE EVENT!

Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Call: 716-332-4170
Register: https://parentnetworkwny.org/event/bullying-promoting-well-being-for-students-with-disabilities-3/

Live Webinar on December 2: The Power of Family Engagement: How Involved Parents Can Foster a Child’s Self-Advocacy Skills
2021-12-02 13:00 - 14:30
Decades of research tell us that a parent’s close bond and engagement with their child leads to academic success. For children with learning differences, this engagement is also paramount to their social and emotional wellbeing — in large part because it unlocks self-advocacy skills.

Research at the National Center for Learning Disabilities strongly suggests that “lack of self-advocacy and self-regulation skills may explain why students with learning disabilities who attend any type of post-secondary school are less likely to graduate than are students without disabilities.” Developing a student’s voice during the elementary and high school years builds critical thinking, encourages the child to ask for help when navigating hurdles, and allows them to share their struggles and joys to better understand their possibilities. Harnessing family engagement opens a window for parents to guide and support their child’s strengths and to feel connected as a family.
Here, Michael Nakkula, Ph.D., of the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education, will share the impact of empowering student advocacy and harnessing parent engagement on social-emotional development, academic achievement, and overall mental health for students with learning differences.
In this webinar you will learn:

How consistent parent/family engagement plays a critical role in students’ academic, social, and emotional learning
How to develop and build student voice, which has the power to identify a child’s struggles, joys, and possibilities — and to change the trajectory of his or her future
How engaging with your child outside of the classroom leads to increased chances of attending college, developing a career, and life preparedness
Practical ways parents can enhance a student’s voice and increase family engagement

Meet the Expert Speaker:
Michael Nakkula, Ph.D., is a Professor of Practice and Chair of the Division of Human Development and Quantitative Methods at the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education. He teaches courses on adolescent development and the intersection of counseling, mentoring, and education within urban public schools. Among his publications, Professor Nakkula is the lead author of Understanding Youth: Adolescent Development for Educators (#CommissionsEarned)(2006, Harvard Education Press) and Building Healthy Communities for Positive Youth Development (#CommissionsEarned) (2010, Springer Academic Press). Professor Nakkula’s three-volume edited collection on possibility development for young people around the world addresses the ways in which youth perspectives on their future are both supported by and at times undermined by the opportunity structures that surround them (Adolescent Psychology in Today’s World: Global Perspectives on Risk, Relationships, and Development (#CommissionsEarned), Praeger Press, 2018).
Have a question for our expert? There will be an opportunity to post questions for the presenter during the live webinar.
Not available December 2? Don’t worry. Register now and we’ll send you the replay link to watch at your convenience.
Click here to Register

Webinar- What are Effective Advocacy Skills
2021-12-06 16:00 - 17:15
Please join Trish Washburn, Education Specialist, Parent to Parent of NYS, as she presents a webinar on What are Effective Advocacy Skills.
Not everyone starts out by being a good advocate. Many parents, guardians and grandparents have faced challenges in getting their child’s education needs met. Parents, guardians, grandparents, must learn the skills they need to become good advocates for their children. Participants will learn that communicating effectively with teachers and other school personnel is one of the best ways to ensure that your child’s school is creating a good learning environment for your child, and to ensure that your child’s school is providing your child with the services or programs that he or she needs to succeed in school.
If you have questions, please contact: Tina Beauparlant (518) 381-4350 or email Tbeauparlant@ptopnys.org
Webinar Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6829030854816097807

Transition Process from Preschool (CPSE) to School Age Special Education via Zoom
2021-12-07 11:00 - 12:30
Transition Process from Preschool (CPSE) to School Age Special Education
You will learn about working together with your school district during the transition from the Committee on Preschool Education (CPSE) to Committee on Preschool Special Education (CSE).
We will cover topics such as the transition process, timeline and commonly used terms.
REGISTER TODAY! FREE EVENT!
Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Call: 716-332-4170
REGISTER: https://parentnetworkwny.org/event/transition-process-from-preschool-cpse-to-school-age-special-education/

Region 1 Self-Direction Information Session via WebEx
2021-12-07 16:00 - 18:00
“Everyone has their own likes and dislikes, hobbies and favorite activities. Having a choice is what Self-Direction is all about. You will get to pick your own activities, staff and schedule when you self-direct.
“Self-Direction may be right for you if you can make your own decisions (or have someone to help you do so) and if you want more responsibility, flexible supports and services. Anyone who is eligible for OPWDD services and enrolled in the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waiver can choose to self-direct their services.
“Although the process may seem complicated at first, you will get help at every step. First, you can attend a Self-Direction information session at a nearby Developmental Disabilities Regional Office (DDRO). You will meet with a team of people whom you choose, (your Circle of Support) and they will help you select your services and put together a budget. Your Circle of Support can include family and close friends, your Care Manager, a Support Broker and staff who know you well. You will talk about what you want from life and make it a reality.
“Self-Direction is flexible. You can change things in your plan when you want something different. You can always switch back to a more traditional model of supports if Self-Direction doesn’t suit you.”
(The above description was taken from http://opwdd.ny.gov/types-services/self-direction.)
NOTE: At this time, meetings are conducted virtually.
Attendance is taken using the email address logging in for the session. People cannot receive credit just by calling in.
**People who are unable to access a WebEx session should contact their SD Liaison for a phone session.
Registration is required. Register through WebEx link: https://meetny.webex.com/meetny/onstage/g.php?MTID=e7ba314dab1f690060c087fc60d408c24

Zoom- How to Prepare for a Successful CSE Meeting
2021-12-07 18:30 - 19:45
Please join Namita Modasra, Education Advocate, Parent to Parent of NYS, as she presents this wonderful presentation.
This training is to help parents, who approach IEP meetings with fear and dread? If this is you attended this training and there may be some suggestions to help you feel more at ease and able to participate as a full member of the team that plans your child’s special education program.
If you are a Parent, Grandparent, Family Member, or just interested in this topic then this training is for you!
Zoom Online registration Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEqduivqTssHdVPZSCo5TYvDynQnzc8kfC_
Contact: Tina Beauparlant- tbeauparlant@ptopnys.

Webinar: Education for Empowerment: School and Teens in Healthcare Transition
2021-12-08 18:00 - 19:00
Please join Lin Perry Project Director Parent to Parent of NYS Family to Family Healthcare Information Center, as she presents a webinar on the Education for Empowerment: School and Teens in Healthcare Transition.
As our youth with ID/DD or special healthcare needs transition from pediatric to adult health care 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 persons success. In this webinar you will learn what the research says, what issue to consider, the importance of transitioning healthcare and some effective means to begin a plan to transition for yourself or for your child.
Our focus is being a good parent partner with your health professionals and using some tools to begin the conversations and plan for and insure success. Please join us and get ready for a future of healthy success!
If you have questions please contact: Maryalice Fegeley, mfegeley@ptopnys.org
Online Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5222784002889143566

Transition in the IEP via Zoom
2021-12-08 18:00 - 19:30
Transition Planning on the IEP:

Help teens decide what they want to do after high school and how to get there.
Help teens prepare to be independent adults.

REGISTER: https://parentnetworkwny.org/event/transition-in-the-iep/
Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Call: 716.332.4170

Speak-Up! Skills for Effective Advocacy & How to Prepare for Meeting via Zoom
2021-12-08 18:00 - 20:00
This workshop is for parents, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities who participate in various meetings with professionals throughout a school year. The class will provide you with tips on how to be prepared and organized when school resumes in the fall. You will learn how to be a powerful advocate (someone who speaks up).
RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY!
Register
Call: 716-332-4170
Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org

OPWDD Front Door Information Session via WebEx (Spanish)
2021-12-09 10:00 - 12:00

A Family’s Guide to Student-Directed IEPs Regional Training SA via Zoom
2021-12-09 15:00 - 16:30
Student-Directed IEPs (Individualized Education Plans)
GET INVOLVED!
Understanding Student-Led IEPs and CSE Meetings
• Is your child’s voice heard at their meetings?
• Did they help create a goal for their IEP?
• Learn more about working with the school district to help your child learn how to advocate for themselves.
REGISTER: https://parentnetworkwny.org/event/22198/
Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Call: 716.332.4170

Understanding the Regulation of the Commissioner of Education Part 200 Students with Disabilities
2021-12-09 18:00 - 19:30
Please join Tina Beauparlant, Regional Manager / Education Specialist, for Parent to Parent of NYS, as she presents a webinar on Understanding the Regulation of the Commissioner of Education Part 200 Students with Disabilities.
This training will take you through the NYS Special Education Regulations step by step. Parents will learn the role they play on the CSE, learn the chain of command regarding the CSE, learn how to request information regarding your child’s IEP and gain an understanding how to communicate with your child’s teachers & administrators.
After this webinar parents will have more knowledge about the educational laws to advocate for their child/children.
If you have questions, contact: Tina Beauparlant (518) 381-4350.
Online Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8824916038277544719

Having The Talk: Sexual Behavior, Reproduction and Youth with Disabilities - Online Workshop
2021-12-09 18:00 - 20:00
Having The Talk: Sexual Behavior, Reproduction and Youth with Disabilities Where did you put that paper?
Would you like to have a more comfortable conversation about sexuality and sexual identity with your family member with a disability?
Do you want to learn what words to use so that you can “have the talk” or answer questions about how their bodies are changing?
Learn the value of early and ongoing discussions and appropriate social behavior at home and in the community.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org or Call: 716.332.4170
REGISTER: https://parentnetworkwny.org/event/having-the-talk-sexual-behavior-reproduction-and-youth-with-disabilities-3/

Webinar: Starting Over: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren with Special Needs
2021-12-13 12:00 - 13:30
Please join Dianne O’Connor, Regional Coordinator for Parent to Parent of NYS, as she presents the webinar Starting Over: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren with Special Needs. There are many reasons why a grandparent, or relative, may be raising their grandchildren full time. By creating an enriched, supportive, and safe living environment, grandchildren stay connected to their family while keeping them out of foster care.
This webinar will address the advantages and disadvantages of caring for our own and give practical resources and strategies for providing the best for your grandchildren. As one of the most important members of the family, we will also look at ways to care for you along the way. Contact Tina Beauparlant at 518-381-4350 with any questions.
Online Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8168813254289892622

Webinar: What You Need to Know About Assistive Technology in the IEP
2021-12-13 18:00 - 19:30
Please join Tina Beauparlant, Regional Manager /Education Specialist as she presents What You Need to Know About Assistive Technology in the IEP.
This training will teach parents, grandparents, guardians about appropriate Assistive Technology (AT) devices and services how they allow students with disabilities to participate in and benefit from the general education curriculum and to meet Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals. For every student with an IEP, federal and state regulations require that the team consider the student’s need for assistive technology devices and services.
If you have questions, please contact Tina Beauparlant (518) 381-4350 or Tbeauparlant@ptopnys.org.
Online Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1899065906637592079

ADHD & Symptom Tests ON-DEMAND WEBINARS Live Webinar on December 14: Optimizing Executive Functions in Children and Adults with ADHD
2021-12-14 14:00 - 15:30
To succeed in school, at work, and in life itself, your executive functions need to be sharp and working well. What are ‘executive functions,’ exactly? The abilities to reason and creatively problem-solve, to exercise self-control and resist temptations, to think before you speak or act, to stay focused and concentrate, and to exercise the flexibility to see things from different perspectives and adapt to change. The good news is that executive functions can be improved at any age.
Stress (even mild stress) seriously impairs executive functions. Mindfulness practices that involve movement (such as t’ai chi or taekwondo) have been especially successful in improving executive functions. School programs such as Tools of the Mind, MindUP, Montessori, and PATHs also help to optimize executive functions. Like mindful movement practices, they train and challenge diverse executive function skills and reduce stress in many ways.
Almost any activity improves executive functions if it challenges you, and you enjoy the activity enough to keep working at it and pushing yourself. The most successful programs involve more instructor-trainee interaction than offered by most computerized training. Having a supportive mentor who firmly believes in you and the efficacy of the program, and who genuinely cares about you, is critical to the success of any program in improving executive functions.
Recommendations for children or adults with ADHD who want to optimize or improve their executive functions include:

Commit to doing an activity you really love that requires, trains, and challenges executive functions – it could be a practicing traditional martial art, performing with a band, or pursuing photography, dance, orienteering, gardening, etc. – try to push yourself outside your comfort zone.
Take steps to reduce stress in your life – for example, try to avoid stressful situations or defuse them, try to maintain a regular routine and put things in the same place so you can find them, follow a mindfulness or yoga practice, spend more time out in nature or with a pet, and remember that no one is perfect, so don’t be so hard on yourself.
Meet the Expert Speaker:
A leader in two fields, psychology and neuroscience, Adele Diamond, Ph.D., FRSC, helped pioneer a now flourishing interdisciplinary field called “developmental cognitive neuroscience.” As the Canada Research Chair Tier 1 Professor of Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of British Columbia, Dr. Diamond studies how executive functions can be modified by the environment, modulated by genetics and neurochemistry, derailed in disorders, and improved by effective programs and interventions. Her work has helped change medical practice for the treatment of PKU (phenylketonuria) and for the inattentive type of ADHD, and it has impacted early education worldwide.
Have a question for our expert? There will be an opportunity to post questions for the presenter during the live webinar.

Click here to Register
Not available December 14? Don’t worry. Register now and we’ll send you the replay link to watch at your convenience.
