Autism Society Western New York

Zoom- Let’s Take a Crash Course on Understanding how to Read an IEP
2021-10-13 17:30 - 19:00 (America/New_York)
Please join Tina Beauparlant, Regional Manager / Education Specialist, Parent to Parent of NYS as they present this wonderful webinar.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a federal law, requires certain information to be included in the IEP but doesn’t specify how the IEP should look. Because states and local school systems may include additional information, forms differ from state to state and may vary between school systems within a state. The IEP, Individualized Education Program, is a written document that’s developed for each public school child who is eligible for special education. The IEP is created through a team effort and reviewed at least once a year. This trainings will teach you how to read the IEP so you can understand what should and can be in the IEP.
If you have questions, contact Tina Beauparlant (518) 381-4350 or Tbeauparlant@ptopnys.org.
Zoom Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0pdO2sqTosG9FxNybxSzUStoeKCJ-sAcPR

OPWDD Front Door Information Session via WebEx (Spanish)
2021-10-14 10:00 - 12:00
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

Communicating with the CSE through Letter Writing - Webinar
2021-10-18 12:30 - 13:45
Please join Trish Washburn, Education Specialist, Parent to Parent of NYS, as she presents a webinar on Communicating with the CSE through Letter Writing.
Letter writing can be a very effective method of communication and advocacy for parents of children with disabilities. This training assists parents, guardians, grandparents how to clearly and effectively express concerns, ideas or suggestions to the professionals involved in their child’s special education program.
If you have questions, contact Tina Beauparlant Phone: (518) 381-4350 or Tbeauparlant@ptopnys.org.
Webinar Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6107036543091944461

What is Section 504? - Webinar
2021-10-18 17:30 - 18:45
Please join Tina Beauparlant, Regional Manager/ Education Specialist, for Parent to Parent of NYS, as she presents a webinar on What is Section 504?
This training will introduce you to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This training is designed to provide you with an understanding of the law, how it applies to educational programs and to students with disabilities. Children who qualify under this law receive services and/ or accommodations in the public-school system without being classified under IDEA/IDEIA and their school district’s Committee on Special Education.
If you are a Parent, Grandparent, Family Member, or just interested in this topic, this training is for you!
If you have questions, please contact Tina Beauparlant (518) 381-4350 or Tbeauparlant@ptopnys.org.
Webinar Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5061934248216251661

Webinar: Education for Empowerment: School and Teens in Healthcare Transition
2021-10-19 12:00 - 13:00
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!
Online Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8692953750824595726

What are Effective Advocacy Skills - Webinar
2021-10-20 11:00 - 12:15
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, contact Tina Beauparlant (518) 381-4350 or Tbeauparlant@ptopnys.org.
Webinar Registration:https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7124519105878020365

Bullying and ASD: Addressing Victimization - Webinar
2021-10-20 13:00 - 14:00
Most people are against bullying, so why do we have bullying? The answer is that when bullying happens individuals often do not recognize it or know what to do about it. The Girls Guide to End Bullying and The Boys Guide to End Bullying were created to address some of the problems that allow bullying to continue. Tune in to learn about these free, online curricula created for students, teachers, and parents to support bullying prevention.
About the Speaker
Ryan E. Adams, PhD, is a faculty member of the Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center within the UC Department of Pediatrics. His research focuses on adolescents, peer victimization, bullying, and depressive symptoms.
Register: https://www.autism.org/bullying-victimization-asd/

Understanding the IEP Process for Parents of Preschoolers via Zoom
2021-10-20 15:30 - 17:00
Understanding the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Process for Parents of Preschool Students
Learn about the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) process, your role in the process, and identify the different components of the Individualized Education Program (IEP). Discuss how to develop relationships and practices that build home-school collaboration and support your child.
REGISTER: https://parentnetworkwny.org/event/understanding-the-iep-process-for-parents-of-preschoolers-4/

Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) for Families via Zoom
2021-10-20 18:00 - 19:30
WHAT IS SPECIALLY DESIGNED INSTRUCTION (SDI)?
• Learn how teachers use SDI to meet the needs of your child with disabilities in the classroom
• Examine what SDI looks like in the IEP
• Understand your value as an engaged meaningful partner in the special education process of your child
REGISTER: https://parentnetworkwny.org/event/sdi-for-families/

What Makes Education Special? via Zoom
2021-10-20 18:00 - 19:30
Special Education is Specially Designed Instruction (SDI)
• Learn how teachers use SDI to meet the needs of your child with disabilities in the classroom.
• Examine what SDI looks like in the Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
• Understand your value as an engaged meaningful partner in the special education process of your child.
REGISTER: https://parentnetworkwny.org/event/sdi-for-families/

OPWDD Front Door Information Session via WebEx
2021-10-21 13:00 - 15:00, 2021-10-27 16:00 - 18:00, 2021-11-04 10:00 - 12:00, 2021-11-09 09:00 - 11:00

Region 1 Self-Direction Information Session via WebEx
2021-10-26 10:00 - 12:00
“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=ef1f7034b8432a5ec77d55e116caf8b82

WEBINAR: Benefits and Entitlements for People with Disabilities
2021-10-26 12:00 - 13:15
Please join Lin Perry, Project Director, Family to Family Healthcare Information Center, as she presents a webinar on Benefits and Entitlements for People with Disabilities. Join Lin Perry as she unravels the web of public benefits and Medicaid waivers available to people with disabilities. This is a very complicated issue and many families don’t know where to begin so let us help you get started. The purpose of the webinar is to provide caregivers with the information about state and federal programs so they will have the knowledge to know what their loved one is eligible for.
Online Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2224415793943881998

Webinar: Preventing Parent Burnout for Parents of Children with Special Needs
2021-10-26 17:30 - 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.
Online Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4307066733663346190

Graduation Options for Students with Disabilities via Zoom
2021-10-26 18:00 - 19:00
Graduation Options for Students with Disabilities
Gain understanding of the NYS graduation requirements
Key areas being discussed:

Credit requirements
Multiple pathways to graduation
Safety nets for students with disabilities
Appeal process
Exiting credentials available to students

CTLE Credits Available
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Call: 716.332.4170
Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Register: https://parentnetworkwny.org/event/graduation-options-for-students-with-disabilities-2/

The Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD Albany) Live Stream Seminars
2021-10-27 09:00 - 14:15
The Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD Albany) is offering three live stream seminars that are directed towards school professionals, community professionals, and parents, who live or work with individuals on the autism spectrum. These sessions will not be recorded. These seminars AT NO COST to participants living in New York State through a grant from the New York State Education Department. Registration is required to attend. Choose the sessions you would like to attend when you fill out your registration entry.
Seminar One – 9:00am-10:15am
Hidden in Plain Sight: Unmasking Anxiety in ASD
Although anxiety is not considered a core feature of ASD, approximately 40% of young people with ASD have clinically elevated levels of anxiety. It is particularly important to recognize and treat anxiety in ASD since it has a great impact on the course and the core aspects of the disorder, exacerbating social withdrawal as well as repetitive behaviors (Hollander, 2018). This training will look at how anxiety can manifest in individuals with ASD and how to treat these symptoms through a cognitive behavioral approach.
Seminar Two – 11:00am-12:15pm
Returning to the Classroom: Implementing Structure to Support Students with ASD
As many schools make plans to shift from distance learning to in-person instruction, families, students and educators face an adjustment period. That’s especially true for students with autism spectrum disorder, because transitions can be particularly stressful and challenging for them. Establishing a new school routine is also really important. Setting a schedule and daily expectations is key to helping kids feel safe and secure at school. Students must be comfortable in order to re-engage and connect, and that will enable them to be ready to learn (Schetter, 2021). This training will examine ways in which teachers and other school personnel can establish structure within the classroom and throughout the day to support students with ASD as they return to in-person learning.
Seminar Three – 1:00pm-2:15pm
Understanding and Reducing Challenging Behaviors through Functional Communication Training
Participants will be introduced to ways in which they can better understand challenging behaviors and effective strategies to teach more appropriate skills. They will be guided through an evidence-based procedure called Functional Communication Training (FCT) that has been used successfully to reduce challenging behavior in individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
The live stream seminars (three seminars per date) are available on the following dates:
Wednesday, October 27, 2021
Wednesday, November 10, 2021
Wednesday, November 17, 2021
Wednesday, December 15, 2021
Continuing Education Credits
CARD Albany is an approved provider for the following continuing education credits:
School Psychologists (NASP)
Social Workers (LMSW & LCSW)
Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE)
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
General certificates of attendance will be provided for all participants.
Each session is eligible for 1.25 contact hours. There is a $5.00 processing fee per session for each CEU selected. Please visit our website for more information about CEU offerings. CEUs can be selected during registration and payment can be submitted online with a credit card.
Register: https://www.albany.edu/autism/training-and-learning/training-opportunities/professional-development-and-parent-seminar

Special Education Mediation: Getting Positive Results - Webinar
2021-11-03 12:00 - 13:00
Conversations and decisions about special education supports for students can be challenging. When disagreements arise or escalate, mediation can help. Mediators are specially trained to serve as impartial facilitators, helping sides work out differences in a collaborative way.
Join Starbridge and Donna Durbin, Director of Monroe County Programs for the Center for Dispute Settlement, as we talk about why and when families and professionals should consider mediation.
Registration
Registration is required. To register, use this link – https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3883214901998264079

Behavioral Support – Beyond Early Intervention - Webinar
2021-11-03 13:00 - 14:00
Tune in to hear Melissa Olive, Ph.D., BCBA-D describe the components of a quality behavioral support program beyond the early years.
About the Speaker

Missy Olive PhD, BCBA-D’s brother, Mac, is the foundation of her mission for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). In her early teens Missy, along with her 3 other brothers, traveled with her Mom and Mac to his ABA therapy. She credits her pursuit of helping children to working with her family to help Mac complete his ABA homework. Her mother’s legacy remains a strong influence because of her determination to make life better for her brother. Missy joined Cultivate in December of 2020 after founding and nurturing her business, Applied Behavioral Strategies, which Cultivate acquired. As the Chief Clinical Officer, she ensures that all Cultivate clients receive exemplary clinical services. In conjunction with the Corporate Clinical Team Missy will assist in the development and implementation of our Outcomes Project, Clinical Risk Mitigation, Clinical Ethical Concerns, and Clinical Staff Training.

Free certificates of participation are available upon successful completion of a brief knowledge quiz after the webinar. The quiz will be added to this page once the event has concluded.
Register: https://www.autism.org/aba-beyond-early-intervention/

What is Self Direction? via Zoom
2021-11-03 18:00 - 20:00
What is Self-Direction? Self-direction gives you flexibility to choose the mix of supports and services that are right for you so you can live the life you want. With self-direction, YOU choose your services, the staff and organizations that provide them, and a schedule that works best for YOU.
Each person is unique. Self-direction empowers people to design supports based on their unique strengths and needs. It gives you more control over the funding used to buy your services. Join us to have your questions about Self Direction answered.
REGISTER: https://parentnetworkwny.org/event/what-is-self-direction-2/
email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
call: 716.332.4170

Region 1 Self-Direction Information Session
2021-11-04 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=e7fdd90b5647027617dd6de85ea02b06a

Educator's Hour: The Impact of Culture on Family Engagement via Zoom
2021-11-05 15:00 - 16:00
The Impact of Culture on Family Engagement
Explore how culture impacts family and caregiver engagement as well as specific tips to make all students/families/caregivers feel welcomed! CTLE credits available.
REGISTER TODAY! FREE EVENT!
Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Call: 716.332.4170
REGISTER: https://parentnetworkwny.org/event/the-impact-of-culture-on-family-engagement/

Transition for Families Regional Training SA via Zoom
2021-11-05 15:00 - 16:30
Is your high schooler with disabilities getting ready to transition to adulthood?
Learn how to:

Assess the teen’s strengths, interests and needs
Establish measurable goals for the future
Identify appropriate transition services and coordinated activities
Work with the Committee on Special Education (CSE) to get your teenager ready for adulthood

REGISTER: https://parentnetworkwny.org/event/transition-for-families-regional-training-sa/
Questions: email: info@parentnetworkwny.org or call: 716.332.4170

Webinar: A Guide for Families to Understanding Supports & Services Administered by OPWDD
2021-11-09 10:00 - 11:30
Please join Maryalice Fegeley, Regional Coordinator for Parent to Parent of NYS, as she presents the webinar A Guide for Families to Understanding Supports & Services Administered by OPWDD. The purpose of this training is to introduce families to the language of service delivery systems and to define and clarify information about services and supports. Participants will gain an increased awareness and understanding of eligibility criteria and the eligibility determination process. The training includes an overview of Home and Community Based Services Waiver, and Family Support Services. Contact Tina Beauparlant at 516-381-4350 with any questions.
Online Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3719300802752359692

The Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD Albany) Live Stream Seminars
2021-11-10 09:00 - 14:15
The Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD Albany) is offering three live stream seminars that are directed towards school professionals, community professionals, and parents, who live or work with individuals on the autism spectrum. These sessions will not be recorded. These seminars AT NO COST to participants living in New York State through a grant from the New York State Education Department. Registration is required to attend. Choose the sessions you would like to attend when you fill out your registration entry.
Seminar One – 9:00am-10:15am
Hidden in Plain Sight: Unmasking Anxiety in ASD
Although anxiety is not considered a core feature of ASD, approximately 40% of young people with ASD have clinically elevated levels of anxiety. It is particularly important to recognize and treat anxiety in ASD since it has a great impact on the course and the core aspects of the disorder, exacerbating social withdrawal as well as repetitive behaviors (Hollander, 2018). This training will look at how anxiety can manifest in individuals with ASD and how to treat these symptoms through a cognitive behavioral approach.
Seminar Two – 11:00am-12:15pm
Returning to the Classroom: Implementing Structure to Support Students with ASD
As many schools make plans to shift from distance learning to in-person instruction, families, students and educators face an adjustment period. That’s especially true for students with autism spectrum disorder, because transitions can be particularly stressful and challenging for them. Establishing a new school routine is also really important. Setting a schedule and daily expectations is key to helping kids feel safe and secure at school. Students must be comfortable in order to re-engage and connect, and that will enable them to be ready to learn (Schetter, 2021). This training will examine ways in which teachers and other school personnel can establish structure within the classroom and throughout the day to support students with ASD as they return to in-person learning.
Seminar Three – 1:00pm-2:15pm
Understanding and Reducing Challenging Behaviors through Functional Communication Training
Participants will be introduced to ways in which they can better understand challenging behaviors and effective strategies to teach more appropriate skills. They will be guided through an evidence-based procedure called Functional Communication Training (FCT) that has been used successfully to reduce challenging behavior in individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
The live stream seminars (three seminars per date) are available on the following dates:
Wednesday, November 10, 2021
Wednesday, November 17, 2021
Wednesday, December 15, 2021
Continuing Education Credits
CARD Albany is an approved provider for the following continuing education credits:
School Psychologists (NASP)
Social Workers (LMSW & LCSW)
Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE)
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
General certificates of attendance will be provided for all participants.
Each session is eligible for 1.25 contact hours. There is a $5.00 processing fee per session for each CEU selected. Please visit our website for more information about CEU offerings. CEUs can be selected during registration and payment can be submitted online with a credit card.
Register: https://www.albany.edu/autism/training-and-learning/training-opportunities/professional-development-and-parent-seminar

What Happens After Early Intervention? via Zoom
2021-11-10 11:00 - 12:30
In this workshop you will learn:
• How to get ready for your child’s transition to Pre-K.
• The transition from Early Intervention (EI) to working with the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE).
• Information on timelines, processes & commonly used vocabulary to help you better understand the transition process.
• How to make informed decisions to benefit your child.
REGISTER: https://parentnetworkwny.org/event/what-happens-after-early-intervention-3/
Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org or call: 716.332.4170

WEBINAR: Health Care Notebook Overview
2021-11-10 12:00 - 13:00
Please join Lin Perry, Project Director, Family to Family Healthcare Information Center as she presents a webinar on the Health Care Notebook.
Participants will learn how a HCN can assist in organizing medical records. They will be given tips on how the notebook can assist with advocacy, save time, reduce stress and utilize the information within the notebook in the event of an emergency.
If you have question’s contact: Tina Beauparlant Phone: (518) 381-4350
Online Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8975911968721099790

Live Webinar on November 10: A Parent’s Guide to Problem-Solving School Behavior Struggles
2021-11-10 13:00 - 14:30
You get a phone call from the school that your child is having behavior issues in the classroom. Now what? Interfering school behavior problems create academic, social, and emotional gaps in a learner’s progress. If left unaddressed, behavior struggles can lead to social isolation, a loss of instructional time, decreased self-esteem and academic under-achievement.
However, parents and educators should know that positive behavior change is possible through proactive collaboration, planning, and monitoring. This webinar will walk parents through steps to take from the very first phone call about their child’s behaviors to the implementation of individualized strategies. Rather than rush to find a solution or rely on others to solve the problem, parents can take the lead in gathering information, developing strategies, and leading the school team toward more effective action.
In this webinar, you will learn to:

Communicate and collaborate with the school
Structure questions to gain relevant information from the school team
Identify and describe four areas to consider for interventions
Structure and monitor a behavior action plan
Identify the need for further assessment and formalized plans (and how to get those in place)
Gain comfort and confidence in leading your child’s behavior program

Not available November 10? Don’t worry. Register now and we’ll send you the replay link to watch at your convenience.
Meet the Expert Speaker:
Rachel Schwartz, Ph.D., BCBA-D, has worked internationally creating and supervising programs for individuals with disabilities. Her work as a consultant and trainer includes teaching behavior analytic strategies and exploring issues related to sexual education and quality of life. Dr. Schwartz has published original research on these topics in special education journals as well as presented at national, state, and local conferences. Through her organization, Behavior Goals, Dr. Schwartz taps into more than 15 years of experience working in special education to empower students, families, and professionals.
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
