Autism Society Western New York

Webinar: Starting Over: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren with Special Needs
2021-03-10 17:30 - 19:00 (America/New_York)
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/1189612619446778894

Let’s Take a Crash Course on Understanding how to Read an IEP - Webinar
2021-03-11 12:00 - 13:45
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 question’s contact: Tina Beauparlant at (518) 381-4350.
REGISTER: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7709912283942243344

Region 1 Self-Direction Information Session
2021-03-17 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=e8af62fca20dea4f3d8ac074114354e3a

Webinar: Preventing Parent Burnout for Parents of Children with Special Needs
2021-03-17 17:30 - 19:00
Please join Tina Beauparlant, Regional Program Manager / Education Specialist 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 Maryalice Fegeley at 716-427-5140 with any questions.
Online Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1292772098789516812

Guidelines for Determining the Need for a One-to-One Aide & the Role the Aide Plays - Webinar
2021-03-23 13:00 - 14:30
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 & the Role the Aide Plays.
This presentation will provide a summary to the benefits and disadvantages of 1:1 aides, and finally, emphasize the IEP Team’s responsibilities with regard to considering a request for 1:1 support.
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) 381-4350.
REGISTER: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/315979164402945296

Webinar: NYS Autism Insurance Reform
2021-03-23 18:30 - 19:45
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 Tina Beauparlant at 518-381-4350 with any questions.
Online registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3745817724679072526

What are Effective Advocacy Skills - Webinar
2021-03-24 13:00 - 14:15
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.
REGISTER: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3280636344074794512

Transition from Early Intervention (EI) Program to Preschool Special Education (CPSE) for Parents - Via Zoom
2021-03-24 18:00 - 19:30
Is your child going from early intervention to preschool special education?
During this training, parents will learn about the timeline, vocabulary and process for the transition from Early Intervention (EI) to Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE). Learn more about the role of the teacher, the provider, and the county.
CTLE Credits Available.
REGISTER: https://parentnetworkwny.org/event/transition-from-early-intervention-ei-to-preschool-special-education-cpse-for-parents/
RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY
email: info@parentnetworkwny.org | call: 716-332-4170

Region 1 Front Door Information Session
2021-03-25 09:00 - 11:00
The OPWDD Front Door Information Sessions will 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.
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.
Pre-registration is REQUIRED to attend through WebEx (Online).
Preregistration is NOT required to attend by phone.
Please note that participants are muted throughout the session and may not hear anything when first joining the session.
If you have difficulty registering for a session, please contact Jeff Roberts at 585-241-5797 or Jeffrey.E.Roberts@opwdd.ny.gov.
Counties: Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Chemung, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Niagara, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates.
WebEx Event (Online) Registration Link: https://meetny.webex.com/meetny/onstage/g.php?MTID=e9b315228018533267762ccf5b527095e
Phone Only: Call 518-549-0500 and enter code 171 443 3071 then press # and # again.

Webinar: Education for Empowerment: School and Teens in Healthcare Transition
2021-03-25 12:00 - 13:15
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.
Online Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2480453563946029838

Region 1 Self-Direction Information Session
2021-03-25 14:00 - 16:00
“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=ee6796eea3829610ee3c2e618b4a513a5

Webinar: Loss, Grief, and Adjustment for Parents of Children with Special Needs
2021-03-25 18:00 - 19:15
Please join Maryalice Fegeley, 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.
REGISTER: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8945707279594250766

Free ABLEnow Webinar
2021-03-29 12:00 - 13:00
More independence, greater financial security and a better quality of life – that’s the future ABLEnow is building. Join ABLEnow for a free information session to discover the advantages of ABLE accounts and the national ABLEnow program. In just one hour, we’ll cover the answers to these questions, and more:
• What are ABLE accounts?
• Who is eligible?
• How can I use the money in an ABLE account?
• What are the features and benefits of the ABLEnow program?
• How can I learn more and open an account?
For more information on ABLEnow, please visit able-now.com.
Registration is open for a free information session on Monday, March 29, at 12 noon ET. This webinar will cover the advantages of ABLE accounts and the ABLEnow program.
REGISTER: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1879474802521859595

“What is Section 504?” - Webinar
2021-03-29 13:00 - 14:30
Please join Trish Washburn, 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, then this training is for you!
If you have questions, please call Tina Beauparlant (518) 381-4350.
REGISTER: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8530927514733255438

Peer Experiences and Behavioral Challenges - Webinar
2021-03-31 13:00 - 14:00
Learn about the connection between peer experiences and behavioral challenges some individuals with autism may experience during adolescence.
REGISTER: https://www.autism.org/peers-and-behavior/
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Somer Bishop, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Psychology in Psychiatry at the University of California San Francisco. She is a clinical psychologist with expertise in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Her research and clinical interests are focused on ASD symptom manifestations in individuals of different ages and levels of ability, as well as on differentiating between ASD and other developmental disabilities across the lifespan.

A Family’s Guide to Student-Led IEPs via Zoom
2021-04-01 15:00 - 17:00
Get your child involved in planning for his/her future!
Students who participate in their own Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meetings often know more about their own disability, rights, goals, and accommodations. Through this participation, students have the opportunity to practice many skills that will help facilitate their independence, their ability to overcome obstacles and lead more self-determined lives.
REGISTER: https://parentnetworkwny.org/event/a-familys-guide-to-student-led-ieps/
CTLE credits available.

Webinar: A Guide for Families to Understanding Supports & Services Administered by OPWDD
2021-04-06 17:30 - 19:00
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 Medicaid Service Coordination (MSC), Home and Community Based Services Waiver, and Family Support Services. Contact Maryalice Fegeley at 716-427-5140 with any questions.
Online Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7946535983458051084

Is Guardianship the only Option? An overview of Guardianship and the Many Alternatives - Webinar
2021-04-07 13:00 - 14:45
Come join Tina Beauparlant, Regional Manager / Education Specialist as we explore: Is Guardianship the only Option? An overview of Guardianship and the Many Alternatives
Let’s face it nothing keeps parents up at night more than thinking about who will care for our child/children when we are no longer able to care for them. This workshop will increase the knowledge of families of individuals with disabilities about the options besides legal guardianship for adults with disabilities. If your adult child does not need full guardianship, there are other options that we will explore in this presentation. We will also discuss guardianship and the legal requirements.
Contact Tina Beauparlant for more details (518) 381-4350 or tbeauparlant@ptopnys.org.
REGISTER: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2000301235782330126

Communicating Through Letter Writing - Webinar
2021-04-12 13:00 - 14:15
Please join Trish Washburn, Education Specialist, Parent to Parent of NYS, as she presents a webinar on Communicating 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 question’s, contact: Tina Beauparlant Phone: (518) 381-4350.
REGISTER: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4060945452656109840

How to Prepare for a Successful CSE Meeting - Webinar
2021-04-14 13:00 - 14:15
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!
If you have questions, please contact: Tina Beauparlant (518) 381-4350.
REGISTER: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/707076547148622096

Webinar: When You Are Considering a Developmental Evaluation for Your Child: A Parent’s Perspective
2021-04-14 17:30 - 18:45
Please join Maryalice Fegeley, 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 Tina Beauparlant at 518-381-4350 with any questions.
Online Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7378354553842063629

Guidelines for Determining the Need for a One-to-One Aide & the Role the Aide Plays - Webinar
2021-04-15 16:00 - 17:30
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 & the Role the Aide Plays.
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 questions, please call Tina Beauparlant (518) 381-4350.
REGISTER: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8843914494756088332

How to Support Your Child's Vocabulary via Zoom
2021-04-17 09:00 - 10:30
Are you having trouble supporting your child with remote learning or assignments? Learn how your child is taught vocabulary so you can support them at home with remote learning or simply with assignments. This session will provide families with the basics of how vocabulary is efficiently learned!
RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY
email: info@parentnetworkwny.org | call: 716.332.4170
REGISTER: https://parentnetworkwny.org/event/how-to-support-your-childs-vocabulary/

Mindfulness Webinar
2021-04-17 09:00 - 10:30
Mindfulness Webinar
Led by Sabrina Vogler, Mindfulness Coach
Saturday, April 17th from 9:00AM – 10:30AM
The overwhelming demands of parenting takes its toll on our mood, our energy levels, and how we show up for our children. Sabrina Vogler from Heart in the Moment Mindfulness Coaching will offer on-the-spot mindfulness tools for crafting inner calm, comfort, and mental clarity when emotionally triggered.
Register Here: https://redcap.urmc.rochester.edu/redcap/surveys/?s=AJKFN88X4R

ABLEnow Information Session - Webinar
2021-04-20 14:00 - 15:00
More independence, greater financial security and a better quality of life – that’s the future ABLEnow is building. Join ABLEnow for a free information session to discover the advantages of ABLE accounts and the national ABLEnow program. In just one hour, we’ll cover the answers to these questions, and more:
• What are ABLE accounts?
• Who is eligible?
• How can I use the money in an ABLE account?
• What are the features and benefits of the ABLEnow program?
• How can I learn more and open an account?
For more information on ABLEnow, please visit able-now.com.
Registration is open for a free information session on Tuesday, April 20 from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. This webinar will cover the advantages of ABLE accounts and the ABLEnow program.
REGISTER: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2367981222887046672

Webinar: Preventing Parent Burnout for Parents of Children with Special Needs
2021-04-20 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/2242706164723013900

Understanding the Regulation of the Commissioner of Education Part 200 Students with Disabilities - Webinar
2021-04-21 12:00 - 13:45
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. at (518) 381-4350.
REGISTER: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3206818431920979214

Coping with Transitions During the Pandemic - Webinar
2021-04-21 13:00 - 14:00
Learn coping and goal setting strategies for navigating transitions between schools, jobs, and high school to adulthood during the challenges of COVID-19.
REGISTER: https://www.autism.org/transitions-during-pandemic/

Webinar: Education Records Organizer
2021-04-22 12:00 - 13:15
Please join Dodie Daniels, 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 at 518-381-4350.
Webinar registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6143075230048761611

Mindfulness Course - Virtual Three Week Class
2021-04-22 16:00 - 17:00
Mindfulness Course
Taught by Kaylin McCarthy of Mindful Tradition
Virtual 4PM – 5PM on Thursdays April 22, 29th and May 6th
This FREE course is designed for elementary-aged (grades 1-6) children of all abilities and their caregivers. They will share tools for de escalation during times of stress and strategies for how to help avoid similar situations in the future. Each class will include exercises with instruction, the opportunity to practice exercises, space for questions and answers, and digital handouts.

Week 1: Creating safe environments with a focus on breath work and taking space.
Week 2: Learning to identify stressors and finding a mindful meditation practice.
Week 3: Setting up for success: practicing proactive tools to use before entering stressful situations.

Register Here: https://redcap.urmc.rochester.edu/redcap/surveys/?s=CL7AF4MLJN
