Autism Society Western New York

Webinar: NYS Autism Insurance Reform
2021-05-27 12:00 - 13:15 (America/New_York)
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 or email tbeauparlant@ptopnys.org with any questions.
Click here to register: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4245402825954637069

Speak-Up! Skills for Effective Advocacy & How to Prepare for Meetings via Zoom
2021-05-27 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. You will learn how to be a powerful advocate (someone who speaks up).
REGISTER: https://parentnetworkwny.org/event/speak-up-skills-for-effective-advocacy-how-to-prepare-for-meetings-2/

Webinar: Education for Empowerment: School and Teens in Healthcare Transition
2021-06-01 18:00 - 19:15
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 Maryalice Fegeley, email mfegeley@ptopnys.org with any questions.
Click here to register: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5217830700770560014

Webinar: A Guide for Families to Understanding Supports & Services Administered by OPWDD
2021-06-02 17:30 - 19:00
Please join Dianne O’Connor, 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/2960698252726528268

A Family’s Guide to Student-Led IEPs via Zoom
2021-06-03 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-2/
email: info@parentnetworkwny.org | call: 716.332.4170

Is Guardianship the only Option? An overview of Guardianship and the Many Alternatives - Webinar
2021-06-08 18:30 - 20:00
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/6379900140795990796

Webinar: Education Records Organizer
2021-06-09 11:00 - 12:15
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 at 518-381-4350.
Webinar registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7941239635945897487

Transitioning from Preschool to Kindergarten Special Education via Zoom
2021-06-09 16:00 - 17:00
FREE WORKSHOP
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.
RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY https://parentnetworkwny.org/event/transitioning-from-preschool-to-kindergarten-special-education/
email: info@parentnetworkwny.org | call: 716.332.4170

Webinar: Health Care Notebook Overview
2021-06-09 18:00 - 19:00
Please join Lin Perry, Project Director, Family to Family Healthcare Information Center for Parent to Parent of NYS, as she presents the webinar Health Care Notebook overview. Participants will learn how a Health Care Notebook 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.
Contact Tina Beauparlant 518-381-4350 or email tbeauparlant@ptopnys.org with any questions.
Click here to register: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3983374911405797134

Webinar: Communicating with your CSE through Letter Writing
2021-06-16 13:00 - 14:30
Please join Trish Washburn, Education Specialist, Parent to Parent of NYS, as she presents a webinar on Communicating with your 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 question’s contact: Tina Beauparlant Phone: (518) 381-4350.
Registration Link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3575821131272516878

Webinar: Preventing Parent Burnout for Parents of Children with Special Needs
2021-06-16 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/1218893713496145676

Wednesday Wellness with the Experts Series-Anxiety and OCD in Youth: Identification and Management
2021-06-16 18:30 - 19:30
Join Mental Health Advocates of WNY for their free Wednesday Wellness with the Experts series on Wednesday, June 16th at 6:30 p.m.
This month’s topic is: Anxiety and OCD in Youth: Identification and Management
Presented by Alex Cogswell PhD.; Associate Professor, UBMD Psychiatry, Children’s Psychiatry Clinic
Click here to register. If you have any questions, please email sdziwulski@mhawny.org or call 716-886-1242 ext. 337.

The Mindfulness Self-Care Toolkit via Zoom
2021-06-19 09:30 - 11:30
FREE EVENT
Parents, Caregivers & Young Adults
The Mindfulness Self-Care Toolkit
Are you feeling exhausted from life’s day-to-day demands?
Relief is in sight!
Through this workshop, Sabrina Vogler from Heart in the Moment Mindfulness Coaching will share tools for shifting stress into a state of self-kindness and calm.
9:30 – 11 am – What is Mindfulness Self-Compassion?
11 am – We hope your youth (family member) will join to practice some simple tools.
We want you to feel comfortable!
Attendees can choose to watch & listen or interact & connect.
RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY https://parentnetworkwny.org/event/the-mindful-self-care-toolkit/
email: info@parentnetworkwny.org | call: 716.332.4170

Webinar: Starting Over: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren with Special Needs
2021-06-21 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 Maryalice Fegeley at 716-427-5140 with any questions.
Online Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5330592212465176078

What Happens After Early Intervention? via Zoom
2021-06-22 18:30 - 20:30
FREE WORKSHOP

In this workshop you will learn more about:
How to get ready for your child’s transition to preschool
The transition from Early Intervention (EI) to working with the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE)
Information on timelines and commonly used vocabulary to help you better understand the transition process
How to make informed decisions to benefit your child

CTLE Credits Available
RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY https://parentnetworkwny.org/event/what-happens-after-early-intervention-2/
email: info@parentnetworkwny.org | call: 716.332.4170

The effects of aging: brain research and ASD - Webinar
2021-06-23 13:00 - 14:00
Previous studies have shown that older adults with autism traits may experience notably increased difficulty with executive function and social cognition as they age. Learn about remerging brain research on the role of the underlying neuroanatomy in seniors with ASD.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Greg Wallace, PhD, 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/effects-of-aging-brain-research-and-asd/

Webinar: “What is Section 504?”
2021-06-23 16:00 - 17:30
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 question please call, Tina Beauparlant (518) 381-4350.
Online Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6365637277775708428

Webinar: When You Are Considering a Developmental Evaluation for Your Child: A Parent’s Perspective
2021-06-24 10:00 - 11:15
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/3371550563784489741

Webinar: Benefits and Entitlements for People with Disabilities
2021-06-24 18:00 - 19:00
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. Please contact Maryalice Fegeley with any questions at Phone: 716-427-5140.
Online Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7245510462299577357

How to Protect My Child’s Future through Guardianship, Wills & Trusts via Zoom
2021-06-29 18:00 - 20:00
Event Details

Planning for the future is especially important when you have a child with a disability.
Learn how to effectively set your child up for safety and success in their future through guardianship, wills, and trusts.
Presentation & Discussion with Bruce A. Goldstein Special Counsel Kenney Shelton Liptak Nowak LLP
RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY https://parentnetworkwny.org/event/how-to-protect-my-childs-future-through-guardianship-wills-trusts-4/
email: info@parentnetworkwny.org | call: 716.332.4170

Webinar: A Guide for Families to Understanding Supports & Services Administered by OPWDD
2021-07-12 12:00 - 13:30
Please join Dianne O’Connor, 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 Maryalice Fegeley at 716-427-5140 with any questions.
Online Registraiton: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4600921111740453900

Region 1 Self-Direction Information Session
2021-07-12 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=e9365398e5f27ec670f5f3ef5c04b9c27

Webinar: Loss, Grief, and Adjustment for Parents of Children with Special Needs
2021-07-13 11:00 - 12:15
Please join Barbara Hoffman, Assistant 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.
Online Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3075004581061935116

Webinar: Education Records Organizer
2021-07-14 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 at 518-381-4350.
Webinar registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6114037128047288335

Webinar: What You Need to Know About Assistive Technology in the IEP
2021-07-14 14:00 - 15:30
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.
Online Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1775075076741320460

Webinar: Education for Empowerment: School and Teens in Healthcare Transition
2021-07-15 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 Maryalice Fegeley, email mfegeley@ptopnys.org with any questions.
Online Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7569116525821360400

COMPENSATORY SERVICES- Time is running out for make-up education services? via Zoom
2021-07-19 13:00 - 14:15
Please join Christen Smith, Staff Attorney Legal Aid Society and Tina Beauparlant, Regional Manager / Education Specialist, Parent to Parent of NYS, as they present on Compensatory education: Is time running out for make-up education services? Learn how to preserve your child’s right to compensatory education.
This presentation is designed to teach parents and guardians how to advocate for compensatory education services before time runs out.
The presentation will include:

a brief overview of compensatory education law, including time limitations and appeal rights,
how to assess whether your child might qualify, and
guidance on how to request and advocate for compensatory education.

See flyer for registration information.07-19-2021_Compensatory_Education_Webinar_-_proof_2.pdf
Contact: Tina Beauparlant Phone: (518) 381-4350 or Tbeauparlant@ptopnys.org
Online virtual zoom Registration Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwrcO-vrj0tGtRO5zMrSSMv2_QHfVpsikIp

Webinar: NYS Autism Insurance Reform
2021-07-19 18:00 - 19:15
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 at 716-427-5140 or email mfegeley@ptopnys.org with any questions.
Click here to register: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1723402427791205646

Webinar:Understanding the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education Part 200 Students with Disabilities
2021-07-20 09:30 - 11:00
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/643286185620431628

Webinar: Preventing Parent Burnout for Parents of Children with Special Needs
2021-07-20 12:00 - 13:30
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/7236314144128036108
