Autism Society Western New York

Blood-brain barrier dysfunction in Pediatric Acute Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) and Regulation
2024-05-29 13:00 - 14:15 (America/New_York)
Tune in to learn research updates on blood-brain barrier dysfunction in Pediatric Acute Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) and Regulation.

The speakers:
Noor A. Hussein, PhD is a pharmacology scientist.
“My experience as a researcher has taught me to seek out new perspectives for exploration and discovery. As a dedicated biological and pharmacological researcher with over 7 years of experience with models of diseases such as cancer both in vitro and in vivo. During my masters and Ph.D. studies, I mastered lots of molecular biology techniques, including cell culture, cytotoxicity assays, western blot, quantitative PCR, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry. I utilized my skills to design experiments finding solutions to common problems in the biomedical field, especially cancer experimental and molecular therapeutics.”
Ayan Mondal, Ph.D. is a third-year post-doctoral research fellow in Prof Elizabeth Mellins’ laboratory at Dept of pediatrics, Stanford University. “I completed my graduation from University of Calcutta, India, in 2017. I have conducted 1.5 years of research on molecular medicine following graduation and joined as a post-doctoral researcher at the Arnold School of Public health, University of South Carolina, in the year 2019. During the training, I studied neuroimmune signaling mechanisms in the gut-liver-brain axes in mouse models of metabolic disorders and military-deployment-associated disorders. My studies elucidated the mechanism of neuroinflammation and blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction mediated by specific proteins that are elevated in blood during these disease conditions. In my post-doctoral research with Prof Mellins, I am studying changes in BBB function in PANS. I am focusing on elucidating the mechanisms of action of novel modulators of BBB that are relevant to homeostatic maintenance of the BBB and other novel modulators that increase BBB permeability during flares of PANS. My proposed experimental strategies include transcriptomic and proteomic approaches in cell types of the CNS neurovascular unit.”
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In collaboration with the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP), Parent to Parent of NYS presents “Introduction to the Roles of Direct Support Professionals for Families” - webinar
2024-05-29 18:30 - 20:00
n collaboration with the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP), Parent to Parent of NYS presents “Introduction to the Roles of Direct Support Professionals for Families” This webinar will discuss and describe the DSP code of ethics as it relates to the family. In addition, this webinar will help to define the specific role of the DSP not only in certified residences but in community-based settings as well as the family home. This discussion will also include the Standardized Occupational Classification which is hopefully forthcoming from the United States Department of the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This classification will further elevate the value and role of direct support professionals. Direct Support Professionals are at the core of care for those with disabilities along with their families. This presentation aims to provide more understanding of each member’s role in supporting the individual receiving services and how all parties can work together to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Register here.

Parent to Parent of NYS presents: The role of Direct Support Professionals, an introduction for families - Via Zoom
2024-05-29 18:30 - 20:00
In collaboration with the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP), this webinar will discuss and describe the DSP code of ethics as it relates to the family. In addition, we will discuss the specific role of the DSP not only in certified residences, but in community-based settings as well as the family home.
This presentation aims to provide more understanding of each member’s role in supporting the individual receiving services and how all parties can work together to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Register here for this free virtual event.

CPSE to CSE for Parents
2024-06-04 14:00 - 15:30
Parents will understand the process of transitioning their child from Early Intervention to the Committee on Preschool Special Education.
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER HERE! FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
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A Guide for Families to Understanding Supports & Services Administered by OPWDD
2024-06-04 18:30 - 20:00, 2024-08-14 11:00 - 12:30
Please join Parent to Parent of NYS, for this great presentation on 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.
REGISTER HERE.

Autism and Trauma - webinar
2024-06-05 13:00 - 14:15
Connor Kerns, PhD, discusses emerging research on the relationship between trauma and autism.
The Speaker
Dr. Connor Kerns has conducted and published studies on broad array of topics including the role of paternal age in ASD risk, the co-occurrence of childhood psychopathologies, and differential predictors of CBT efficacy for child anxiety. Her present research focuses on the overlap, assessment and treatment of anxiety and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Her ongoing projects aim to explore the varied presentation and phenomenology of anxiety in ASD and the implications of this variation for effective anxiety measurement and treatment. Dr. Kerns is also preparing to extend this work to the understudied area of traumatic events and their sequelae in youth with ASD. Another area of interest is the use of technology to facilitate the dissemination of empirically based treatments. Dr. Kerns is currently working to develop cost-effective, computer-assisted CBTs for youth with ASD and anxiety, interactive social stories to improve skill generalization in ASD, and video-enhanced ASD screening and educational tools. Her long terms goals include developing a parsimonious model of psychiatric co-occurrence to inform the design and dissemination of cross-diagnostic assessments and treatments that will improve child wellbeing and development.
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Parent to Parent NYS Presents a Statewide Webinar: Understanding LGBTQ+ Individuals with Disability
2024-06-05 19:00 - 20:00
LGBTQ+ individuals living with disabilities are often overlooked. Approximately 30% of adolescents that identify in the LGBTQ+ population also have disabilities. Join us for a discussion with Self Advocate Pauline Bosma from MASS (Massachusetts Advocates Standing Strong ) as they explain the challenges of being transgender and disabled, and what parents need to know.
REGISTER HERE.

Understanding the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education Part 200 Students with Disabilities - webinar
2024-06-11 18:30 - 20:00
Please join Parent to Parent of NYS, Namita Modasra, Education Advocate, for this in-depth presentation 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.
REGISTER HERE.

How To Foster And Support Self-Determination In All Students via Zoom
2024-06-12 12:00 - 14:00
This training provides participants with foundational concepts, resources, and strategies to implement and incorporate practices that promote the development of self-determination throughout a student’s day and across all ages- supporting skills for successful students.
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER HERE FOR THIS FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

Special Education Mediation For Families
2024-06-12 13:00 - 14:30
Families will become aware of the option of Special Education Mediation to resolve disputes and will be more knowledgeable about its benefits.
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER HERE! FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

What You Need to Know About Assistive Technology in the IEP
2024-06-13 10:00 - 11:15
Please join Parent to Parent of NYS for this presentation on 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.
Register here.

Preventing Parent Burnout for Parents of Children with Special Needs via Zoom
2024-06-18 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-08-07 11:00 - 12:00
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.
REGISTER HERE.

Getting Started with the Residential Process: Tips, Tricks, and Information via Zoom
2024-06-18 11:00 - 12:15, 2024-08-14 18:30 - 19:45
Where Do I Begin?
The process of pursuing residential placement can be overwhelming. This presentation will help you organize your needs, preferences, and documents to help you navigate the process.
REGISTER HERE.

When You Are Considering a Developmental Evaluation for Your Child: A Parent’s Perspective to Assist Your Visit.
2024-06-25 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-08-06 18:30 - 19:30
This presentation 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.
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Traveling with Your Special Needs Child/Adult
2024-06-26 18:00 - 19:30, 2024-07-29 11:00 - 12:30
Come join Parent to Parent NYS for this NEW Presentation on Traveling with Your Special Needs Child/Adult. Have you dreamed of going on a vacation with your child or adult with special needs? Does your child express a desire to go visit grandparents or a friend? Does he/she want to go on a field trip? Are theme parks or cruises a wish? Does the thought of even planning a trip make you nervous? Whether it’s a day trip or a long vacation, get tips and tricks for planning and implementing a trip with your family member with special needs. Learn how a trip can benefit all of your family members.
Register here.

Guidelines for Determining the Need for a One-to-One Aide
2024-07-10 18:00 - 19:15
Please join Namita Modasra, Education Advocate, 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 consider, 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).
REGISTER HERE.

Section 504, Students with Disabilities in Public & Private Schools via Zoom
2024-07-16 13:00 - 14:15
Please join Tina Beauparlant, Regional Manager, Education Specialist, Parent to Parent of NYS, as she presents a webinar on Section 504, Students with Disabilities in Public & Private Schools.
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 Members, or just interested in this topic then this training is for you!
REGISTER HERE.

Education Records Organizer via Zoom
2024-07-17 19:00 - 20:00
This workshop is where parents, guardians and advocates of children who receive 504, CPSE and CSE 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.
REGISTER HERE.

What Does Advocacy Mean in Special Education - webinar
2024-07-18 09:30 - 10:30
Please join Tina Beauparlant for this training on What Does Advocacy Mean in Special Education. 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 communicate 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 are a Parent, Grandparent, Family Member or just interested in this topic, then this training is for you!
REGISTER HERE.

What Does Advocacy Mean in Special Education via Zoom
2024-07-18 09:30 - 10:30
Please join Tina Beauparlant for this training on What Does Advocacy Mean in Special Education. 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 communicate 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 are a Parent, Grandparent, Family Member or just interested in this topic then this training is for you!
Register here.

Let’s Take a Crash Course on Understanding how to Read an IEP - webinar
2024-07-23 18:00 - 20:00
Please join Parent to Parent of NYS, Namita Modasra, Education Advocate for this training on Let’s Take a Crash Course on Understanding how to Read your child’s IEP.
Does your child have an IEP (Individualized Education Program)? We’ll walk through the different sections of the IEP, and discuss how to advocate for supports to make sure the IEP reflects your child’s abilities and needs. 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 training will teach you how to read the IEP so you can understand what should and can be in the IEP. If you are a Parent, Grandparent, Family Member or guardian then this training is for you!
REGISTER HERE!

Is Guardianship the Only Option? An overview of Guardianship and the Many Alternatives
2024-07-24 18:00 - 20:00
Come join Michele Juda, Ex. Director Parent to Parent of NYS, 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.
Register here.

What You Need to Know About Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) - Webinar
2024-07-25 10:00 - 11:15
Have you heard of LRE or the Least Restrictive Environment? Many parents are unaware of what is means. (LRE) stands for Least Restrictive Environment and is part of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It refers to the placement that your child is in. Least restrictive environment is an important part of your child’s IEP.
Come join Parent to Parent NYS for this new presentation and learn what the laws says about LRE.
REGISTER HERE.

How to Prepare for a Successful CPSE/CSE Meeting - webinar
2024-08-07 18:30 - 19:30
Please join Parent to Parent of NYS, Tina Beauparlant, Regional Manager/Education Specialist, as she presents this wonderful presentation on How to Prepare for a Successful CPSE/CSE Meeting. This training is to help parents, who approach IEP meetings with fear and dread. If this is you, attended this training and we have some suggestions to help you feel more at ease and 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 guardian, then this training is for you!
REGISTER HERE.

Communicating with the CPSE / CSE through Letter Writing - webinar
2024-08-08 09:30 - 10:45
Please join Tina Beauparlant, Regional Manager/Education Specialist, Parent to Parent of NYS, for this webinar on Communicating with the CPSE/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.
REGISTER HERE.
