Autism Society Western New York

Free Cooking Class: How to Cook Veggie Burgers
2020-05-14 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
Presented by Accessible Academics
Free cooking class on how to make a black bean veggie burger. Follow along with Allison and ask questions in real time.
About this Event
Enjoy this free cooking class to learn how to make a black bean veggie burger! You will receive a copy of the recipe and Zoom link in your email after you register. Ask our Coach Allison Lakomski questions live as you follow along with the recipe.
To register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-cooking-class-how-to-cook-veggie-burgers-tickets-103279507788

Let’s Talk: Time Out - webinar
2020-05-19 19:00 - 20:30
This talk will ….
• Describe how to implement time out for not following instructions and breaking house rules.
• Include time for a Q & A session
About Your Host: Dr. Marcus Thomeer is Co-Director of the Institute for Autism Research (IAR) and an Assistant Professor at Canisius College. Prior to his work at Canisius, Dr. Thomeer was the Director of Research and Program Evaluation at Summit Educational Resources in Buffalo, New York. He has extensive experience in developing, implementing, and evaluating psychosocial interventions for autism spectrum disorders.
Join from your computer, tablet or smartphone: https://global.gotomeeting.com/ join/797721877
You can also dial in using your phone. United States: +1 (312) 757-3121 Access Code: 797-721-877
New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts. https://tinyurl.com/yckggnbu

Free Webinar! Special Education During the COVID-19 Quarantine
2020-05-19 19:00 - 20:30
Parents have so many questions about their child’s special education rights and needs in this time of quarantine.
Join Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge and four special ed attorneys – Pete Wright, Piper Paul, Wayne Steedman, and Jack Robinson – who will teach us what the laws are and how you can help your child RIGHT NOW.
Pete Wright and these amazing attorneys will answer:
?What is the federal law during the COVID-19 quarantine?
?What is compensatory education?
?How can parents advocate for their child right now?
?Need for data points: The how and why of evaluations and collecting data.
Register Now! This FREE Webinar Will Fill Up! https://drroseann.com/special-education-during-a-pandemic/

Family Fun Hour - Pictionary
2020-05-22 17:00 - 18:00
Join us for Family Fun Hour on May 22nd for a game of online Pictionary.
Bring your own pencil and paper or use the built in drawing feature in Zoom.
Pictionary is fun for all ages!
Come back every Friday for more fun!
You are invited to a Zoom meeting
Register in advance for this meeting: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAsd-mhqzkjE9dh8yRNgwJCsGSkctEm2mQo
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
ABOUT THE HOST
Debbie Schutt, MS is Parent Network’s Behavior Intervention Coordinator. Debbie has been a member of the Parent Network of WNY team since 2018. She has extensive experience working with youth and families through the Office of Mental Health and the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities in the areas of behavior intervention, crisis management, and mental health

Let’s Talk: Early Childhood & Behavior
2020-05-26 19:00 - 20:00
Presentation & Discussion with Katie Junevic & Megan King !
This Talk will:
• Focus on Early Childhood
• Describe how children use behavior as communication
• Include practical strategies, including supporting basic sensory needs, from a parent perspective
• Includes time for a Q & A
You are invited to a Zoom meeting
Register in advance for this meeting: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwvfuihpzojHtYcfiOKk3zX0C841OUKZhKr
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
ABOUT THE HOSTS
Katie Junevic is an Early Childhood Professional Development Specialist with Parent Network of WNY. She has been working in the Special Education field for over 10 years and is the mother to an amazing 8 year old son.
Megan King is a parent, and advocate for her 2 boys, ages 9 and 5. She has been working in education for over 18 years. Megan has extensive experience working with, and on behalf of, students with disabilities for more than 16 years.

Webinar: When You Are Considering a Developmental Evaluation for Your Child: A Parent’s Perspective
2020-05-27 17:00 - 18:15
Please join Sharon Marrella, Regional Coordinator as she presents a webinar on When You Are Considering a Developmental Evaluation for Your Child: A Parent’s Perspective to Assist Your Visit.
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.
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1057442519034741773
If you have questions contact: Tina Beauparlant at (518) 381-4350.

Do It Yourself (DIY) ~ Sensory Fun!
2020-05-28 08:30 - 10:00
Presentation & Discussion with Debbie Schutt, MS!
Learn how to use or repurpose basic household supplies to create items that will help address the sensory needs of your child.
Demonstrations will include DIY items for all of your senses – sight, sound, touch, movement, pressure, and more!
Examples of household items used include papertowel/toilet paper tubes, empty plastic bottles, pasta, rice, rubber bands, laundry basket, empty boxes, aluminum foil, cotton balls, and so much more.
You are invited to a Zoom meeting.
Register in advance for this meeting: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/ tJIkf-yrqTsoE9eydxfzzSugJGzuJYXWD4c_
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
ABOUT THE HOST
Debbie Schutt, MS is Parent Networks’ Behavior Intervention Coordinator. Debbie has been a member of the Parent Network of WNY team since 2018. She has extensive experience working with youth and families through the Office of Mental Health and the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities in the areas of behavior intervention, crisis management, and mental health.

Webinar: NYS Autism Insurance Reform
2020-05-28 12:00 - 13:00
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.
Register https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2335430170953104130

Let’s Talk: Mindfulness
2020-06-01 19:00 - 20:00
Do You….
• Feel overwhelmed and unable to stop?
• Find yourself dwelling on the past and/or worrying about the future?
• Feel stuck in a cycle of regret, exhaustion, and fear?
• Want to learn how mindfulness can reduce stress and foster positive attitudes?
Presentation & Discussion with Theresa Drum & Mindy Scirri, Ph.D. !
ABOUT THE HOSTS
Theresa Drum has over 25 years of experience supporting and educating families who have children with special needs. Her first hand experiences as a parent and caregiver bring a valuable perspective and insight to the importance of mindfulness and stress reduction.
Mindy Scirri, Ph.D., is a Learning (Dis)abilities Specialist with over 20 years of experience in the direct service of K-12 and college students with and without special needs. She currently collaborates with Mount Saint Mary College’s Center on Aging and Disability Policy and the Parent Network of WNY to bring Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) to parents and caregivers of individuals with special needs.
You are invited to a Zoom meeting. Register in advance for this meeting: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAodOyvrT4uE9akFWUx26rQykdidNNKYQpt
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Webinar: Health Care Notebook Overview
2020-06-02 18:00 - 19:00
lease 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 at 518-381-4350 with any questions.
Register:https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1895615624544879105

Finding the Best Graduation Option for Students with Disabilities LIVE Webinar
2020-06-02 18:00 - 20:00
This workshop explores graduation options and outlines the updates to New York State regulations. Learn about the different kinds of diplomas, and what you as a parent or caregiver can do to help your young adult graduate.
Recommended Audience
Families of middle or high school students with disabilities.
To register online please go to: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/588971402285406735

Let’s Talk: Meltdown Management
2020-06-03 08:30 - 10:00
During this discussion we will talk about the difference between tantrums and meltdowns. We will discuss strategies that can be used to help prevent meltdowns and interventions that can be used. We will also discuss recovering after
a meltdown and how to create a “meltdown management plan” so that you are prepared to manage a meltdown next time it occurs. A “meltdown plan” template will be shared with participants.
Presentation & Discussion with Debbie Schutt, MS!
ABOUT THE HOST
Debbie Schutt, MS is Parent Networks’ Behavior Intervention Coordinator. Debbie has been a member of the Parent Network of WNY team since 2018. She has extensive experience working with youth and families through the Office of Mental Health and the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities in the areas of behavior intervention, crisis management, and mental health.
You are invited to a Zoom meeting. Register in advance for this meeting: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwudumpqjkrGdCzucQXfEyuXi9hechJtpRz
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Technology Overuse and Autism Spectrum Disorders - Webinar
2020-06-03 13:00 - 14:00
As screen time is so alluring, parents need to take concrete steps to create limits and structure. Learn strategies for managing screen time access for young people with ASD and their neurotypical peers.
About the speaker:
Ben Wahl, MSW, manages strategic initiatives for Aspiring Youth in Seattle, Washington. He has worked with children, adolescents and young adults for more than 20 years in a variety of roles and is a cofounder of QRKON, a a unique gaming and media convention for the neurodiverse community. Ben founded Aspiring Youth, which serves children, teens and young adults with autism, ADHD, learning disabilities and similar traits, in 2005, followed by the Delphi Young Adults Program in 2013.
Register for Technology Overuse and Autism Spectrum Disorders: https://www.autism.org/technology-overuse/

Webinar: Education Records Organizer
2020-06-03 17:00 - 18:00
Please join Trish Washburn, Parent Advocate for Parent to Parent of NYS, as she presents the webinar Education Records Organizer. This workshop is where parents, guardians and advocates of children who receive 504 and special education services take their educational records and organize them into a record-keeping binder. This workshop will assist in being more organized in planning a child’s education, and in the CPSE/CSE process
Contact Tina Beauparlant with questions, 518-381-4350.
Register: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2802411450606659841

Webinar: Loss, Grief, and Adjustment for Parents of Children with Special Needs
2020-06-04 12:00 - 13:00
Please join Dianne O’Connor, Regional Coordinator for Parent to Parent of NYS, as she presents the webinar Loss, Grief, and Adjustment for Parents of Children with Special Needs. Powerful and intense feelings are natural and common responses to parenting a child with exceptional needs. This training will provide an overview of common emotions experienced by parents and discuss how by sharing and acknowledging these emotions parents can find the inner strength needed to face and embrace their role as a parent of a child with special needs.
Contact Tina Beauparlant at 518-381-4350 with any questions.
Register: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/4663249119359203330

Let’s Talk: Emotional Regulation
2020-06-04 16:00 - 17:00
This talk will describe how stress affects a child’s ability to emotionally regulate and what you can do to help.
Presentation & Discussion with Cherie Wilkolaski !
ABOUT THE HOST
Cherie Wilkolaski is a special educator, professional development specialist and school administrator with 37 years of experience. She has expertise in serving students with severe emotional disabilities, severe multiple disabilities, and autism. Cherie provides coaching and assistance to teachers who wish to improve their practice by supporting their use of strategies for social emotional learning, behavior and classroom management, trauma informed care, restorative practices and specially designed instruction.
You are invited to a Zoom meeting. Register in advance for this meeting: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMvcyqqzojE9Z1pdPs1uHAEUrM4r2QcmUT
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Webinar: Education for Empowerment: School and Teens in Healthcare Transition
2020-06-04 18:00 - 19:00
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.
Register: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5086334596369523202

Family Fun Hour - Zoom Zoom
2020-06-05 17:00 - 18:00
Zoom Zoom is the game of EXTREME close-ups.
During this Family Fun Hour, our host will zoom in on a variety of familiar images, animals, and objects while the participants have try to guess what it is they are looking at.
Not sure what you are seeing? The picture will slowly zoom out while the participants guess. Eventually, the picture is back to its “normal” and identifiable size. It sounds easy, right? Can you guess what the picture is?
Come back every Friday for more fun!
Family Fun Hour with Debbie Schutt, MS!
ABOUT THE HOST
Debbie Schutt, MS is Parent Networks’ Behavior Intervention Coordinator. Debbie has been a member of the Parent Network of WNY team since 2018. She has extensive experience working with youth and families through the Office of Mental Health and the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities in the areas of behavior intervention, crisis management, and mental health.
You are invited to a Zoom meeting. Register in advance for this meeting: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/ tJUkcOyprTsrG9Py2LwbhyWili7Hvvh-tImt
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Webinar: Health Care Notebook overview
2020-06-09 18:00 - 19:00
Please join Sharon Marrella, Regional Coordinator 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.
Register: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/4783420244950611469
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
If you have questions contact: Tina Beauparlant at (518) 381-4350.

Speak Up! Skills for Effective Advocacy & How to Prepare for Meetings LIVE Webinar
2020-06-09 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. Learn tips on how to be prepared and organized for all meetings, both virtual and in person when school resumes. You will learn how to be a powerful advocate (someone who speaks up).
To register online please go to: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/6870768304303727887

Transition to Adulthood - Webinar
2020-06-10 13:00 - 14:00
Tune in to hear Stephen Shore, Ed.D. share insights about growing up with autism, navigating school, and finding his role in education and advocacy.
About the speaker:
A professor of special education at Adelphi University, Dr. Shore was diagnosed with autism in early childhood. He recounted how his parents encouraged his strong interests and engaged in helping to teach him communication skills, both of which ultimately led him to success in school and job opportunities. His love of bicycles and strengths in disassembling and rebuilding things led him to become a bicycle mechanic as an older teen and in college. Later, his gift for music and also helping others advocate for their educational and employment needs led him to study music and develop curricula that builds on student strengths.
In addition to his teaching and advocacy roles, Dr. Shore is a member of the Autism Speaks board as well as its Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee.
Register for Transition to Adulthood: https://www.autism.org/transition-to-adulthood/

Let’s Talk: I’m working from home!
2020-06-11 08:30 - 10:00
Tips and strategies for parents to help manage space, time, and behaviors while working (and schooling) at home.
Participants will receive a Social Skills Story to use with their kids.
Presentation & Discussion with Debbie Schutt, MS!
ABOUT THE HOST
Debbie Schutt, MS is Parent Networks’ Behavior Intervention Coordinator. Debbie has been a member of the Parent Network of WNY team since 2018. She has extensive experience working with youth and families through the Office of Mental Health and the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities in the areas of behavior intervention, crisis management, and mental health.
You are invited to a Zoom meeting. Register in advance for this meeting: https://zoom.us/meeting/ register/tJYkceyvrjIjHt3bd4EoKZSSFfXGfKWT3bHi
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Webinar: A Guide for Families to Understanding Supports & Services Administered by OPWDD
2020-06-11 17:15 - 18:45
Please join Sharon Marrella, 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 Tina Beauparlant at 518-381-4350 with any questions.
Register: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/8351670826249557251

Family Fun Hour - Spaghetti O’s
2020-06-12 17:00 - 18:00
Participants will need uncooked spaghetti noodle and Cheerios (or other O shaped cereal).
During this family fun hour participants will challenge one another in the game of Spaghetti O’s.
The objective of the game is to see who can get the most O’s on their spaghetti noodle! The twist? You can’t use your hands!
Come back every Friday!
Family Fun Hour with Debbie Schutt, MS!
ABOUT THE HOST
Debbie Schutt, MS is Parent Networks’ Behavior Intervention Coordinator. Debbie has been a member of the Parent Network of WNY team since 2018. She has extensive experience working with youth and families through the Office of Mental Health and the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities in the areas of behavior intervention, crisis management, and mental health.
You are invited to a Zoom meeting. Register in advance for this meeting: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIvdOqppzkjEtfQ0MJGfzz3O7g8vIomCF3_
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Screen Time: Setting and Enforcing Limits
2020-06-17 08:30 - 10:00
Learn tips and strategies to help enforce limits and expectations related to screen time.
Participants will receive a Social Skills Story to use with their kids.
Presentation & Discussion with Debbie Schutt, MS!
ABOUT THE HOST
Debbie Schutt, MS is Parent Networks’ Behavior Intervention Coordinator. Debbie has been a member of the Parent Network of WNY team since 2018. She has extensive experience working with youth and families through the Office of Mental Health and the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities in the areas of behavior intervention, crisis management, and mental health.
You are invited to a Zoom meeting.
Register in advance for this meeting: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0kcuyorzkrGtNp60_5ofiRwx2SYC3M1I2Z
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Webinar: Preventing Parent Burnout for Parents of Children with Special Needs
2020-06-18 18:00 - 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.
Register: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/3809276030207103491

Family Fun Hour Father’s Day Fortune Cookie Craft
2020-06-19 17:00 - 18:00
Join us for our family fun hour where we will be making special fortune cookies for dad (or for anyone). This is a paper craft so the only thing you will need is paper, something to write with, scissors, and tape. Any type of paper will work.
If your child cannot use scissors or needs assistance with scissors you can cut out several circles about 3 1/2 inches
in diameter in advance (pro tip: trace the inside of a roll of masking tape).
Each fortune cookie will have a hand written “fortune” inside.
Come back every Friday for more fun!
Family Fun Hour with Debbie Schutt, MS!
ABOUT THE HOST
Debbie Schutt, MS is Parent Networks’ Behavior Intervention Coordinator. Debbie has been a member of the Parent Network of WNY team since 2018. She has extensive experience working with youth and families through the Office of Mental Health and the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities in the areas of behavior intervention, crisis management, and mental health.
You are invited to a Zoom meeting. Register in advance for this meeting: https://tinyurl.com/y82vwdvb
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Webinar: When You Are Considering a Developmental Evaluation for Your Child: A Parent’s Perspective to Assist Your Visit
2020-06-22 11:00 - 12:15
Please join Sharon Marrella, Regional Coordinator as she presents a webinar on When You Are Considering a Developmental Evaluation for Your Child: A Parent’s Perspective to Assist Your Visit.
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.
If you have questions contact: Tina Beauparlant at (518) 381-4350.
Register: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1987623858575178765

Self-Direction Information Sessions via WebEx
2020-06-23 13:00 - 15:00
“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.
Registration is required. Register through WebEx link.
https://meetny.webex.com/meetny/onstage/g.php?MTID=e77b748075765afcc4446d64bd5ee82e6

Binder Training: Organizing all your stuff! Live webinar
2020-06-23 18:00 - 20:00
Where did you put that paper? It’s here somewhere!
Participants will learn which papers or documents to keep, organizing tips and understand how having the right paper at
your fingertips can lead to a successful education plan.
Join from your computer, tablet or smartphone: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1940885820314970383
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
