Autism Society Western New York

Section 504, Students with Disabilities in Public & Private Schools - webinar
2023-01-26 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
Please join Nancy Marmet, Education Advocate, 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!
If you have questions, please call Tina Beauparlant (518) 381-4350.
REGISTER: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5615904500415193691

Is Guardianship the Only Option? An overview of Guardianship and the Many Alternatives - webinar
2023-01-31 17:30 - 19:30
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.
REGISTER: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5596992900434049627

The Ancient Roots of Autism Susceptibility Genes - webinar
2023-02-01 13:00 - 14:00
Researcher Emily Casanova, PhD, provides updates on her emerging findings in genetic research and autism.
The Speaker:
Emily Casanova, PhD, is an assistant professor in the Neuroscience program and the Department of Psychological Sciences at Loyola University, New Orleans, in the fall of 2022. She received her B.A. in Psychology from Webster University in St. Louis, and then went on to receive her M.S. (2012) and Ph.D. (2014) in Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology from the University of Louisville. She did a one-year postdoctoral fellowship with the University of South Carolina (USC) in Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND), followed by a three-year research postdoctoral fellowship, performing both clinical and basic autism research. She was hired by USC first as a Research Assistant Professor in Biomedical Sciences and then as a Clinical Assistant Professor in Pediatrics, as well as maintaining an Adjunct Lecturer position with Wofford College, teaching Psychology courses.
Throughout her training and early career, Dr. Casanova’s research has been focused on the study of autism from various perspectives, including investigation of its overlap with hereditary connective tissue disorders such as Ehlers-Danlos syndromes and fragile X premutation, as well as the investigation of major effect autism susceptibility genes and their evolution. Related to the study of autism gene evolution, Dr. Casanova has also been investigating a large group of developmental regulatory genes, their roles in metazoan evolution, and how they relate to evolutionary theories such as Punctuated Equilibria.
Dr. Casanova enjoys collecting antiques, traveling to other countries, knitting, collecting fossils, spending time with her family (both the two-legged and furry varieties), and a good strong cuppa tea! She also blogs on Science Over a Cuppa: https://scienceoveracuppa.com
REGISTER: https://www.autism.org/the-ancient-roots-of-autism-susceptibility-genes/

OPWDD FRONT DOOR INFORMATION SESSION (English) - Online
2023-02-02 17:00 - 19:00
The Front Door Information Session 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. All sessions are presently offered remotely by WebEx. The session length is two hours.
All Regional Offices offer translation services for the language that best fits your needs. If you require a session in a language other than English, Spanish or Chinese, including American Sign Language (ASL), please contact your local Front Door Office. Front Door contact numbers may be found on the OPWDD Website here: https://opwdd.ny.gov/contact-us#access-services-through-front-door
Registration for a session is required. REGISTER HERE

Understanding the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education Part 200 Students with Disabilities - webinar
2023-02-07 10:00 - 12:00
Please join Nancy Marmet, Education Advocate, 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.
REGISTER: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1337036253687287386

OPWDD FRONT DOOR INFORMATION SESSION (English) - online
2023-02-07 16:00 - 18:00
The Front Door Information Session 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. All sessions are presently offered remotely by WebEx. The session length is two hours.
All Regional Offices offer translation services for the language that best fits your needs. If you require a session in a language other than English, Spanish or Chinese, including American Sign Language (ASL), please contact your local Front Door Office. Front Door contact numbers may be found on the OPWDD Website here: https://opwdd.ny.gov/contact-us#access-services-through-front-door
Registration for a session is required. REGISTER HERE.
Contact for assistance: Michael Rice (518) 536-3466 michael.l.rice@opwdd.ny.gov

Preventing Parent Burnout for Parents of Children with Special Needs - webinar
2023-02-08 11:00 - 12:00
Please join Dodie Daniels, Regional Coordinator, Parent to Parent of NYS, as she presents a webinar on 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: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3459407056198103383

The Basics Of Supported Decision Making via Zoom
2023-02-08 18:00 - 20:00
Supported Decision-Making (SDM) allows individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) to make choices about their own lives with support from a team of people they choose.
People with I/DD will choose people they know and trust to be part of a support network to help with decision-making. SDM can be an alternative to guardianship and allows the person with the disability to make his or her own decisions.
Learn the basic process for SDM and resources available.
REGISTER TODAY! FREE EVENT! https://parentnetworkwny.org/events/basicsofsupporteddecisionmaking/

Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Call: 716-332-4170
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Guidelines for Determining the Need for a One-to-One Aide - webinar
2023-02-08 18:30 - 20:00
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).
If you have questions, please call Tina Beauparlant (518) 381-4350.
REGISTER: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMrdOihrT8qEtV7mRQT9uem9jOkFZ92v_Ku

A Family’s Guide to Student-Directed IEPs via Zoom
2023-02-10 16:00 - 17:30
When your child learns how to self-advocate, they will feel more:
Informed | Empowered | Understood | Confident
GET INVOLVED!
Understanding Student-Led IEPs and CSE Meetings
Is your child’s voice heard at their meetings?

Did they help create a goal for their IEP?
Learn more about working with the school district to help your child learn how to advocate for themselves.

*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER HERE. FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

Let’s Take a Crash Course on Understanding how to Read an IEP - webinar
2023-02-13 18:30 - 20:30
Please join Namita Modasra, Education Advocate, Parent to Parent of NYS, for this training on Let’s Take a Crash Course on Understanding how to Read an IEP.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a federal law, requires certain information to be included in the IEP but doesn’t specify say 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 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: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUucOCrqDwvHdG0cDsS_bfLNMrfGq72eACm

When You Are Considering a Developmental Evaluation for Your Child: A Parent’s Perspective to Assist Your Visit - webinar
2023-02-15 10:00 - 11:00
Please join Julia Luppino, 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 (518) 381-4350.
REGISTER: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/[REDACTED]

OPWDD FRONT DOOR INFORMATION SESSION (English)- online
2023-02-15 14:00 - 16:00
The Front Door Information Session 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. All sessions are presently offered remotely by WebEx. The session length is two hours.
All Regional Offices offer translation services for the language that best fits your needs. If you require a session in a language other than English, Spanish or Chinese, including American Sign Language (ASL), please contact your local Front Door Office. Front Door contact numbers may be found on the OPWDD Website here: https://opwdd.ny.gov/contact-us#access-services-through-front-door
Registration for a session is required. REGISTER HERE.
Contact for assistance: Karen Francisco (518) 388-0431 Karen.Francisco@opwdd.ny.gov

Region 1 Self-Direction Information Session via WebEx/online
2023-02-15 16:00 - 18:00, 2023-02-28 14:00 - 16:00
All Region 1 Self-Direction Information sessions are WebEx/online format and attendance is taken using the person’s email address. This WebEx (if attended in its entirety) satisfies the requirement for attending a Self-Direction information session.
Attendance is taken using the email address logging in for the session. If you have any additional questions regarding attendance, please call your SD Liaison.
**People who are unable to access a WebEx session should contact their SD Liaison for a phone session.
REGISTER HERE.

OPWDD FRONT DOOR INFORMATION SESSION (Spanish) - online
2023-02-16 16:00 - 18:00
The Front Door Information Session 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. All sessions are presently offered remotely by WebEx. The session length is two hours.
All Regional Offices offer translation services for the language that best fits your needs. If you require a session in a language other than English, Spanish or Chinese, including American Sign Language (ASL), please contact your local Front Door Office. Front Door contact numbers may be found on the OPWDD Website here: https://opwdd.ny.gov/contact-us#access-services-through-front-door
Registration is required. REGISTER HERE.
Contact for assistance: Miriam Nieto (718) 430-0806 Miriam.X.Nieto@opwdd.ny.gov

Preschool Special Education Process via Zoom
2023-02-17 12:00 - 14:00
The Preschool Special Education process training is designed to gain an understanding of the IEP process including but not limited to the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE), the roles and responsibilities of all parties.
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER TODAY! FREE EVENT!
Any questions? Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org

Graduation Options for Students with Disabilities via Zoom
2023-02-21 18:00 - 20:00
Gain understanding of the NYS graduation requirements.
Key areas being discussed:

credit requirements
multiple pathways to graduation
safety nets for students with disabilities
appeal process
exiting credentials available to students

*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER TODAY! FREE EVENT! https://parentnetworkwny.org/events/graduation-options-for-students-with-disabilities-3/
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download flyer

The Complexities of Establishing Evidence-Based Interventions for Autism - webinar
2023-02-22 13:00 - 14:00
Learn about historical developments, methodological approaches, and areas of ongoing debate in establishing evidence-based interventions for autism.
The Speaker
Dr. Giacomo Vivanti is an Associate Professor in the Early Detection and Intervention research program at the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute. His career as a scientist is driven by a key commitment to understand and address the social learning difficulties observed in young children with autism. This focus reflects his life experience of growing up with two brothers diagnosed with autism, as well as his diverse clinical and research training. Dr. Vivanti’s research involves eye-tracking and behavioral paradigms to investigate early learning processes in young children with autism, as well as clinical trials and community-based participatory research to evaluate, optimize and customize early interventions for children with autism. His research has been funded through a diverse portfolio of federal and foundation grants.
REGISTER: https://www.autism.org/complexities-evidence-based-treatment/

OPWDD FRONT DOOR INFORMATION SESSION (English) - online
2023-02-22 16:00 - 18:00
The Front Door Information Session 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. All sessions are presently offered remotely by WebEx. The session length is two hours.
All Regional Offices offer translation services for the language that best fits your needs. If you require a session in a language other than English, Spanish or Chinese, including American Sign Language (ASL), please contact your local Front Door Office. Front Door contact numbers may be found on the OPWDD Website here: https://opwdd.ny.gov/contact-us#access-services-through-front-door
Registration is required. REGISTER HERE.
Contact for assistance: Kelli Smith 845-695-7330 Kelli.l.smith@opwdd.ny.gov

Communicating with the CPSE / CSE through Letter Writing - webinar
2023-02-23 11:00 - 12:30
Please join Nancy Marmet, Education Advocate, Parent to Parent of NYS, as she presents a 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.
If you have questions, contact: Tina Beauparlant Phone: (518) 381-4350.
REGISTER: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/8779799786895260245

OPWDD FRONT DOOR INFORMATION SESSION (English) - online
2023-02-27 16:00 - 18:00
The Front Door Information Session 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. All sessions are presently offered remotely by WebEx. The session length is two hours.
All Regional Offices offer translation services for the language that best fits your needs. If you require a session in a language other than English, Spanish or Chinese, including American Sign Language (ASL), please contact your local Front Door Office. Front Door contact numbers may be found on the OPWDD Website here: https://opwdd.ny.gov/contact-us#access-services-through-front-door.
Registration is required. REGISTER HERE.
Contact for assistance: Erin Caglioti 631-416-3943 erin.a.caglioti@opwdd.ny.gov

Health Care Transition Research and Resources - online
2023-02-28 11:00 - 12:30
REAL TRANSITION PARTNERS Health Care Transition Research and Resources
This event is for Parent Center Staff and Adult system representatives. Join for a presentation by Got Transition.
They will discuss the following:

What is health care transition (HCT), and why is it important for youth/young adults with disabilities?
How many youth with I/DD do not receive HCT guidance.
Recently available statistics indicating the need for youth and families to learn about HCT.
Resources available to assist youth/young adults in managing their healthcare.

REGISTER HERE.
Questions, contact Dawn Monaco at dmonaco@spanadvocacy.org.

Preparing to Transition from High School to the Adult World after Graduation - webinar
2023-02-28 18:00 - 19:30
Please join Tina Beauparlant, Parent to Parent of NYS, Regional Manager/ Education Specialist for this wonderful webinar.
This training gives parents, grandparents and guardians, an understanding of high school transition.
Transition from high school to young adulthood is a critical stage for all teenagers; for students with disabilities this stage requires extra planning and goal setting. Factors to consider include post-secondary education, the development of career and vocational skills, as well as the ability to live independently. The first step in planning for a successful transition is developing the student’s transition plan. A transition plan is required for students enrolled in special education who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP). We will define and describe transition planning and how it can be utilized to maximize your child’s future.
If you have questions, contact: Tina Beauparlant (518) 381-4350.
REGISTER: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2810106957002208854

A Guide for Families to Understanding Supports & Services Administered by OPWDD - webinar
2023-03-02 18:00 - 19:30
Please join Parent to Parent of NYS, Sharon Linne, Regional Coordinator, as she presents 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 Medicaid Service Coordination (MSC), Home and Community Based Services Waiver, and Family Support Services.
REGISTER

OPWDD FRONT DOOR INFORMATION SESSION (English) - online
2023-03-03 10:00 - 12:00
The Front Door Information Session 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. All sessions are presently offered remotely by WebEx. The session length is two hours.
All Regional Offices offer translation services for the language that best fits your needs. If you require a session in a language other than English, Spanish or Chinese, including American Sign Language (ASL), please contact your local Front Door Office. Front Door contact numbers may be found on the OPWDD Website here: https://opwdd.ny.gov/contact-us#access-services-through-front-door.
Registration is required. REGISTER HERE.
Contact for assistance: Richard Labonte at 585-241-5842 Richard.S.Labonte@opwdd.ny.gov

Let’s Take a Crash Course on Understanding how to Read an IEP - webinar
2023-03-07 12:00 - 14:00
Please join Nancy Marmet for this training on Let’s Take a Crash Course on Understanding how to Read an IEP.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a federal law, requires certain information to be included in the IEP but doesn’t specify say 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 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

OPWDD FRONT DOOR INFORMATION SESSION (English) - online
2023-03-08 10:00 - 12:00
The Front Door Information Session 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. All sessions are presently offered remotely by WebEx. The session length is two hours.
All Regional Offices offer translation services for the language that best fits your needs. If you require a session in a language other than English, Spanish or Chinese, including American Sign Language (ASL), please contact your local Front Door Office. Front Door contact numbers may be found on the OPWDD Website here: https://opwdd.ny.gov/contact-us#access-services-through-front-door.
Registration is required. REGISTER HERE.
Contact for assistance: Kelly Lewha 315-793-9600 ext. 602 Kelly.Lewha@opwdd.ny.gov

Education Records Organizer - webinar
2023-03-08 11:00 - 12:00
Please join Dodie Daniels, Regional Coordinator, Parent to Parent of NYS as she presents this wonderful webinar.
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 you in being more organized in planning a child’s education, and in the CPSE/CSE process.
If you have any questions, please contact Tina Beauparlant (518) 381-4350.
REGISTER

How to Prepare for a Successful CSE Meeting - webinar
2023-03-08 18:00 - 19:30
Please join Tina Beauparlant, Regional Manager/Education Specialist, as she presents this wonderful presentation on How to Prepare for a Successful 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!
If you have questions, please contact Tina Beauparlant (518) 381-4350.
REGISTER
