Autism Society Western New York

OPWDD FRONT DOOR INFORMATION SESSION (English) - online
2023-02-22 16:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York)
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.

Region 1 Self-Direction Information Session via WebEx/online
2023-02-28 14:00 - 16:00, 2023-03-14 09:00 - 11:00, 2023-03-29 09:00 - 11:00
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.

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

Residential Placement Online Discussion Group- Parents who have a child or adult in a Residential placement via Zoom
2023-03-09 19:00 - 20:00
Are you considering a residential school or program for your son/daughter and just don’t know how you will ever be able to make this decision? Do you feel guilty for even thinking about it? Do you have a family member in a residential program and are struggling to make peace with this decision?
Parent to Parent is excited to host a Parent Discussion Group facilitated by Mariela Adams, for families with children and adults of all ages that have children in residential school or are considering a residential placement for their loved one.
Come join us for an hour of support and conversation about this important topic.
REGISTER

Evidence-Based Supports for Children, Adolescents, & Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder -Free virtual conference
2023-03-10 08:30 - 15:00
Institute for Child Development presents the 6th Annual Binghamton Regional Center for ASD Spring Conference for Families, Educators, & Providers
Evidence-Based Supports for Children, Adolescents, & Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder
FREE 2023 Virtual Conference Theme: Neurodivergent Coping and Social Success is on Friday, March 10 from 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Keynote I – Stuck in the Middle! Program Development and Supports for Students with ASD at the Middle School Level presented by Sanja Cale, Ph. D., BCBA-D & Kristin Durante, M. S. (1.5 CE/Contact Hours – NYSED CTLEs, Social Work, BACB)
Keynote II – It’s Never too Late: Friendships, Mental Health, and Well-Being in ASD Across the Lifespan presented by Amy Van Hecke, Ph. D. (1.5 CE/Contact Hours- NYSED CTLEs, Social Work)
Workshop I – Occupational Therapy at Home: Helping Families Promote Skills in Everyday Activities presented by Deborah Eckhardt, OTR/L (1.0 CE/Contact Hours- NYSED CTLEs, Social Work)
Workshop II – Making Sense of a Sensory-Intense World: Practical Coping and Opportunities for Connection presented by Rachel N. S. Cavalari, Ph. D., BCBA-D (1.0 CE/Contact Hours- NYSED CTLEs, Social Work, BACB)
The detailed conference brochure is available at BRCASD’s website: https://brcasd.binghamton.edu
REGISTER NOW

Understanding Your Child's FBA and BIP Process via Zoom
2023-03-10 16:30 - 18:00
Gain an understanding of the regulations, the process, and the roles of the families and the school.
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER HERE! FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

OPWDD FRONT DOOR INFORMATION SESSION (Spanish)- online
2023-03-13 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 HEAR.

Section 504, Students with Disabilities in Public & Private Schools - webinar
2023-03-14 18:00 - 20:00
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 any questions, please call Tina Beauparlant (518) 381-4350.
REGISTER

OPWDD FRONT DOOR INFORMAITON SESSION (English) - online
2023-03-15 09:00 - 11:00
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 (585) 241-5842 or Richard.S.Labonte@opwdd.ny.gov

What Does Advocacy Mean in Special Education via Zoom
2023-03-16 18:00 - 19:30
Please join Namita Modasra 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.

ABLE Account Basics and NDI AT Loan Program Resources via Zoom
2023-03-16 19:00 - 20:30
ABLE Account Basics and NDI AT Loan Program Resources
Presenter: Laurie Schaller, the National Disability Institute
REGISTER HERE.

OPWDD FRONT DOOR INFORMATION SESSION (English) - online
2023-03-21 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: Kelli Smith (845) 695-7330 or Kelli.l.smith@opwdd.ny.gov

Is Guardianship the Only Option? An overview of Guardianship and the Many Alternatives. - via Zoom
2023-03-21 11:00 - 13:00
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.
REGISTER HERE.

Preventing Parent Burnout for Parents of Children with Special Needs - webinar
2023-03-21 19:00 - 20:00
Please join Sharon Linne, 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 HERE.

Understanding the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education Part 200 Students with Disabilities via Zoom
2023-03-22 18:00 - 20:00
Please join Namita Modasra, Education Advocate, Parent to Parent of NYS, as she presents a webinar on Understanding the Regulation of the Commissioner of Education Part 200 Students with Disabilities.
This training will take you through the NYS Special Education Regulations step by step. Parents will learn the role they play on the CSE, learn the chain of command regarding the CSE, learn how to request information regarding your child’s IEP and gain an understanding how to communicate with your child’s teachers & administrators. After this webinar parents will have more knowledge about the educational laws to advocate for their child/children.
If you have questions, contact Tina Beauparlant at (518) 381-4350.
REGISTER HERE.

NEW- (LRE) Least Restrictive Environment What You Need to Know - webinar
2023-03-23 11:00 - 12:30
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.
Join Parent to Parent NYS for this new presentation and learn what the laws says about LRE.
REGISTER

Loss, Grief, and Adjustment for Parents of Children with Special Needs - webinar
2023-03-28 11:00 - 12:00
Please join Parent to Parent of NYS, Dodie Daniels, Regional Coordinator, as she presents on 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.
REGISTER HERE.

OPWDD FRONT DOOR INFORMATION SESSION (English) - online
2023-03-29 13:00 - 15:00
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 orerin.a.caglioti@opwdd.ny.gov

Front Door Information Session (English) - webinar
2023-04-03 09:00 - 11:00
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.

Register here: https://meetny.webex.com/weblink/register/r3cd1e4fae54f217b15214da2a6fabdba
If you need assistance, please contact Richard Labonte at 585-241-5842 or Richard.S.Labonte@opwdd.ny.gov
