Autism Society Western New York

Supporting Your Child In Work-Based Learning (WBL) Experiences via Zoom
2024-04-29 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | NY
Work-Based Learning (WBL) experiences are a way for students to develop skills and knowledge in the world of work.
Join us and gain foundational information of WBL, program options, who are the partners in WBL, and increase career awareness in home and community
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER HERE! FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
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Statewide- Virtual Special Education Parent Chat Group
2024-04-25 18:30 - 20:00 | NY
Come join Parent to Parent NYS for their Special Education chat group. As a parent’s of children with special needs, we know firsthand how hard it is to advocate for our children in school. Sometimes we feel helpless, exhausted, and lonely and let’s face it advocating for our kids is complicated! If you’re a parent, grandparent, caregiver of a child with special needs, and struggling with special education school related issues. Come join for an opportunity to share what’s happening while engaging in great conversation, sharing your knowledge, ideas and resources with other parents in the community who are dealing with the same issues. All from the comfort of your own home.
REGISTER HERE.

Preventing Parent Burnout for Parents of Children with Special Needs via Zoom
2024-04-24 19:00 - 20:00 | NY
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.

White Matter Development and Language in Autism - webinar
2024-04-24 13:00 - 14:15 | NY
Learn about emerging research on white matter development and language abilities during infancy in autism.
The speaker:

Tyler McFayden, PhD, is a NICHD T32 Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Prior to her T32 position, she received her bachelor’s in science from Davidson College and PhD in Developmental and Clinical Psychology from Virginia Tech. She completed her APA-accredited internship at UNC’s Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities. Dr. McFayden currently works with Dr. Clare Harrop (Health Sciences) and Dr. Mike O’Shea (Pediatrics), researching social communication profiles of autistic youth and sex differences in neurodevelopmental trajectories. Dr. McFayden also works closely with Dr. Jessica Girault, PhD, a member of the IBIS group at UNC, studying neuro-behavior relations in high-likelihood infant samples. The April presentation will feature results and discussions from their recent paper highlighting a novel white matter-language connection in the right arcuate fasciculus in infants who later are diagnosed with autism at 24 months.
Register here.

What You Need to Know About Assistive Technology in the IEP - via Zoom
2024-04-23 18:30 - 20:00 | NY
Please join Tina Beauparlant, Regional Manager / Education Specialist, 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.

Parent to Parent of NYS- Statewide-Virtual Fathers Group
2024-04-22 19:00 - 20:00 | NY
Parent to Parent of NYS Fathers Group to meet online via Zoom and discuss the role of dads in navigating their children’s special needs. Come join Bing Feng for an informal meeting to share information, resources, and support. Parents of children and adults are welcome.
Register here.

Is Guardianship the Only Option? An overview of Guardianship and the Many Alternatives
2024-04-18 11:00 - 13:00 | NY
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.

Explicit Vocabulary For Parents
2024-04-18 10:00 - 12:00 | NY
Children learn and develop vocabulary best when the discovery of new words and their meaning is introduced both at home and in school.
Through this training, families and education professionals will learn about the importance of vocabulary instruction in language development and reading skills for elementary school grades.
Participants will leave with a set of practical tips, strategies, and resources that help foster a natural curiosity about unfamiliar words, and how to encourage vocabulary development in a child’s daily life experiences and interactions.
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER TODAY! FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

Parent to Parent of NYS- Black, Indigenous, Person of Color (BIPOC) virtual Parent Group and learning series
2024-04-17 19:00 - 20:30 | NY
Are you a BIPOC Parent of a child with special needs of any age? (BIPOC – Black, Indigenous, Person of Color) Like you, I understand the realities of parenting our children with special needs while walking that tightrope of living on the margins struggling to be seen! Let’s address the high pressure reality on us as BIPOC parents so we may begin to re-energize ourselves, re-focus on what’s most important, and re-up our enthusiasm to increase our effectiveness in our roles. As we share our paths forward together, the better off we will be for our journey ahead, emotionally and physically, and the better off our families will be. Join me, Melanie Baker, for an honest conversation as we consider where we have been, where we are now, so that we may see our way forward.
Register here.

What Is a NY ABLE Account? via Zoom
2024-04-17 19:00 - 20:00 | NY
The NY ABLE Program is a tax-advantaged savings program for individuals with disabilities and their families to save for their current or long term needs while maintaining their ability to benefit from federal benefits programs such as SSI, SSDI and Medicaid.
Our program offers multiple investment options including a checking account and debit card option allowing individuals with disabilities to maintain their independence and have quick and easy access to their own money.
Presenter: Jenna McClosky, Outreach Coordinator NY ABLE and 529 College Savings Program, Office of the State Comptroller
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER HERE! FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyera

Parent to Parent of NYS- Upstate Parent Group: For families residing in Western New York, Central New York, Northern New York:
2024-04-17 19:00 - 20:00 | NY
Are you a parent navigating the unique journey of raising a child with special needs? Join Parent to Parent of NYS for their monthly Online Parent Group. Parent to Parent of NYS is dedicated to creating a warm and inclusive environment where parents of children and adults with special needs can connect and support each other. If you’re a parent or caregiver navigating the journey of raising a someone with special needs, we invite you to join.
Register here.

Effective and Collaborative Implementation of Family Engagement Resources via Zoom
2024-04-17 17:30 - 19:00 | NY
Participants will:

Explore meaningful and equitable training resources/tools to support effective family engagement and communication.
Explore the use of critical thinking skills to deepen connection and understanding of the resources to support equitable family engagement.

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

Autism and Sleep – Research Updates (webinar)
2024-04-17 13:00 - 14:00 | NY
Learn research updates on co-occurring sleep disturbances and autism.
SPEAKER
Dara S. Manoach, PhD, Paul B. and Sandra M. Edgerley MGH Research Scholar 2019-2024 is a Professor of Psychology in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. She is a neuropsychologist who received her Ph.D. in psychology from Harvard University. She completed a clinical psychology internship at McLean Hospital and a fellowship in clinical neuropsychology at the Behavioral Neurology Unit of Beth Israel Hospital. She is in the Department of Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital and is a Faculty Associate at the Lurie Center for Autism. She is based at the Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging where she directs the Sleep, Cognition, and Neuropsychiatry (SCAN) Lab.
REGISTER HERE.

Understanding the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education Part 200 Students with Disabilities - webinar
2024-04-17 11:00 - 12:30 | NY
Please join Parent to Parent of NYS, Tina Beauparlant 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!

Power2Relate (Formerly Nurtured Heart Approach) Four Week Series
2024-04-15 17:30 - 20:00 | Clarence Public Library, 3 Town Place, Clarence, NY, 14031, United States
Power2Relate – Building Upon The Nurtured Heart Approach

Are you feeling powerless in relating to and managing your children’s behavior?
Do you want to feel more connection to your loved ones?
Are your experiencing a sense of Thriving in Life?

This course will help answer these questions!
POWER2RELATE is a dynamic practice that unleashes your natural ability to be and feel connected. By bringing together rational emotional, positive psychology and behavioral evidence-based practices, our goal is to support you to thrive and empower yourself, your family, and others. Language is the vehicle of change. Thus, we build upon the Nurtured Heart Approach, which is a language-based approach that helps you regain power and rebuild the love you want in your home.
You will begin to learn and discover:

How to integrate 6 sources of Power, providing a life-long shift in how you relate to the challenges you face.
The Behavioral Key to why your current parenting methods are not producing the results you wish.
The emotional foundations which may be keeping you from experiencing the connections and success you desire.

This approach is valid for all ages and types of relationships. It is effective for behaviorally and emotionally challenged children (ADHD, ODD, ASD, Attachment, etc.) as well as typically developing children. You will leave this series with clear techniques and strategies to face the emotional & behavioral challenges that brought you in.
WHEN
Monday, April 15 from 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Monday, April 22 from 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Monday, May 13 from 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Monday, May 20 from 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
WHERE
Clarence Public Library, 3 Town Place, Clarence, NY 14031
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER HERE! FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

Au-Some Evenings at Explore & More - The Ralph C Wilson Jr. Children's Museum
2024-04-12 17:30 - 19:30 | Explore & More – The Ralph C Wilson Jr. Children’s Museum, 130 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14202, United States
Once a month, Au-Some Evenings give children with autism and sensory processing needs, their friends and family an opportunity to play and learn together in an understanding and supportive environment. In addition to a fun night of play with access to the museum space and exhibits, we have special programming for families! The evening features themed Art Studio projects, sensory exploration in our Tinkering Tank, therapy animals from the SPCA and student volunteers from SUNY Buffalo State’s Exceptional Education program. Parent outreach materials including links for social stories, child development resources and play tips are always available. We even provide small giveaways or snacks in the lobby, at the end of the night to help with the transition of leaving the museum. We look forward to having you join us!
To register for the next Au-Some Evening please complete the form, here!

Special thanks to the Exceptional Education department from SUNY Buffalo State for providing volunteers who help support children and families develop language skills, promote social interactions, and facilitate learning through play. Au-Some Evenings was created in 2012 and presented in partnership with: Kathy Doody, Professor in Exceptional Education, and Jana Mertz, The Arc Erie County.

Click here to download our Au-Some Evening flyer!

Questions? Email accessibility@exploreandmore.org.
SPACE IS LIMITED!

Parent to Parent of NYS-Residential Placement Online Discussion Group- Parents who have a child or adult in a Residential placement
2024-04-11 19:00 - 20:00 | NY
For families with children and adults of all ages that currently have children in residential school or a group home. Come join us for an hour of support and conversation.
Register here.

Chautauqua County Family & Caregiver Support Group via Zoom
2024-04-11 18:30 - 20:00 | NY
Receive Support – Connect with Others – Express Yourself
Free Support for parents, family members and caregivers of children with special needs
REGISTER ONCE FOR MONTHLY EMAIL REMINDERS AND ZOOM MEETING LINKS!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org

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EI To CPSE Transition For Parents via Zoom
2024-04-11 14:00 - 16:00 | NY
In this training families and caregivers will learn about the role of the Early Intervention Program, Committee on Preschool Special Education and the important role of parents in the transition process.
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER TODAY! FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

Education Records Organizer via Zoom
2024-04-10 19:00 - 20:00 | NY
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.

How To Protect My Child’s Future Through Guardianship, Wills & Trusts via Zoom
2024-04-10 18:00 - 20:00 | NY
Planning for the future is especially important when you have a child with a disability.
This workshop provides parents or caregivers with an overview of things to think about: guardianship, wills, and trusts. The workshop will help you to understand your options as you begin to think about plans for your special needs child.
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER HERE! FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

Navigating Neurodiversity – Strategies For Success In The Classroom And Beyond (In-person event)
2024-04-10 18:00 - 20:00 | ARC Erie County, 777 Maryvale Dr., Buffalo, NY, 14225, United States
This FREE workshop is presented by: The Early Childhood Inclusion Committee of DDAWNY
PRESENTERS:

Adriana Ragland , LMSW – Founder of Neurdiversity Network of WNY AND
Lori Ciesielski – Occupational Therapist at Liberty POST

TOPICS:

Embracing and Understanding Neurodiversity: General Overview

Strategies for Support and Inclusion

Neurodiversity Matters: Building Inclusive and Safe Learning Environments

REGISTER HERE! FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

Autism & Aging – Cognition and Well-being (webinar)
2024-04-10 13:00 - 14:15 | NY
Tune in to this presentation by Hilde Geurts, Ph.D. on research investigating autism, age-related cognition, and well-being.
This is a joint presentation by ARI and The World Autism Organisation.
The speaker: Hilde Geurts, Ph.D., is currently a professor in clinical neuropsychology and head of the section Brain & Cogntion at the Department of Psychology of the University of Amsterdam. Dr. Geurts studies autism and ADHD. Her starting point is the neurodiversity perspective, and she focuses on cognition (especially cognitive control/executive functioning), inter & intra individual variability, quality of life as well as interventions across the life span.
Register here.

Growing with Others - Neurodivergent Social Group for high school students
2024-04-09 18:30 - 20:00 | North Tonawanda High School Library, 405 Meadow Drive, North Tonawanda, NY 14120, NY, 14120, United States
Neurodivergent social group for high school students meets 2nd Tuesday of every month from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Community Connection – Connect with other high school students and build positive relationships.
Develop New Skills – Opportunities to develop skills such as self-awareness, social wellness, coping with stress, and more!
Feel Supported – Discuss feelings, ideas, interests, and goals in a safe and supportive environment.
FACILITATOR
Patty McCalister, LMHC is a licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 20 years in the Human Services fields, working with individuals with intellectual disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
If you have any questions, please contact Patty McCalister at patriciamccalisterlmhc@gmail.com or 716-345-5450.
LOCATION
North Tonawanda High School Library, 405 Meadow Drive, North Tonawanda, NY 14120

Section 504, Students with Disabilities in Public & Private Schools - webinar
2024-04-09 18:30 - 19:45 | NY
Please join Namita Modasra, 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,guardian,professional or just interested in this topic then this training is for you!
REGISTER HERE.

Parent And Family Engagement Within The FBA And BIP Process via Zoom
2024-04-09 17:00 - 19:00 | NY
Parent and Family Engagement within the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) and Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) Process
Families, Caregivers, and Guardians, will understand the definition of an FBA/BIP, when it is needed, and how it is conducted/developed and the role they play as part of the various teams. Participants will understand the FBA/BIP process and guidance in how the NYS Regulations and CPSE/CSE Committee are part of the process.
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER HERE! FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

When You Are Considering a Developmental Evaluation for Your Child: A Parent’s Perspective to Assist Your Visit.
2024-04-08 18:30 - 19:30 | NY
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.
REGISTER HERE.

Charla Con Nosotros Grupo De Apoyo via Zoom
2024-04-04 18:30 - 20:00 | NY
¿Eres padre de un niño/a que tieneuna discapacidad o sospechas quetengan una discapacidad?
DISCUCIONES YPERSPECTIVAS
OBTEN APOYO
Consigue información práctica,constructiva, y útil.
CONECTA CON OTROS
Consigue información práctica,constructiva, y útil.
Aprende mas sobre como manejar con susproblemas a través de experienciascompartidas.
EXPRESATE
Tén un espacio seguro para compartirsus experiencias y dificultades.

Primer Jueves de cada mes. 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

REGISTRACIÓN
www.parentnetworkwny.org/events
Mas Información
716.332.4170 o
info@parentnetworkwny.org
Registración es necesaria para recibirel enlace de Zoom.
Flyer

What You Need to Know About Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) - Webinar
2024-04-04 10:00 - 11:15 | NY
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.

Genetics 101: Genetics & Advocacy. Challenging the Myths and Considering the Benefits of Genetics Counseling
2024-04-03 19:00 - 20:30 | NY
Parent to Parent of NYS: Genetics 101: Genetics & Advocacy. Challenging the Myths and Considering the Benefits of Genetics Counseling
● Discuss with Experts in the field of Genetics, from different perspectives, and have honest conversations about Genetics; understanding it, sharing its benefits, and talking about the myths surrounding it, in order to help us as parents to make more informed decisions about the role of genetics in our children’s healthcare.
Register here.
