When You Are Considering a Developmental Evaluation for Your Child: A Parent’s Perspective to Assist Your Visit.
2024-02-15 18:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York)
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.

Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) What You Need to Know - webinar
2024-02-20 18:30 - 19:45
Come join Namita Modasra, Education Advocate, Parent to Parent of NYS, for this wonderful presentation and learn what the laws says about LRE. Have you heard of the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)? Many parents are unaware of what it 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.
REGISTER HERE.

The Low-Hanging Fruit: Exploring Monogenic Syndromes with Elevated Rates of Autism - webinar
2024-02-21 13:00 - 14:00
Learn research updates on how genes associated with autism are functioning in the brain and how changes in these genes are linked to characteristics of autism and other conditions.
SPEAKER
Dr. Daniel Vogt, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the College of Human Medicine’s Department of Pediatrics and Human Development. Dr. Vogt’s lab is investigating the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying autism. The lab is particularly interested in understanding how genes implicated in autism are functioning in the brain and how mutations in these genes lead to symptoms of autism and related conditions. One hypothesis is that some characteristics of autism are caused by an imbalance in neuronal excitation and inhibition. To this end, Dr. Vogt’s lab is focusing on understanding how inhibitory neurons develop and function. In addition, the lab seeks to understand how mutations discovered in autism genes alter their function.
Dr. Vogt’s research has elucidated how key developmental genes influence inhibitory neuron development. In particular, his research was important in uncovering how the gene, Lhx6, a transcription factor required for inhibitory neuron development, controls the cell fate of inhibitory neurons derived from the median ganglionic eminence (MGE) (Neuron, 2014). Dr. Vogt also developed an in vivo approach to assess the impact that human mutations discovered in autism patients have on gene function. This approach was tested with the autism candidate gene, PTEN, and demonstrated that mutations in PTEN resulted in defects in inhibitory neuron development (Cell Reports. 2015). The lab’s goal is to continue to screen mutations in genes implicated in autism to uncover both common and unique symptoms that are caused by genes. Finally, the lab seeks to combine the knowledge gained from the screening of mutations and the knowledge from studying individual genes to uncover new insights into inhibitory neuron development.
REGISTER HERE.

Developing An Effective Student Exit Summary via Zoom
2024-02-22 09:00 - 12:00
Families will:

Analyze the importance of students’ self-determination skills in making the Student Exit Summary a meaningful and relevant document.
Learn the federal and state requirements for the Student Exit Summary.
Recognize and identify the required components of the Student Exit Summary.
Identify a process for the development and issuance of the Student Exit Summary that is student-centered.

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

A Guide for Families to Understanding Supports & Services Administered by OPWDD
2024-02-26 11:00 - 12:30, 2024-03-07 18:30 - 20:00
Please join Parent to Parent of NYS, for this great presentation on A Guide for Families to Understanding Supports & Services Administered by OPWDD.
The purpose of this training is to introduce families to the language of service delivery systems and to define and clarify information about services and supports. Participants will gain an increased awareness and understanding of eligibility criteria and the eligibility determination process. The training includes an overview of Home and Community Based Services Waiver, and Family Support Services.
REGISTER HERE.

What You Need to Know About Assistive Technology in the IEP - webinar
2024-02-28 12:00 - 13:30
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.

Getting Started with the Residential Process: Tips, Tricks, and Information via Zoom
2024-03-04 13:30 - 14:45
Where Do I Begin?
The process of pursuing residential placement can be overwhelming. This presentation will help you organize your needs, preferences, and documents to help you navigate the process.
REGISTER HERE.

How To Foster And Support Self-Determination In All Students via Zoom
2024-03-04 17:00 - 19:00
Participants will:

Recognize and identify the definition of self-determination and the elements that comprise self-determination
Access and utilize materials and resources to aid in the promotion of self-determination throughout the transition planning process

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

Positive Solutions for Families: The Pyramid Model Parent Training (A 6-week series) - via Zoom
2024-03-05 18:00 - 20:00
A 6-week series where you’ll meet other parents/caregivers and learn new ways to be a positive parent/caregiver.

Identify the importance of building positive relationships with children.
Link building relationships, using positive comments/encouragement, and play to children’s behavior.

When: Tuesday, January 30th, Tuesday, February 6th, Tuesday, February 13th, Tuesday, February 20th, Tuesday, February 27th, and Tuesday, March 5th
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER HERE FOR THIS FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

Test Accommodations For Students With Disabilities - Webinar
2024-03-06 09:00 - 12:00
Participants will learn:

The purpose of test accommodations
The define the types of test accommodations
Understand their role in supporting a student with their test accommodations
Recognize that instructional accommodations used in the classroom should be aligned with the testing accommodations provided during assessment.

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

Preventing Parent Burnout for Parents of Children with Special Needs via Zoom
2024-03-06 09:30 - 10:30
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.

Education Records Organizer via Zoom
2024-03-06 11:00 - 12:00
This workshop is where parents, guardians and advocates of children who receive 504, CPSE and CSE special education services take their educational records and organize them into a record-keeping binder. This workshop will assist in being more organized in planning a child’s education, and in the CPSE/CSE process.
REGISTER HERE.

Live, Learn, Work And Play: What To Do After Graduation! - Webinar
2024-03-06 12:00 - 12:45
The Amherst School District Family Support Center and Parent Network are partnering to provide families with three informative lunch and learn sessions about transition!
Do you have a child that is entering high school, or you just want to learn about services out there for special education students? Does your child have an IEP or a 504 Plan?
Professionals are also welcome to learn more.
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER HERE FOR THIS FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

The Gut, Autism, and Mental Health - webinar
2024-03-06 13:00 - 14:00
Learn about the relationship between the gut-brain axis, mental health, and autism.
SPEAKER
Calliope Holingue, MPH, PhD is a research faculty member at the Center for Autism and Related Disorders at Kennedy Krieger Institute. A psychiatric epidemiologist by training, she also has a joint academic appointment as an assistant professor from the Department of Mental Health at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
REGISTER HERE.

Loss, Grief, and Adjustment for Parents of Children with Special Needs
2024-03-07 11:00 - 12:00
Please join Barb Hoffman, Regional Coordinator, Parent to Parent of NYS, 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.

Family Guide To Transition Planning—Preparing Students With Disabilities For Life After High School (In-person event)
2024-03-07 18:00 - 19:30 | John F Kennedy High School, 305 Cayuga Creek Rd., Cheektowaga, NY, 14227, United States
Is your young adult with an IEP ready to transition to adulthood?
Families that have children with an IEP will learn about:

The transition planning process starting at an early age, although focusing primarily on high school to postsecondary
The transition process, which will help them to support students in establishing measurable postsecondary goals and annual goals, based on their preferences and interests
How to utilize resources embedded in the Guide to further enhance their understanding of each of the topic areas

*Certificate of completion available upon request*
THIS IN AN IN-PERSON EVENT.
Location: John F Kennedy High School, 305 Cayuga Creek Road, Cheektowaga, NY 14227
REGISTER HERE FOR THIS FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

Charla Con Nosotros Grupo De Apoyo via Zoom
2024-03-07 18:30 - 20:00
¿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

Parent to Parent of NYS-Residential Placement Online Discussion Group- Parents who have a child or adult in a Residential placement
2024-03-07 19:00 - 20:00
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.

Au-Some Evenings at Explore & More - The Ralph C Wilson Jr. Children's Museum
2024-03-08 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!

Flix Stadium 10 sensory friendly family film – Kung Fu Panda 4
2024-03-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Flix Stadium 10, 4901 Transit Road, Lancaster, NY, 14043, United States
Flix Stadium 10 sensory friendly family film series slated to run the first or second Saturday of every month at 10am. The films will be presented with the theatre lights on and the sound lowered.
Dipson Theatres, Inc. acknowledges the needs of social engagement and environmental factors affecting people on the autism spectrum, and hope that this family film series will create an entertainment venue for families to enjoy new releases in a presentation that will suit unique and special needs.
Kung Fu Panda 4
Saturday, March 9, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.
Po is set to become the new spiritual leader of the Valley of Peace, but before he can do that, he must find a successor to become the new Dragon Warrior. He appears to find one in Zhen, a fox with plenty of promising abilities but who doesn’t quite like the idea of Po training her.
Admission is $10.00 per person for both children and adults. Flix will also offer a monthly raffle for attendees to win concession prizes and promotional movie gifts.
Potential guests are encouraged to sign up for the theatre’s weekly email list which will announce each month’s film. Anyone interested can go to www.dipsontheatres.com and sign up for the weekly newsletter.
Contact: Larry Phillips, General Manager, Flix Stadium 10, Larry@dipsontheatres.com, 716-668-1888
4901 Transit Road Lancaster, NY 14043
Flix Stadium 10 – Sensory Friendly Family Film Series (dipsontheatres.com)

Family Guide To Transition Planning—Preparing Students With Disabilities For Life After High School via Zoom
2024-03-11 18:00 - 19:30
Is your young adult with an IEP ready to transition to adulthood?
Families that have children with an IEP will learn about:

The transition planning process starting at an early age, although focusing primarily on high school to postsecondary
The transition process, which will help them to support students in establishing measurable postsecondary goals and annual goals, based on their preferences and interests
How to utilize resources embedded in the Guide to further enhance their understanding of each of the topic areas

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

Parent to Parent of NYS- Statewide-Virtual Fathers Group
2024-03-11 19:00 - 20:00
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.

How to Prepare for a Successful CPSE/CSE Meeting - webinar
2024-03-12 18:30 - 19:30
Please join Parent to Parent of NYS, Tina Beauparlant, Regional Manager/Education Specialist, as she presents this wonderful presentation on How to Prepare for a Successful CPSE/CSE Meeting. This training is to help parents, who approach IEP meetings with fear and dread. If this is you, attended this training and we have some suggestions to help you feel more at ease and participate as a full member of the team that plans your child’s special education program. If you are a Parent, Grandparent, Family Member, or guardian, then this training is for you!
REGISTER HERE.

Parent to Parent of NYS- Black, Indigenous, Person of Color (BIPOC) virtual Parent Group and learning series
2024-03-13 19:00 - 20:30
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.

Student Involvement In The Individualized Education Program (IEP) For Families - Webinar
2024-03-14 09:00 - 12:00
Participants will learn:

The how and why to meaningfully engage and promote their child’s participation in the development of their IEPs and Committee on Special Education (CSE) meeting.
Identify and discuss how to build and encourage their child’s self-determination skills.
Receive and review materials and resources to promote student involvement in the IEP.
Utilize qualitative data from previous participants to support the team throughout the process.

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

Chautauqua County Family & Caregiver Support Group via Zoom
2024-03-14 18:30 - 20:00
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

Download Flyer

Getting On The Same Page: Helping Families And Youth To “Think College”
2024-03-18 14:00 - 15:00
Students with intellectual disability want to go to college – and they can! But they can’t get there alone. They need educators and family members who understand what skills are necessary to make it happen and will support them to achieve their goals. And they need resources to help them (and their families!) understand the college search and application process.
Think College created the “Think Higher. Think College.” public awareness campaign to inform and educate teachers, school administrators, support professionals, college staff and faculty, families, and students themselves that college is an option for students with intellectual disability. The public awareness campaign includes new tools to make the process easy to understand and doable.
Join us for this free webinar to learn about the current picture of inclusive higher education in the US, and hear from college students with intellectual disability from around the country, along with educators and family members, to learn how we can “Think Higher. Think College.” together.
During this webinar attendees will learn about:– The current situation regarding college options for students with intellectual disability.– New resources from the Think Higher. Think College. campaign.– Options that exist for students with intellectual disability, how to guide students to pursue college, and what the college experience is like for a student with intellectual disability.
ASL interpretation & Spanish interpretation will be offered!
Click here to register.

Special Education 101:Training A Parent Member (A two part training)
2024-03-18 18:00 - 19:00 | Parent Network of Western New York, 1021 Broadway Street, Floor 4, Room 442, Buffalo, NY, 14212, United States
Learn about the Special Education Process and the Individualized Education Program!

Gain understanding about procedures, NYS regulations, and strategies to promote a parent’s understanding and participation in an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting.
This course is required to receive a Parent Member Certificate to support a parent of a child with a disability in an IEP meeting.

*Certificate of completion available upon request*
Part 2 session location: Parent Network of WNY, 1021 Broadway Street, Buffalo, NY 14212
Please note that this is a 2-part training! Part 1 must be completed online at least one day prior to In-Person session.
REGISTER HERE FOR THIS FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

WNYRCASD Virtual Conference - Expanding Supports to Children with Autism Who Demonstrate Problem Behavior
2024-03-19 08:20 - 14:00
WNYRCASD Annual Conference
The WNYRCASD Annual Conference includes presentations by experts in the field of autism spectrum disorder on evidence-based interventions and practices shown to improve educational outcomes.

Virtual Conference – Expanding Supports to Children with Autism Who Demonstrate Problem Behavior

March 19, 2024 (8:20 am – 2:00 pm)
Registration: $25
Continuing Education Units Available: $15
Sponsored by The Summit Center and the Western New York Regional Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders
View the flyer here.

To register for the conference, visit https://nysrcasd.org/events/1212/registrations/new
This conference is sponsored by the WNY Regional Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders and The Summit Center for teachers, therapists, other helping professionals, and parents. The field has made considerable progress in the effective treatment of children with autism and behavior problems that interfere with school functioning. Nevertheless, there are examples of unsuccessful intervention efforts, particularly with children with comorbid conditions or significant social and pragmatic communication impairments. In addition, there have been some criticisms that interventions are challenging to implement in a school setting and may lack an expression of compassion. This conference will provide participants with a broader perspective of essential elements of effective and compassionate interventions for children who present developmental and behavioral challenges.
Download flyer for additional information including presenter bios, abstract, learning objectives, and speaker disclosures.
Presentation 1: 8:30 – 10:00 AM
Supporting Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Co-Occurring Mental Health Diagnoses (and Their Teams)
Presented by Katherine Bellone Mount, Ph.D., BCBA, ABPP
Associate Professor, Center for Autism Care, University of Texas Medical Center, Dallas, TX
Presentation 2: 10:15 – 11:45 AM
Practical Applications of Compassion-focused Care for Clients Experiencing Harmful or Dangerous Behaviors
Presented by Kristine A. Rodriguez, M.A., BCBA
Chief Clinical Officer, Autism Learning Partners, Monrovia, CA
Presentation 3: 12:30 – 2:00 PM
Communicative Alternatives to Challenging Behavior
Presented by Jill E. Senner, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, and Matthew R. Baud, MS, CCC-SLP
Technology and Language Center, PC, Evanston, IL
ASHA, BCBA, CTLE, OT/OTA, PT/PTA, PSY (Pending) CEUs will be available for a fee of $15.00 each. Please see flyer for additional details.
Please call 716-629-3417 or email wnyrcasd@thesummitcenter.org with any questions.
