Autism Society Western New York

Speak- Up! Skills for Effective Advocacy & How to Prepare for Meetings
2020-03-05 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | Boys & Girls Club of the North Towns, 54 Riverdale Avenue, Buffalo, NY, 14207, United States
This workshop is for parents, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities who participate in various meetings with professionals throughout a school year.
The class will provide you with tips on how to be prepared and organized. You will learn how to be a powerful advocate (someone who speaks up).

RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY
email: info@parentnetworkwny.org | call: 716-332-4170
online: www.parentnetworkwny.org/events

Childcare and transportation are not provided. Childcare and Transportation stipend available.

Fantastic Friends of WNY - Dance Party
2020-03-06 18:00 - 19:30, 2020-03-13 18:00 - 19:30, 2020-03-20 18:00 - 19:30, 2020-03-27 18:00 - 19:30 | Fantastic Friends of WNY Center, 1284 French Road, Cheektowaga, New York, 14227, United States
Ages 13 years and up. Cost: $10
Pay in advance by mailing payment to Fantastic Friends of WNY or pay at the door the day of the event.
RSVP: fantasticfriendswnyjk@gmail.com

Au-Some Aquarium - Nemo Night
2020-03-06 18:00 - 20:00 | Aquarium of Niagara, 701 Whirlpool Street, NIagara Falls, NY, 14301
Generally, First Friday (excluding summer break: June, July,August) then September 11th & December 18th)
6:00pm to 8:00pm
Special evenings dedicated to providing a safe, supportive and sensory friendly environment where families with autism and other special healthcare needs can meet, learn, and have fun together. Families will enjoy a touch tank, a sea lion show, art activities, gluten-free snacks and information provided by community resource specialists.

$10 per family – free parking! FREE for members.
$5 per person in a group. Please take a moment to RSVP here
(https://tinyurl.com/ausomeaquarium2020) so we can plan for the appropriate number of people. Please check your local TV channel for cancelations due to weather. Call 716-323-6435 or email jmertz@kaleidahealth.org
701 Whirlpool St. Niagara Falls, NY 14301
www.aquariumofniagara.org
The program was developed with collaboration between Aquarium of Niagara, John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital, and several community partners and is supported with generous donations from The Rotary Club of Lewiston/Niagara-on-the-Lake and The Kiwanis Club of Lewiston.

Sensory Friendly Family Film "Onward"
2020-03-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Flix Stadium 10, 4901 Transit Road, Lancaster, NY, 14043, United States
Flix Stadium 10 in Lancaster, NY Announces Sensory Friendly Family Film Series
Flix Stadium 10 sensory friendly family film series slated to run the first 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.
Admission is $8.75 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:
Tracy Janis, General Manager
Flix Stadium 10
tracy@dipsontheatres.com

Fantastic Friends of WNY - DrumFit
2020-03-07 11:00 - 11:45, 2020-03-14 11:00 - 11:45, 2020-03-21 11:00 - 11:45 | Fantastic Friends of WNY Center, 1284 French Road, Cheektowaga, New York, 14227, United States
All ages.
NO CHARGE. YOU MUST REGISTER TO fantasticfriendswnyjk@gmail.com

Fantastic Friends of WNY - Bingo
2020-03-07 12:00 - 13:30 | Fantastic Friends of WNY Center, 1284 French Road, Cheektowaga, New York, 14227, United States
All ages.
Pay in advance by mailing your payment to Fantastic Friends of WNY or pay at door the day of the event. Cost: $10
RSVP: fantasticfriendswnyjk@gmail.com

Fantastic Friends of WNY - Bingo
2020-03-09 18:00 - 19:30 | Fantastic Friends of WNY Center, 1284 French Road, Cheektowaga, New York, 14227, United States
Ages 13 years and up.
Cost: $10
Mail payment to Fantastic Friends of WNY or pay at the door the day of the event.
YOU MUST REGISTER TO fantasticfriendswnyjk@gmail.com

Game Night - "March Madness"
2020-03-09 18:00 - 20:00 | Lancaster Youth Bureau, 200 Oxford Ave., Lancaster, NY, 14086, United States
Exclusively for children with Asperger’s, PDD-NOS or on the Autism Spectrum
Bring your family and friend over for a fun time at the Lancaster Youth Bureau!
Includes: video games, board games, snacks and new friends that you can meet! You can bring your own games and snacks (peanut-free, please) to share too!
Parent participation is necessary and important for this program.

Network with other parents about common interests and concerns.
Be involved in encouraging social interaction of your child with their peers.
Share resources and opportunities for you child with other parents.

Contact: Lynne at thirtytoesntired@aol.com, Danielle at dpitirri@lancasterschool.org, or Lancaster Youth Bureau 716-683-4444

CANCELLED REC FEST
2020-03-10 17:00 - 20:30 | Daemen College 4380 Main Street Amherst, NY 14226, 4380 Main Street, Amherst, NY, 14226, United States

Fantastic Friends of WNY - Intro to Theatre
2020-03-10 18:00 - 19:30 | Fantastic Friends of WNY Center, 1284 French Road, Cheektowaga, New York, 14227, United States
Singing- learn rhythm, pitch, and vocal technique.
Ages 13 years and up.
Cost: $10
Mail payment to Fantastic Friends of WNY or pay at the door the day of the event.
YOU MUST REGISTER TO fantasticfriendswnyjk@gmail.com

Fantastic Friends of WNY - DrumFit
2020-03-11 18:30 - 19:15, 2020-03-18 18:30 - 19:15, 2020-03-25 18:30 - 19:15 | Fantastic Friends of WNY Center, 1284 French Road, Cheektowaga, New York, 14227, United States
Ages 13 years and up.
NO CHARGE. YOU MUST REGISTER TO fantasticfriendswnyjk@gmail.com

Family & Caregiver Group for Parents with Teenagers with Autism Spectrum Disorders
2020-03-12 18:00 - 19:30 | Dash’s Market, 1770 Hertel Ave., Buffalo, NY, 14216, United States
Provides a welcoming environment for parents and other caregivers of teenagers with autism spectrum disorders to meet, share experiences, ask questions and receive support. All are welcome to attend but group is geared towards parents of teenagers who may be transitioning to higher education, employment and/or independent living.
A group for Teens with Asperger’s will be available at the same time with prior registration.
A light dinner will be served.
Moderated by:

Tonia Weichmann – Transition Coordinator, Parent Network of WNY
Jana Mertz, MBA – Program Coordinator,
The Children’s Guild Foundation Autism Center Oishei Children’s Hospital

Please contact 716-332-4170 or email info@parentnetworkwny.org for more information
RSVP TO ATTEND
FREE TO ATTEND – ALL ARE WELCOME
BUT RESERVATIONS ARE APPRECIATED
If you are interested in attending but have transportation or other barriers that would limit your participation, please let us know.

Au-Some Evenings Explore & More - March 13, 2020
2020-03-13 17:00 - 20:00 | Explore & More – The Ralph C Wilson Jr. Children’s Museum, 130 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14202, United States
FREE
One Friday each month.
Once a month, these special Au-Some Evenings give children with autism spectrum disorder and sensory processing disorder, their friends and family an opportunity to play and learn together in an understanding and supportive environment. Families will have access to the museum space and play zones, including our cafe. Featured activities include a music center, therapy dogs, art projects and gross motor activities. Explore & More will also have a social narrative about the new museum and its play zones, quiet kits, as well as calming sensory friendly spaces in the museum.
You will need to register in advance and your name must be on the list or you will not be admitted to the event. Reserve your spot today by emailing: accessibility@exploreandmore.org

Au-Some Evenings are brought to us through the generous support of the Summit Center, the J.M. McDonald Foundation, the Hamister Family Foundation, and the Maria Love Convalescent Fund.
130 Main Street Buffalo, New York 14202 accessibility@exploreandmore.org

Fantastic Friends of WNY Art-Paint Pouring
2020-03-14 12:00 - 13:30 | Fantastic Friends of WNY Center, 1284 French Road, Cheektowaga, New York, 14227, United States

Niagara University Safety Awareness Training for Individuals with Disabilities
2020-03-16 09:00 - 12:00 | Amherst Police Department Community Policing and Training Facility, 4220 Bailey Ave., Amherst, NY, 14226, United States
Safety Awareness presentation description:
Be it the parent of a toddler or an adult transitioning to adult life, there are many angles and factors that go into ensuring the safety and well-being of a person with a disability. Whether it be establishing a fire safety or disaster preparedness plan, interacting with a police officer, calling and communicating with a 9- 1-1 telecommunicator, or knowing to have your medical information ready for an EMT, there are many other aspects to ensure the well-being of any individual with a disability, but how does it differ and what do we need to know to be sure it turns out best for the individual. Disability Awareness Training has developed curriculum, spun off its grants in First Responder and Emergency Management Training, for parents of and individuals with disabilities to address comprehensive understanding of this topic.
Niagara University’s First Responder and Emergency Management Disability Awareness Training is the nation’s only comprehensive training for firefighters, law enforcement, 9-1-1 telecommunicators, emergency medical services and emergency managers. Funding obtained from Assembly Member Karen McMahon.
THIS PROGRAM IS OPEN TO ANYONE FROM ERIE COUNTY.
TARGET AUDIENCE: INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES, PARENTS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES, AND SERVICE PROVIDERS.
If you need accommodations (large print, Braille, ASL interpreter, other), please email or call Cary Newman caynewman@niagara.edu or call 716-286-7355.
Presenters:
David Whalen, Program Director-Niagara University Fist Responders Disability Awareness Training
Chief John Askey-Amherst Police
Jim Zymanek-Amherst Emergency Manager, State Fire Instructor
Michelle Kerr-Erie County Public Safety Answering Point (retired)

Fantastic Friends of WNY - Game Show
2020-03-16 18:00 - 19:30 | Fantastic Friends of WNY Center, 1284 French Road, Cheektowaga, New York, 14227, United States

Family & Caregiver Group - DDAWNY for Parents of Children with Developmental Disabilities
2020-03-17 17:30 - 18:45 | Aspire Building, 7 Community Drive, Cheektowaga, NY, 14225, United States
PURPOSE
Provides a welcoming environment for parents, family members and other caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities to meet, share experiences, ask questions and receive support.
COST
FREE to attend, all are welcome
*Light dinner will be served
RSVP TO ATTEND
716-332-4170 or info@parentnetworkwny.org
Child Care is Available. In order to provide for your child’s individual needs reservations for childcare are required by the Friday prior to the meeting. Registration forms are required for all new children and are available at www.parentnetworkwny.org or call (716) 332-4170.

Finding the Best Graduation Option for Student’s with Disabilities
2020-03-18 18:00 - 20:00 | East Middle School, 1445 Center Road, West Seneca, NY, 14224, United States
This workshop explores graduation options and outlines the updates
to New York State regulations. Learn about the different kinds of diplomas, and what you as a parent
or caregiver can do to help your young adult graduate.

East Middle School
1445 Center Rd
West Seneca, N.Y 14224
Held in the Cafeteria

Recommended Audience: Families of middle or high school students with disabilities.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY
email: info@parentnetworkwny.org | call: 716.332.4170
online: www.parentnetworkwny.org/events

Childcare and transportation are not provided on-site. Childcare and transportation stipend available.

Parent Group for Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
2020-03-18 18:30 - 20:00 | Aspire Building, 7 Community Drive, Cheektowaga, NY, 14225, United States
Provides a welcoming environment for parents and other caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorders to meet, share experiences, ask questions and receive support.

*Light refreshments will be served.
MODERATED BY:
Kathy Ralabate Doody, PhD – Parent of child with autism, Instructor, Exceptional Education at Buffalo State
Jana Mertz, MBA – Program Coordinator, The Children’s Guild Foundation Autism Center Oishei Children’s Hospital of Buffalo
RSVP TO ATTEND. Please call (716) 323-6435 or e-mail: jmertz@kaleidahealth.org. Please sign up online so we will have enough materials available:https://tinyurl.com/2020ausomeparents
FREE TO ATTEND – ALL ARE WELCOME BUT, RESERVATIONS ARE APPRECIATED
If you are interested in attending but have transportation or other barriers that would limit your participation, please let us know.

Fantastic Friends of WNY - Wood Crafts
2020-03-21 12:00 - 13:30 | Fantastic Friends of WNY Center, 1284 French Road, Cheektowaga, New York, 14227, United States

Fantastic Friends of WNY-Art-Ceramic Tile Project
2020-03-23 18:00 - 19:30 | Fantastic Friends of WNY Center, 1284 French Road, Cheektowaga, New York, 14227, United States

Fantastic Friends of WNY - Working with Fabric
2020-03-24 18:00 - 19:30 | Fantastic Friends of WNY Center, 1284 French Road, Cheektowaga, New York, 14227, United States
Assemble and sew a project.
Ages 13 years and up.
Cost: $10
Mail payment to Fantastic Friends of WNY or pay at the door the day of the event.
YOU MUST REGISTER TO fantasticfriendswnyjk@gmail.com

Sensory Processing Disorder
2020-03-26 17:30 - 20:30 | We Rock the Spectrum, 6950 Erie Road, Derby, NY, 14047, United States
Does your child need help coping with touch, noise, movement, taste, or smells? This workshop defines sensory disorders and offers different ways to help a child handle this disorder. Parents or caregivers will gain an understanding of how the senses work and ways to improve their functions.
