Autism Society Western New York

FRONT DOOR INFORMATION SESSION (English) via WebEx/online
2023-06-02 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
ATTEND A FRONT DOOR INFORMATION SESSION TO LEARN ABOUT SUPPORTS AND SERVICES
The OPWDD Front Door Information Sessions 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.
Registration for a session is required. Register here.
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
If you need assistance, contact Richard Labonte at 585-241-5842 or Richard.S.Labonte@opwdd.ny.gov.

Sensory Friendly Film Series: The Little Mermaid movie
2023-06-03 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.
The Little Mermaid
Saturday, June 3 at 10:00 a.m.
The youngest of King Triton’s daughters, and the most defiant, Ariel longs to find out more about the world beyond the sea, and while visiting the surface, falls for the dashing Prince Eric. With mermaids forbidden to interact with humans, Ariel makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, which gives her a chance to experience life on land, but ultimately places her life – and her father’s crown – in jeopardy.
RUN TIME: 120 minutes.
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: 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)

Recreational Festival
2023-06-03 10:00 - 14:00 | Cazenovia Park, West Seneca, NY, United States
Parent Network of WNY brings you Recreational Festival!
Learn about recreational programs and services in WNY for children with all abilities. Free activities for all ages and abilities at Cazenovia Park across from the Casino in West Seneca, NY. Cazenovia Park is bordered by Cazenovia Street, Seneca Street, Potters and Abbott Road.

When You Are Considering a Developmental Evaluation for Your Child: A Parent’s Perspective to Assist Your Visit. via Zoom
2023-06-05 10:00 - 11:00
Please join Maryalice Fegeley, Regional Manager, 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 HERE.

Care Coordination: The Basics of Eligibility and Referral Process as it Pertains to Individuals on the Autism Spectrum - Free webinar
2023-06-06 08:00 - 08:30
FREE INFORMATION SHARING WEBINAR
Tuesday, June 06, 2023 from 8:00am-8:30am
Care Coordination: The Basics of Eligibility and Referral Process as it Pertains to Individuals on the Autism Spectrum
About the Webinar: This webinar will consist of a presentation by Jessica Fisher and Rachel Epstein. They will discuss Augmentative and Alternative Communication systems which can be a primary source and/or a support to an individual’s communication. Participants will be provided with a brief introduction and examples of AAC systems available currently. This presentation has a target audience of any professional who interacts with individuals who need augmentative or alternative methods to communicate.
Learning Objectives:
• The participants will understand the value of AAC
• The participates will learn about the types of AAC that are currently available
• The participants will understand the basic process of funding and obtaining an AAC device
Presented by Jessica Fisher, M.S. CCC-SLP and Rachel Epstein, MS. Ed. CCC-SLP The Summit Center
• Jessica Fisher is a licensed speech-language pathologist. She has worked with individuals on the autism spectrum for 18 years and has been a supervisor of AAC for the past 7 years. She uses her vast knowledge of AAC systems to assist students, families, and therapists to learn and navigate the process of obtaining communication systems.
• Rachel Epstein has worked with individuals with disabilities for over 9 years. She is a licensed speech-language pathologist with extensive training in the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and other Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems. She uses this knowledge to teach individuals how to functionally communicate their needs, wants, and emotions.
This webinar is made possible by a grant from NYSRCASD. Requests for accommodations/special needs may be sent to wnyrcasd@thesummitcenter.org or by calling 716-629-3417.
Register Today!

Region 1 Self-Direction Information Session via WebEx/online
2023-06-06 09:00 - 11:00, 2023-06-22 16:00 - 18:00
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.
Registration is required. Register here.

Education Records Organizer via Zoom
2023-06-07 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 in being more organized in planning a child’s education, and in the CPSE/CSE process.
If you have any questions, contact Tina Beauparlant (518) 381-4350.
REGISTER HERE.

ASISTA A UNA SESIÓN INFORMATIVA DE FRONT DOOR PARA OBTENER INFORMACIÓN SOBRE LOS APOYOS Y SERVICIOS
2023-06-08 13:00 - 15:00
ASISTA A UNA SESIÓN INFORMATIVA DE FRONT DOOR PARA OBTENER INFORMACIÓN SOBRE LOS APOYOS Y SERVICIOS
Las sesiones informativas de Front Door de la OPWDD describen el proceso de cómo usted puede ser elegible para los apoyos y servicios, los tipos de apoyos y servicios disponibles y adónde se puede ir para obtener ayuda.
En la actualidad, todas las sesiones se están ofreciendo a distancia por WebEx. La duración de la sesión es de dos horas.
Las sesiones informativas de Front Door están enumeradas debajo. También se puede encontrar esta información en el sitio web de la OPWDD aquí: https://opwdd.ny.gov/get-started/information-sessions.
Para las sesiones es necesario estar registrado. Una vez que haya encontrado el día y horario que más le convenga, por favor haga clic en el enlace para registrarse para la sesión. Si usted está viendo una copia impresa de este folleto, puede registrarse en el sitio web con el enlace mencionado con anterioridad o comunicarse con el contacto indicado debajo para la sesión a la cual desea asistir.
Todas las Oficinas Regionales ofrecen servicios de traducción para el idioma que se adapte mejor a sus necesidades. Si necesita una sesión en otro idioma que no sea inglés o español, incluyendo el lenguaje de señas estadounidense (ASL), por favor póngase en contacto con su oficina local de Front Door. Los números de contacto de Front Door se pueden encontrar en el sitio web de la OPWDD aquí: https://opwdd.ny.gov/contact-us#access-services-through-front-door.
Register here.
If you need assistance, contact Miriam Nieto at 718-430-0806 or Miriam.X.Nieto@opwdd.ny.gov.

Parent to Parent of NYS- Statewide-Virtual Fathers Group via Zoom
2023-06-08 19:00 - 20:30
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 Chris Brewster for an informal meeting to share information, resources, and support. Parents of children and adults are welcome.
Register here.

Understanding Your Child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) via Zoom
2023-06-09 15:00 - 16:30
Understanding Your Child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP)
Gain an understanding of the components, the process, and the roles of the families and the school.
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER.
FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

Get Outdoors & Get Together Day - Saturday, June 10 (various locations)
2023-06-10 10:00 - 14:00
Get Outdoors & Get Together Day events will be held at select locations across New York on Saturday, June 10. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks), in partnership with the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and the NYS Division of Veterans’ Services, are hosting free and low-cost events to connect people to nature and provide increased access to the outdoors. Get Outdoors & Get Together Day will bring people of all abilities, ages, identities, and backgrounds together for fun, healthful activities as part of the state’s initiative to broaden the diversity of users and ensure inclusivity of access to state public lands.
FREE games, events, and guided fishing, hiking, paddling, camping, birding, archery, and more. All locations will offer a selection of accessible activities; and use of adaptive equipment and demonstrations will be provided at many sites. Celebrate New York’s spectacular outdoor spaces in this inclusive one-day event at a location near you.

Most events will run from 10am – 2 pm however there is some variation. Check opwdd.ny.gov to confirm the event time for the location you are interested in.

Download event flyer here. See event site location and more information! Learn more here.

The Link WNY’s Family & Caregiver Group via Zoom
2023-06-12 18:30 - 20:00, 2023-07-10 18:30 - 20:00
Are you a parent of a child with disabilities or do you suspect they have a disability?
Do you want to…
– Feel less overwhelmed?
– Feel a sense of belonging?

Get the support you need from Parent Network of WNY, Empower and other group members!
Discuss topics such as Special Education, Sensory Processing Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and more!
REGISTER ONCE FOR MONTHLY EMAIL REMINDERS AND ZOOM MEETING LINKS! REGISTER

Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
MEET THE HOSTS
Kim Newton, 20 years experience working with special needs families,
Nicole LaMonte-DeGolier, parent of child with special needs, and
Erin Reisdorf, Parent of child with special needs.
Download flyer

FRONT DOOR INFORMATION SESSION (English) via WebEx/online
2023-06-13 16:00 - 18:00
ATTEND A FRONT DOOR INFORMATION SESSION TO LEARN ABOUT SUPPORTS AND SERVICES
The OPWDD Front Door Information Sessions 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.
Registration for a session is required. Register here.
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
If you need assistance, contact Angelina Gogola at 315-793-9600 ext. 621 or Angelina.M.Gogola@opwdd.ny.gov.

Understanding Self Direction via Zoom
2023-06-13 19:00 - 20:30
Come join us to understand what Self Direction is and how it can help your family.
Presenter: Amber Suttle – Director of Self-Directed Services at Wildwood Programs
As an HCBS Waiver funded program through OPWDD, Self- Direction is a person-centered support that puts the individual and their family in control of service delivery.
Join us for this informative webinar to learn more.
REGISTER HERE.

Sensory Rich Summer! via Zoom
2023-06-14 18:30 - 20:00
Sensory Rich Summer!
Do you have kiddos with sensory needs?
Are you wondering what you’ll do over the summer to keep them regulated and healthy?
Summertime can feel daunting!
Join Amy Ruffino and Parent Network for an evening of learning and support! If you are looking fo rideas for your own children or children you work with, make sure to tune in.
Workshop followed by Q & A.
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER HERE! FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

Preventing Parent Burnout for Parents of Children with Special Needs - webinar
2023-06-14 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.

Chautauqua County Family & Caregiver Support Group via Zoom
2023-06-20 12:00 - 13:00
Receive Support – Connect with Others – Express Yourself
Free Support for parents, family members and caregivers of children with special needs.
MEET THE HOSTS
Marcia Restivo, 23 years of experience working with special needs families
Laurie Reynolds, parent of child with special needs
REGISTER ONCE FOR MONTHLY EMAIL REMINDERS AND ZOOM MEETING LINKS! REGISTER
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org

Download Flyer

FRONT DOOR INFORMATION SESSION (English) via WebEx/online
2023-06-21 16:00 - 18:00
ATTEND A FRONT DOOR INFORMATION SESSION TO LEARN ABOUT SUPPORTS AND SERVICES
The OPWDD Front Door Information Sessions 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.
Registration for a session is required. Register here.
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
If you need assistance, contact Monica Moore at 315-473-6985 or monica.moore@opwdd.ny.gov.

Parent to Parent of NYS-Upstate West-Caregiver Connections-Virtual Parent Group via Zoom
2023-06-21 19:00 - 20:30
Parent to Parent of NYS offers FREE online groups for parents of children with special needs. Group are available Regionally and Statewide We are here for you! Come join Barb Hoffman for: An informal meeting to share information, resources, and support. Parents of children and adults are welcome.
Register here.

Statewide-Special Education Virtual Parent Chat Group via Zoom
2023-06-22 18:30 - 20:00
Come join Parent to Parent NYS for their Special Education chat group. As a parent 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, or 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.

iCan Shine Bike Camp from June 26 - June 30 at Niagara Frontier Sports
2023-06-26 - 2023-06-30 | Niagara Frontier Sports, 425 Meyer Rd., West Seneca, NY, 14224, United States
What is WNY iCan Bike?
iCan Shine Bike Camp uses adapted bicycles, a specialized instructional program, and trained staff to enable individuals with disabilities to learn to ride a two-wheeled bicycle.
Riders attend one 75-minute session each day for five consecutive days where they learn to ride while accompanied and encouraged by volunteer “spotters”. Over the course of the week, we continually adjust the bikes in an effort to challenge riders appropriately as they gradually discover the skill and joy of riding.
We are happy to announce we will be having a bike camp from June 26- June 30, 2023 at Niagara Frontier Sports.
Registration is now open! Scroll down or visit our “Rider Registration” tab to register!
Are you a rider? To register for the camp, participants must meet the following criteria:
Have a diagnosed disability.
Be at least eight years old.
Have a minimum inseam of 20 inches.
Weigh less than 220 pounds.
Be able to walk without assistive devices.
Be able to side-step quickly.
​Be able and willing to wear a properly fitted helmet.
Registration is now open! Click the button below to register. Make certain to pay either with credit card or send a check to ensure your spot. Registration is $225 until May 1st, 2023. See “Rider Information” for more payment information.
RIDER REGISTRATION
CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS
Would you like to volunteer?
Our bike camp would not be possible without the help of our amazing volunteers. We are looking for individuals ages 15 and up to help spot and cheer on our riders.
If you would like to become a volunteer for our June 2023 camp, please click the button below to fill out the google form.
VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION
Session Times
Session 1: 8:30-9:45
Session 2: 10:05- 11:20
Session 3: 11:40-12:55
Session 4: 1:55- 3:10
Session 5: 3:30-4:45
Thank you to our sponsors!
DSPG WNY, Hearty House, Trooper David C. Brinkerhoff Foundation, The Children’s Guild Foundation, Univera Healthcare, Niagara Frontier Sports, and People Inc.

FRONT DOOR INFORMATION SESSION (English) via WebEx/online
2023-06-26 10:00 - 12:00
ATTEND A FRONT DOOR INFORMATION SESSION TO LEARN ABOUT SUPPORTS AND SERVICES
The OPWDD Front Door Information Sessions 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.
Registration for a session is required. Register here.
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
If you need assistance, contact Karen Francisco at 518-388-0431 or Karen.Francisco@opwdd.ny.gov.

TechKnowledgeMe: Learning How Technology Can Help You Find Your Voice via Zoom
2023-06-26 18:00 - 19:00
Do you know a person with I/DD who wants to connect virtually but is not sure how?
Join us to learn from self-advocates on how to safely navigate meetings using virtual platforms!
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER HERE FOR THIS FREE EVENT!
For more information:
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

Social Media Use and Autism – Teens and Adults via Zoom
2023-06-28 13:00 - 14:00
Learn research updates on the impact of social media use on teens and adults with autism.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER
Dr. Wisniewski is an Associate Professor in Human-Computer Interaction and a Flowers Faculty Fellow in Engineering. Her work lies at the intersection of Social Computing and Privacy. She is an expert in the interplay between social media, privacy, and online safety for adolescents. She has authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications and won multiple best papers (top 1%) and best paper honorable mentions (top 5%) at ACM SIGCHI conferences. She has been awarded $4.72 million in external grant funding, including the NSF CAREER Award, and her research has been featured by popular news media outlets, including ABC News, NPR, Psychology Today, and U.S. News and World Report. She is an ACM Senior Member and the first and only computer scientist to be selected as a William T. Grant Scholar.
REGISTER HERE.

Sensory Friendly Film Series: Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken movie
2023-07-01 10:00 - 12:30 | 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.
Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken
Saturday, July 1 at 10:00 a.m.
A shy teenager discovers that she’s part of a legendary royal lineage of mythical sea krakens and that her destiny, in the depths of the oceans, is bigger than she ever dreamed.
RUN TIME: 142 minutes.
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: 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)

The OPWDD Front Door Information Session
2023-07-05 10:00 - 11:00
ATTEND A FRONT DOOR INFORMATION SESSION TO LEARN ABOUT SUPPORTS AND SERVICES
The OPWDD Front Door Information Sessions 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.
Wednesday, July 5, 2023 at 10:00 am (English)
Registration link: https://meetny.webex.com/weblink/register/re001cb64f6fc78b8a1c705267b8030ba
If you need assistance, please contact Erin Caglioti at 631-416-3943 or erin.a.caglioti@opwdd.ny.gov.
All sessions are presently offered remotely by WebEx. The session length is two hours.
Upcoming Front Door Information Sessions can be found on the OPWDD website here: https://opwdd.ny.gov/get-started/information-sessions.
Registration for a session is required. Once you have found the date and time that works best for you, please click the link to register for the session.
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.

Understanding Your Child’s Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)/Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) Process via Zoom
2023-07-07 13:00 - 14:30
Understanding Your Child’s FBA and BIP Process
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 for this FREE event!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

Section 504, Students with Disabilities in Public & Private Schools via Zoom
2023-07-11 11:30 - 12:45
Please join Tina Beauparlant, Regional Manager/Education Specialist, 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.
