Autism Society Western New York

Au-Some Evenings at Explore & More - October 9, 2020
2020-10-09 17:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | 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

Care Coordination Workshop: Person Centered Services and OPWDD Supports - Webinar
2020-10-09 12:00 - 13:00
Person Centered Services and OPWDD Supports
Topics to be Discussed: An Overview of Care Coordination OPWDD Eligibility and Services Customized Referral Process Live Q & A Registration for the October 9th workshop: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5187234585707652876 After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. *Please note, this session will be recorded and available on our website to access at your convenience if you’re unable to attend the live session. https://personcenteredservices.com/

2020 SKIRBOLL FAMILY AUTISM CONFERENCE via Zoom October 8-October 10
2020-10-09 09:00 - 14:00, 2020-10-08 16:00 - 18:00
Hosted by the Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities and Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics at the University of Rochester. All presentations will be delivered via Zoom.
October 8 – October 10, 2020
Thursday, October 8, 2020 at 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Keynote: “Neither Created Nor Destroyed” with Morénike Giwa Onaiwu, MA
Friday, October 9, 2020 at 9:00 am – 10:30 am
“When the World Turns Upside Down: Compassionate Self-Care” with Sabrina Vogler, LMSW, CPC, CEC, CGSS
Friday, October 9, 2020 at 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
“How Telehealth has Changed Caregiver Roles and Responsibilities in Healthcare in the Time of COVID-19” with Ally Jordan, PhD
Friday, October 9, 2020 at 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
“Masks & Tasks: Strategies for Adjusting to the ‘New Normal'” with Linda L. Matons, MA
Saturday, October 10, 2020 at 9:00 am – 10:00 am
“The Healthcare Guide to Cultural Competence and the Autism Spectrum” with Catina Burkett, LCSW-S, ACSW
Saturday, October 10, 2020 at 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
“Honoring Our Goodbyes as We Say Hello” with Sabrina Vogler, LMSW, CPC, CEC, CGSS
Download Flyer: https://albany.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=24ccd20e4329dd3bbd8a040c9&id=eb893c3482&e=db737abd8f
Register: https://urmc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_AR9q8eNGRX697Soval_dTw
If you have any questions, please contact the Rochester Regional Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders at RRCASD@urmc.rochester.edu or 855-508-8485.

BUFFALO PARENT & CAREGIVER CHAT SESSIONS
2020-10-08 19:00 - 20:00
Join us at our weekly chat sessions to discuss your questions & concerns. Buffalo Families! We are here to answer your questions and concerns on a wide range of topics including
• Transitions
• Meltdowns
• Time Management
• Technology Needs
• Guidance to Resources in Buffalo
• And Any Other Topics, General Questions or Concerns!
ABOUT THE HOSTS
Kim Hernandez is a Family Support Specialist at Parent Network of WNY. She has been working with the families in the city of Buffalo for over 17 years. Her expertise is supporting families from disadvantaged communities who have children with a variety of disabilities.
Lizarelis Ali is a Family Support Specialist at Parent Network of WNY. She has been working with the families in the city of Buffalo for over 20 years. Her expertise is supporting families from disadvantaged communities who have children with autism, ADHD and learning disabilities.
Join Zoom meeting: https://zoom.us/j/91379417144?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 913 7941 7144
Passcode: [REDACTED]
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)

Planning for the Future with James Traylor- Webinar
2020-10-08 18:30 - 20:30
Please join James Traylor to review the different types of government benefits and services that can support someone living independently in the community. James will also talk about the rules, best practices and potential pitfalls for individuals with disabilities and their families.
About the Presenter: James Traylor has spent his entire professional career building a practice dedicated to the special needs community. As a sibling and advocate for his little sister with special needs, James has a unique understanding of the struggles families face in planning. In addition to James’ special needs practice, he also provides traditional financial planning to clients by taking them through a comprehensive process that is person-centric. When James is not meeting with clients, he regularly provides continuing education for legal, financial and tax professionals on planning for an individual with a disability.
You must have access to a computer to participate.
Registration
Registration is required. To register, please use this link – https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3520715806359241486

Webinar: Health Care Notebook Overview
2020-10-08 17:00 - 18:15
Please join Lin Perry, Project Director, Family to Family Healthcare Information Center for Parent to Parent of NYS, as she presents the webinar Health Care Notebook Overview. Participants will learn how a Health Care Notebook can assist in organizing medical records. They will be given tips on how the notebook can assist with advocacy, save time, reduce stress and utilize the information within the notebook in the event of an emergency. Contact Tina Beauparlant at 518-381-4350with any questions.
Webinar: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2260965750689422862

Region 1 FSS Advisory Council presents Elopement - Virtual Event
2020-10-08 14:00 - 16:00
Join the OPWDD Region 1 Family Support Services Advisory Council for a series of virtual events in lieu of their annual conference. Dates and topics are:

October 8 ~ Elopement, presented by Lawana Jones, President & CEO, CAS & CAT, The Autism Council of Rochester
October 22 ~ Behavior Support: What it is and how to access it, presented by Shannon Bianco
November 5 ~ Advocacy across Multiple Settings, presented by Theresa Drum and Kara Georgi

All sessions run from 2pm to 4pm.
If interested in attending one or more sessions, please register: https://www.starbridgeinc.org/events. Link for each event will be sent with registration confirmation.
Questions? Please call 585-224-7399 or email registration@starbridgeinc.org

Training, Educating, and Preparing Individuals with Autism for Employment - Free Webinar
2020-10-08 11:00 - 12:00
TRAINING, EDUCATING, AND PREPARING INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM FOR EMPLOYMENT
PRESENTED BY DANNY COMBS
Free Webinar.
Description
This engaging presentation will dive into discovering the talents and skills of the autism community with the goal of finding gainful employment and fulfilling careers. Danny will discuss how to help organizations find community partners and scaffold their training to set up students/clients for success. Additionally, individuals with autism and their families will learn how to assess their skills and talents to find legitimate careers and employment around those abilities.
About the Presenter
Danny Combs is the president and founder of Teaching the Autism Community Trades (TACT), a non-profit that teaches individuals with autism trade skills. He is a fourth-generation wood worker and mechanical tinkerer who grew up building and making things with his family. However, he decided to follow his own path and went to Nashville to play music. He was extremely fortunate that he had a vibrant career and worked with various platinum album selling Grammy and Oscar winning recording artists. After 10 years in the music industry, he began to cultivate his passion for education. His heart for teaching lead him to leave the music industry to start teaching private lessons and run the music program at an inner-city high school in Nashville, TN. He was granted several awards in teaching, including a Grammy Enterprise Award for the program he designed in the Nashville schools, became a published educational author, arranger and songwriter. Danny has a Master’s Degree in Education, is a Board Certified Cognitive Specialist, a Certified Autism Specialist and a classic car junkie. He has two incredible children, Dylan and Ellie. When his son Dylan was diagnosed with Autism he pulled from his family legacy and put together TACT.
Register: https://researchautism.org/event/webinar-autism-and-the-skilled-trades/?instance_id=330#more-info

Charla con Nosotros!
2020-10-07 19:00 - 20:00, 2020-09-30 19:00 - 20:00, 2020-09-23 19:00 - 20:00
¡Únase a nosotros para obtener respuestas a sus preguntas e inquietudes!
Responderemos sus preguntas sobre…
Charla con Nosotros! ¡Únase a nosotros para obtener respuestas a sus preguntas e inquietudes!
• Transiciones
• Educación Especial y Discapacidades
• Manejo de tiempo en el Hogar
• Trabajo Escolar
• Comportamiento
• Tecnología
• Recursos en Buffalo
• ¡Y cualquier otro tema que quieras discutir!
Sesiones Semanales de Charla Con Lizarelis Ali!
ACERCA DE LA ANFITRIONA: Lizarelis Ali es especialista en apoyo familiar en Parent Network of WNY. Ella ha estado trabajando con las familias en la ciudad de Buffalo por más de 20 años. Su esperiencia es en apoyar y guiar a las familias en las comunidades que tienen hijos con autismo, ADHD y problemas de aprendizaje.
Unirse a la Zoom reunión https://zoom.us/j/95683049386?pwd=[REDACTED]
Reunión ID: 956 8304 9386
Contraseña: [REDACTED]
Marque por su ubicación
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)

Webinar: Education Records Organizer
2020-10-07 17:30 - 18:30
Please join Trish Washburn, Parent Advocate for Parent to Parent of NYS, as she presents the webinar Education Records Organizer. This workshop is where parents, guardians and advocates of children who receive 504 and 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. Contact Tina Beauparlant with questions, 518-381-4350.
Webinar: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8151918149783398913

Take the Stress out of Transition. Ask Me.
2020-10-07 16:00 - 17:00
Wednesdays in October from 4:00 – 5:00 pm. No registration required
Need answers for after the bus stops coming?
Do you have a high schooler with a learning difference?
Do you have questions about accommodations at work or college?
Not sure what to ask? Or who to ask?
Click the link https://zoom.us/j/95455782682? pwd=[REDACTED] 09 or call in. Dial by your location +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 954 5578 2682
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Ask Me Anything: Transition— is hosted by Tonia Weichmann. Tonia is the Transition Coordinator at Parent Network of WNY, with over 20 years of experience working with children, teens, adults, and families on a wide variety of concerns associated with Learning Differences and Transitioning. The years of experiences have provided the ability to support young adults as they develop their skills and goals, educate families and professionals on ways to guide and support young adults, connecting to resources and services, and empower individuals to make an informed decision.
info@parentnetworkwny.org 716-332-4170 https://parentnetworkwny.org/

Region 1 Front Door Information Session - WebEx (Online) and Phone
2020-10-07 13:00 - 15:00
The OPWDD Front Door Information Sessions 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.
Families/Individuals are welcome to attend any session that is convenient for them. Families are only required to attend one session even if there are multiple people in the family to be represented.
Pre-registration is REQUIRED to attend through WebEx (Online).
Preregistration is NOT required to attend by phone.
Please note that participants are muted throughout the session and may not hear anything when first joining the session.
If you have difficulty registering for a session, please contact Jeff Roberts at 585-241-5797 or Jeffrey.E.Roberts@opwdd.ny.gov.
Counties: Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Chemung, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Niagara, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates.
WebEx Event (Online) Registration Link: https://meetny.webex.com/meetny/onstage/g.php?MTID=ef78a321b633d9ade6380b2ce4bfb2066
Phone Only: Call 518-549-0500 and enter code 171 614 5691 then press # and # again.

The Nurtured Heart Approach Helping Children Flourish Emotionally, Academically & Socially
2020-10-06 18:00 - 20:00
NHA is an approach to life that creates a shift in how we relate to the problems that have been causing us challenges. Joe Clem MA, LMFT, BCBA, Certified NHA Advanced Trainer
Are you frustrated by behavior challenges that put your child in control of your home? Have your discipline methods stopped working? Do you want your children to have good morals, be compassionate, and be self-confident?
The Nurtured Heart Approach (NHA) is a language based approach that can help you regain focus and power and rebuild the love you want in your home. NHA teaches us why our typical parenting methods don’t always work and can even make things worse. The magic rests in its ability to use language to build “inner wealth” and to make positive connections to those around us by focusing on what IS working, at all times.
You will learn how to hold clear limits and consequences while you build positive connections. You will immediately FEEL the difference in your home, and in time, you, your children and your family learn to flourish.
The 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 behavioral challenges that brought you in.
The approach has much proven success in homes, schools, human service agencies and businesses all over the world. We look forward to seeing you Transform!!
(No prior reading is required.)
Four Week Online Parenting Series
Tuesdays 6:00-8:00 pm
October 6th, 13th, 20th, and 22nd 2020
Register by email to info@parentnetworkwny.org Online at www.parentnetworkwny.org or by phone at (716) 332-4170
Online Zoom Sessions for NHA. Please register at the address below and you will receive meeting ID and password. Register: https://tinyurl.com/y2ltt3hb
Please set up Zoom at 5:45pm so we can begin the parent session at 6:00pm.

Family & Caregiver - Niagara Autism Group
2020-10-05 19:00 - 20:30 | NY
Provides a welcoming environment for parents and other caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorders to meet, share experiences, ask questions and receive support.
Practicing Social Distancing but still need to talk? We will be meeting via Zoom meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84073405565?pwd= [REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 840 7340 5565
Passcode: [REDACTED]
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
FREE TO ATTEND – ALL ARE WELCOME
www.parentnetworkwny.org or (716) 332-4170 or info@parentnetworkwny.org

Ask Me Anything! Behavior Edition
2020-10-05 10:00 - 11:00
No registration required
• Need advice on tantrums or meltdowns?
• Need help implementing strategies?
• Tried everything and need some new ideas?
• Experiencing a new or challenging behavior?
Click the link or call in to Ask Me Anything about behavior. https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/329637733
Dial by phone: +1 (224) 501-3412
Access Code: 329-637-733
Ask Me Anything—Behavior Edition is hosted by Debbie Schutt, MS. Debbie is the Behavior Intervention Coordinator at Parent Network of WNY. Debbie has over 15 years of experience working with children, teens, adults, and families on a wide variety of issues associated with developmental disabilities, mental health, crisis intervention, and behavior
management.

Supporting Online Learning for Students with Autism
2020-10-01 19:00 - 19:45
Learn more about how to implement evidence based practices at home to support your child/learner with ASD including supports to reduce anxiety, increase participation and independence, and to encourage (virtual) social interaction.
Speaker
Dr. Kara Hume is an Associate Professor at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and a Faculty Fellow at the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute. Dr. Hume has almost 30 years’ experience working with individuals with ASD. Her toolkit related to supporting individuals with ASD during COVID has been downloaded more than 200,000 times and has been translated into 7 languages.
Email your questions in advance for Dr. Kara Hume to address during her question/answer at autism@oldwestbury.edu.
To register for this FREE event https://nysrcasd.org/events/746/registrations/new OR call 516-628-5647.

Help! My Child Won’t Wear a Mask!
2020-10-01 08:00 - 10:00
Strategies and tips for parents, caregivers, and professionals who engage with children experiencing behavior challenges related to wearing a face mask.
Learn tips and strategies to use with children, tweens, and teens. Specific strategies for individuals diagnosed with developmental disabilities, sensory processing challenges, physical disabilities, speech or hearing impairments, and more.
Participants will receive copies of two (2) social skills stories: “We All Wear Masks” and “School is Different”.
TARGET AUDIENCE: Parents/Caregivers of School-Aged Children
ABOUT THE HOST
Debbie Schutt, MS is Parent Networks’ Behavior Intervention Coordinator. Debbie has been a member of the Parent Network of WNY team since 2018. She has extensive experience working with youth and families through the Office of Mental Health and the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities in the areas of behavior intervention, crisis management, and mental health.
You are invited to a Zoom meeting.
Register in advance for this meeting: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMsf-ypqD8oEtDbTxMwJZp0VB1P8rxUwdPH
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Come Ask the Advocate your questions about CSE or 504 plans.
2020-09-30 17:30 - 18:30
Come Ask the Advocate your questions about CSE or 504 plans.

Do you have any questions related to the IEP process that you want answers to?
Do you know how to request information about your child / student?
Do you understand your role at a CSE meeting?
Do you know how to discuss your child’s needs at a CSE meeting?

Please register for Come Ask the Advocate your questions about CSE or 504 plans. on Sep 30, 2020 5:30 PM EDT at:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6020534656414249740
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
If you have questions, we have answers for you!
If you have questions, please contact Tina Beauparlant (518) 381-4350

Ask Me Anything: Take the Stress Out of Transition
2020-09-30 11:00 - 12:00
Need answers for after the bus stops coming?
Do you have a high schooler with a learning difference?
Do you have questions about accommodations at work or college?
Not sure what to ask? Or who to ask?
Click the link or call in to Ask Me Anything about Transition https://zoom.us/j/94312045558? pwd=[REDACTED] DhORXpzdz09
Dial by your location
+1 646 558 8656
US (New York)
Meeting ID: 943 1204 5558
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/adTpItYB0T
Ask Me Anything: Transition— is hosted by Tonia Weichmann. Tonia is the Transition Coordinator at Parent Network of WNY, with over 20 years of experience working with children, teens, adults, and families on a wide variety of concerns associated with Learning Differences and Transitioning. The years of experiences have provided the ability to support young adults as they develop their skills and goals, educate families and professionals on ways to guide and support young adults, connecting to resources and services, and empower individuals to make an informed decision.

Parent Member Training Webinar Three (3) Part Series – Part 3
2020-09-26 10:00 - 11:00
Parent Members contribute valuable information and support to families who request their attendance at an IEP meeting.
Parent Members participate in discussions
about:
• Eligibility for special education services
• Educational planning and goal-setting
• Learning in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)
• Understanding the evaluation and placement processes
Parent Members help to ensure that the student’s family member(s):
• Understand and are comfortable with the IEP team’s decisions
• Have had their questions and concerns addressed
Hosts
Katie Junevic is an Early Childhood Professional Development Specialist with Parent Network of WNY. She has been working in the Special Education field for over 10 years and is the mother to an amazing 8 year old son.
Tonia Weichmann is the Transition Coordinator at Parent Network of WNY, with over 20 years of experience working with children, teens, adults, and families on a wide variety of concerns associated with Learning Differences and Transitioning.
Saturday, September 12, PN19 & 26 from 10 – 11 am. You must attend all three (3) sessions to receive certificate!
You are invited to this Webinar.
Please register in advance https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/3665588557591463437
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
This link will be the same for all three (3) sessions.

BUFFALO PARENT & CAREGIVER CHAT SESSIONS
2020-09-24 19:00 - 20:00
Buffalo Families! We are here to answer your questions and concerns on a wide range of topics including
• Transitions
• Meltdowns
• Time Management
• Technology Needs
• Guidance to Resources in Buffalo
• And Any Other Topics, General Questions or Concerns!
Weekly Live Chats with Kim Hernandez & Lizarelis Ali!
Kim Hernandez is a Family Support Specialist at Parent Network of WNY. She has been working with the families in the city of Buffalo for over 17 years. Her expertise is supporting families from disadvantaged communities who have children with a variety of disabilities.
Lizarelis Ali is a Family Support Specialist at Parent Network of WNY. She has been working with the families in the city of Buffalo for over 20 years. Her expertise is supporting families from disadvantaged communities who have children with autism, ADHD and learning disabilities.
Join from your computer, tablet or smartphone: https://global.gotomeeting.com/ join/174359397
New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/ install/174359397
You can also dial in using your phone. United States: +1 (872) 240-3212 Access Code: 174-359-39

Chautauqua County Family & Caregiver Support Group
2020-09-24 18:00 - 19:30
PURPOSE: Provide a welcoming environment for parents, family members and other caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities to meet, share experiences, ask questions and receive support.
Online Meeting: Thursday, September 24, 2020 from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82679660440? pwd=[REDACTED] dz09
Meeting ID: 826 7966 0440
Password: [REDACTED]
One tap mobile:+19292056099,,82679660440#,,1#,028188#
US (New York)
If you have any questions contact us at (716) 332-4170 or info@parentnetworkwny.org or join the group on Facebook for future dates, helpful hints and links CHQ Support Group for Parents/Caregivers of Children with Special Needs.

Region 1 Front Door Information Session - WebEx (Online) or Phone
2020-09-24 16:00 - 18:00
The OPWDD Front Door Information Sessions 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.
Families/Individuals are welcome to attend any session that is convenient for them. Families are only required to attend one session even if there are multiple people in the family to be represented.
Pre-registration is REQUIRED to attend through WebEx (Online).
Preregistration is NOT required to attend by phone.
Please note that participants are muted throughout the session and may not hear anything when first joining the session.
If you have difficulty registering for a session, please contact Jeff Roberts at 585-241-5797 or Jeffrey.E.Roberts@opwdd.ny.gov.
Counties: Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Chemung, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Niagara, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates.
WebEx Event (Online) Registration Link: https://meetny.webex.com/meetny/onstage/g.php?MTID=ed9791f9cbe8dce32186970106be54c23
Phone Only: Call 518-549-0500 and enter code 171 889 5162 then press # and # again.

Region 1 FSS Advisory Council presents Trauma Informed Yoga - Virtual Event
2020-09-24 14:00 - 16:00
Join the OPWDD Region 1 Family Support Services Advisory Council for a series of virtual events in lieu of their annual conference. Dates and topics are:

September 24 ~ Trauma Informed Yoga, presented by Kaitlyn Bittozzi, Certified Yoga Instructor
October 8 ~ Elopement, presented by Lawana Jones, President & CEO, CAS & CAT, The Autism Council of Rochester
October 22 ~ Behavior Support: What it is and how to access it, presented by Shannon Bianco
November 5 ~ Advocacy across Multiple Settings, presented by Theresa Drum and Kara Georgi

All sessions run from 2pm to 4pm.
If interested in attending one or more sessions, please register: https://www.starbridgeinc.org/events. Link for each event will be sent with registration confirmation.
Questions? Please call 585-224-7399 or email registration@starbridgeinc.org

Let's Talk: Mindfulness & Managing Stress
2020-09-24 10:30 - 11:30
Do You….
• Feel overwhelmed and unable to stop?
• Find yourself dwelling on the past and/or worrying about the future?
• Feel stuck in a cycle of regret, exhaustion, and fear?
• Want to learn how mindfulness can reduce stress and foster positive attitudes?
• Each week will highlight a new strategy.
Presentation & Discussion with Theresa Drum & Mindy Scirri Ph.D. !
About the Hosts
Theresa Drum has over 25 years of experience supporting and educating families who have children with special needs. Her first hand experiences as a parent and caregiver bring a valuable perspective and insight to the importance
of mindfulness and stress reduction.
Mindy Scirri, Ph.D., is a Learning (Dis)abilities Specialist with over 20 years of experience in the direct service of K-12 and college students with and without special needs. Dr. Scirri also has over 10 years of experience in teacher preparation and has presented to administrators, teachers, support staff, and parents at local, state, national, and international venues. She currently collaborates with Mount Saint Mary College’s Center on Aging and Disability Policy and the Parent Network of WNY to bring Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) to parents and caregivers of individuals with special needs. You are invited to a Zoom meeting.
Register here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMucemsqz8pHtPkzkdVxsUtLiHcb6cZb1uK
Last minute registration welcome.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Creating Structure & Routine at Home with Hybrid-Model Schooling
2020-09-24 08:00 - 10:00
Strategies for setting up routine and structure in the home when children are engaged in hybrid-model schooling.
Learn tips to set up a routine that will be helpful in keeping everyone on track with in-school days and distance learning days. Ideas for helping to keep your child/children engaged in their distance learning by setting up the structure they need to be successful.
Strategies for parents/caregivers working from home while children are engaged in distance learning. Participants will receive copy of social skills story titled “School is Different”.
TARGET AUDIENCE: Parents/Caregivers of School-Aged Children
ABOUT THE HOST
Debbie Schutt, MS is Parent Networks’ Behavior Intervention Coordinator. Debbie has been a member of the Parent Network of WNY team since 2018. She has extensive experience working with youth and families through the Office of Mental Health and the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities in the areas of behavior intervention, crisis management, and mental health.
You are invited to a Zoom meeting.
Register in advance for this meeting: https://tinyurl.com/y4nmheww
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Webinar: Loss, Grief, and Adjustment for Parents of Children with Special Needs
2020-09-23 17:30 - 18:30
Please join Dianne O’Connor, Regional Coordinator for Parent to Parent of NYS, as she presents the webinar 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. Contact Tina Beauparlant at 518-381-4350 with any questions.
Event: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4733324293932259586
