Is Guardianship the Only Option? An overview of Guardianship and the Many Alternatives - webinar
2022-10-13 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
Come join Tina Beauparlant, Regional Manager / Education Specialist as we explore: Is Guardianship the only Option? An overview of Guardianship and the Many Alternatives.
Let’s face it nothing keeps parents up at night more than thinking about who will care for our child/children when we are no longer able to care for them. This workshop will increase the knowledge of families of individuals with disabilities about the options besides legal guardianship for adults with disabilities. If your adult child does not need full guardianship, there are other options that we will explore in this presentation. We will also discuss guardianship and the legal requirements.
REGISTER

When You Are Considering a Developmental Evaluation for Your Child: A Parent’s Perspective to Assist Your Visit - webinar
2022-10-13 13:00 - 14:00
Please join Maryalice Fegeley, 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.
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Overview Of Office for People with Developmental Disabilities - Virtual Google Meeting
2022-10-13 17:00 - 18:00
This workshop provides parents, caregivers and professionals with detailed information about the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).
The class will help you to understand eligibility, the admission process, and any updates to the service.
Meeting ID
meet.google.com/pgh-gvjn-qmp
Phone Numbers
(US)+1 218-301-1965
PIN: 318 648 437#
REGISTER TODAY! FREE EVENT!
REGISTER

Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org

Residential Placement Online Discussion Group- Parents who have a child in a Residential placement
2022-10-13 19:00 - 20:00
Do you have a family member in a residential program and are struggling to make peace with this decision? Parent to Parent is excited to host a new Parent Discussion Group facilitated by Mariela Adams, for families with children and adults of all ages that have children in residential school or a group home.
Virtual Zoom- Registration Required. REGISTER
Questions, contact Valerie Colavecchio – vcolavecchio@ptopnys.org.

Explore & More’s Au-Some Evenings - October 14, 2022
2022-10-14 17:30 - 19:30 | Explore & More – The Ralph C Wilson Jr. Children’s Museum, 130 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14202, United States
Explore & More’s Au-Some Evenings are free monthly events for children with autism spectrum disorder and sensory processing disorders along with family and friends. The second Friday of each month from 5:30pm – 7:30pm, children can play and learn together in an understanding and supportive environment. Families have access to the museum space and play zones. Featured activities include a music center, therapy dogs, art projects and gross motor activities. Explore & More will also have a social
narrative about the museum and its play zones, quiet kits, as well as calming sensory friendly spaces in the museum. Space is limited so reservations are essential. Be sure to check the website for the latest information. Email accessibility@exploreandmore.org to reserve your space.

Symphonic Spooktacular 2022 at Kleinhans Music Hall in Buffalo
2022-10-16 14:30 - 15:30 | Kleinhans Music Hall, 3 Symphony Circle, Buffalo, NY, 14201, United States
An oogie, woogie, super spooky performance of the trickiest, treatiest Halloween hits. Wear your costume and join the parade across the Kleinhans stage!
Fernanda Lastra, conductor
Click here for information and to purchase tickets.
Where: Kleinhans Music Hall, 3 Symphony Circle. Buffalo, NY 14201
Phone: 716-885-5000
Cost: $7.00 child/adult

Guidelines for Determining the Need for a One-to-One Aide - webinar
2022-10-17 18:00 - 19:30
Please join Trish Washburn, Education Advocate, Parent to Parent of NYS as she presents this wonderful webinar: Guidelines for Determining the Need for a One-to-One Aide.
Let’s explore what the IEP team needs to consider, supplemental aids, services and program modifications for all students with disabilities.
A key question for the IEP team is to consider whether the student with a disability does or does not require one-to-one support to make meaningful progress toward annual goals in the IEP in the least restrictive environment (LRE).
REGISTER

Chautauqua County Family & Caregiver Support Group via Zoom
2022-10-18 12:00 - 13:00
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!
REGISTER: https://parentnetworkwny.org/events/chautauqua-county-family-caregiver-support-group-10/
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org

Sensory Processing Disorder via Zoom
2022-10-18 18:00 - 20:00
Sensory Processing Disorder
This workshop explores the different sensory processing disorders and offers parents and caregivers activities, tips and suggestions to help their child manage his/her sensory needs.
ABOUT THE HOST
Amy Ruffino has been working directly with children having sensory processing disorders for over 25 years. Currently, she is the owner of a Pediatric Therapy Practice called Beyond Boundaries: Therapy for Kids. She continues to practice home and community-based occupational therapy with young children, specializing in the areas of play and sensory processing disorders.
CTLE Credits Available
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER TODAY! FREE EVENT!
REGISTER: https://parentnetworkwny.org/events/sensory-processing-disorder-2/

Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org

Creating a Well-Structured Classroom for Autism - Webinar
2022-10-19 13:00 - 14:00
Educational consultant Amy Moore Gaffney, M.A, discusses classroom strategies that can provide helpful support for students with autism.
About the Speaker
Amy Moore Gaffney, M.A., CCC-SLP, is an educational consultant with the Indiana Resource Center for Autism (IRCA) at the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community, Indiana University, Bloomington. She is also a TEACCH® certified advanced consultant. Ms. Gaffney has experience working with young children, school-age children, and young adults. Through her work as a speech-language pathologist and Autism consultant, she has worked with students and their families in a variety of settings, including in-home, public and private schools, and a private clinic.
Register: https://www.autism.org/well-structured-classroom-autism/

Education Records Organizer - webinar
2022-10-19 18:00 - 19:00
Please join Trish Washburn, Education Advocate for this wonderful presentation.
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

Graduation Options For Students With Disabilities
2022-10-19 18:00 - 20:00 | Parent Network of Western New York, 1021 Broadway, Buffalo, NY, 14212, United States
Gain understanding of the NYS graduation requirements.

Key areas being discussed:

credit requirements
multiple pathways to graduation
safety nets for students with disabilities
appeal process
exiting credentials available to students

REGISTER
FREE EVENT!
email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
call: 716.332.4170

Buffalo Autism Parent Group with Kathy and Jana - (Participate in person or via Zoom)
2022-10-19 18:30 - 19:30 | Buffalo State College, 1300 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo, NY, 14222, United States
Join us and meet other families with children with autism spectrum disorders. The purpose of this group is to share experiences, tips, and ask questions in a friendly and supportive environment. Share as much or as little as you feel comfortable sharing.
You can participate in person or via zoom!
IN PERSON: 103 Ketchum Hall, Room 211 Buffalo State College, 1300 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo, NY 14222
Enter the campus from Elmwood and turn on to Rockwell. The building is right across from the Burchfield Penney Art Center. Parking lot (R2) is directly in front of building and is free.
The conference room is located on the main floor of the building, at the end furthest away from Elmwood and close to Moot Hall. Parents should enter the exterior door from the far end of the parking lot (R2) that has an accessible ramp entrance; these doors are closest to Moot Hall.
VIA ZOOM: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87176301190?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 871 7630 1190 Passcode: [REDACTED]

Preventing Parent Burnout for Parents of Children with Special Needs - webinar
2022-10-20 10:00 - 11:00
Please join Maryalice Fegeley, Regional Manager/ 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

Section 504, Students with Disabilities in Public & Private Schools - webinar
2022-10-20 12:00 - 13:30
Please join Nancy Marmet, Education Advocate, for 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, Family Member, or just interested in this topic, this training is for you!
If you have questions, please call Tina Beauparlant (518) 381-4350.
REGISTER

Parent to Parent of NYS FATHERS GROUP via Zoom
2022-10-20 19:00 - 20:30, 2022-11-03 19:00 - 20:30
Virtual Meeting: Bi-weekly on Thursdays, starting at 7 p.m.
Parent to Parent has established an informal Fathers Group to meet online via Zoom and discuss the role of dads in navigating their childrens’ special needs.
REGISTER

Autism & the Hidden Curriculum: Creating Success in School, Home, and on the Job presented by Brenda Smith Myles, Ph.D.
2022-10-22 08:45 - 12:45
Autism Society Western New York & Autism Services, Inc.’s Autism Center for Learning invite you to attend virtual workshop:
Autism & the Hidden Curriculum: Creating Success in School, Home, and on the Job presented by Brenda Smith Myles, Ph.D.
Co-Sponsored by The Speech-Language-Hearing Association of WNY and Associated Physical and Occupational Therapists, PLLC
Virtual Workshop Saturday, October 22, 2022
8:45 am – 12:45 pm EST
The Hidden Curriculum refers to the set of rules or guidelines that are often not directly taught but are assumed to be known. This curriculum contains items that impact social interactions, school performance, and sometimes health and well-being. The curriculum also includes unspoken rules, slang, metaphors, body language, etc. While this information may be intuitive for neurotypical individuals, it is not for those with autism or other special needs.
This session shows how the autistic brain – which is different not less, consistent with precepts of neurodiversity – processes the hidden curriculum. The speaker provides practical tips to these hidden social needs to children and to adults and stresses the importance of making these a part of everyday life. When teaching the hidden curriculum, it is essential that we respect how the individual thinks and learns. Our goal is to teach the hidden curriculum to enhance the lives of autistic people, not change who they are.
This workshop is geared towards individuals with ASD, parents and professionals. At the conclusion of this workshop, participants will be able to:

Describe how the autistic brain processes information, including the hidden curriculum
Explain the hidden curriculum’s applicability to school, home, and on the job
Identify hidden curriculum areas and items across the life span

Disclosure: Brenda Smith Myles financial – Ms. Smith Myles has no relevant financial relationships to disclose. Non-financial – Ms. Smith Myles has no relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Brenda Smith Myles Ph.D., formerly, a professor at the University of Kansas, is the recipient of the Autism Society of America’s Outstanding Professional Award, the Princeton Fellowship Award, The Global and Regional Asperger Syndrome (GRASP) Divine Neurotypical Award, American Academy of Pediatrics Autism Champion, and two-time recipient of the Council for Exceptional Children Burton Blatt Humanitarian Award. Brenda has made over 3000 presentations all over the world and written more than 300 articles and books on ASD. In addition, she collaborated with the three organizations who identified evidenced based practices in autism. Further, in the latest survey conducted by the University of Texas, she was acknowledged as the second most productive applied researcher in ASD in the world.
Workshop Schedule
8:30-8:45: Registration/Login
8:45-9:00: Introduction
9:00-10:30: The brain and autism; Definition of the hidden curriculum and its impact
10:30-10:45: Morning Break
10:45-12:15: Examples of the hidden curriculum; Strategies to teach the hidden curriculum
12:15-12:45: Q and A
Download the workshop brochure here. Brochures also available online at www.autismwny.org and www.shawny.org.
Please note that this is a live webinar and will be broadcast in Eastern Standard Time.
Online registration is required. Please note that there will be no mail-in registration for this event.
REGISTER: https://autism-services-inc.org/resources/semi-annual-workshops/
Materials (i.e. registration links, handouts, etc.) will be e-mailed to attendees approximately 1-2 days prior to the workshop. If you have a PayPal account, the email associated with that account will be used for all correspondence including Zoom links/handouts.
Individuals with ASD and Parent/Caregiver Scholarships based on financial need are available. Call 716-633-2275 to apply.

Registration Type
Special registration rates to celebrate our 35th workshop!
Price
CEUs

Parent/ Family/ Individual w/ASD
$5
n/a

Speech-Language Pathologist or Audiologist*
$25
.35 ASHA CEUs included**

*SLPs, please click “return to merchant” after your purchase to be directed back to our site to provide your ASHA number.
**ASHA CEUs are only awarded to ASHA members who are eligible and have paid the CE Registry fee.

OT or COTA
$25
3.0 NYS Continuing Competency Hours for OTs/OTAs***

***Please note that these hours may be used towards completing AOTA continuing competency requirements but are not offered through an AOTA approved provider.

PT or PTA
$25
.3 NYS PT Board Continuing Education Hours

Other Professional/ Paraprofessional or Student
$15
No CEUs Awarded

Online Registration Deadline: October 19, 2022. No refunds after October 12, 2022

Parents Considering a Residential Placement Discussion Group
2022-10-25 19:00 - 20:00
Are you considering residential placement for your family member? Parent to Parent of New York State is excited to host a new Parent Discussion Group facilitated by Sharon Linne for families with children and adults of all ages who are considering placement in a residential school or a group home.
Come join us for an hour of support and conversation about this important topic.
Virtual Zoom- Registration Required. REGISTER
Questions, contact Sharon Linne – Slinne@ptopnys.org.

A Beginners Guide to Understanding the Special Education Process - webinar
2022-10-26 11:00 - 12:30
Presenter: Nancy Marmet, Education Specialist.
This workshop will describe the purpose of special education, introduction to special education process, and services available to children ages birth to 21. This training is for parents, grandparents, guardians, and professionals that are new to the special education process or have limited knowledge. The goal of the training is for attendees to learn the basics of the special education system.
If you have questions, contact Tina Beauparlant at (518) 381-4350.
REGISTER

Statewide- Special Education Parent Chat Group via Zoom
2022-10-27 18:30 - 20:00
As a parent of a child with a disability, I know first-hand how hard it is to continue the good fight. Sometimes we feel hopeless, helpless, and at a loss for words. If you’re a parent, grandparent, or caregiver of a child with special needs, you may feel isolated, alone and struggling with special education school related issues.
Come join us for an opportunity to share how your feeling, engage in some great conversation, and share resources with other parents in the community who are dealing with the same issues. Come join Trish Washburn all from the comfort of your own home.
REGISTER

Celebrate Raising Children Series - 7 week series
2022-11-02 18:00 - 20:00
A 7-week series where you’ll meet other parents/caregivers and learn new ways to be a positive parent/caregiver. CTLE Credits Available.
Certificate of completion available upon request.

REGISTER ONCE FOR ENTIRE SERIES!

REGISTER
FREE EVENT!
Wednesdays. November 2, 9 16, and Wednesdays, December 7 and 14 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. via Zoom
Saturday, December 17 in person at 1021 Broadway St., Buffalo, NY from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download flyer

GET AIR - BUFFALO - A Special Time Just for You
2022-11-05 08:00 - 10:00 | GET AIR, 3637 Union Road, Cheektowaga, NY, 14225, United States
GET AIR -Buffalo offers a dedicated time just for jumpers with special needs on the first Saturday of every month from 8 AM to 10 AM.

Location: GET AIR – 3637 Union Road, Cheektowaga, NY 14225
Calmer Atmosphere

The First Saturday of the Month – 8 AM to 10 AM
Big Air – $16.99, Little Air (under 46″) – $10.99
They offer a dedicated time just for jumpers with special needs. Music is played at a lower volume and the park’s atmosphere is calmer. One parent or guardian can support jumpers on the trampoline for free. Siblings of jumpers are welcome to jump for the same price but should be more careful during this time. They have designed our trampoline parks with special needs as a primary focus, creating inclusive playgrounds where kids of all ages and abilities can come together in an environment that facilitates shared play and fun. Their goal is for Get Air Sports to be a place where kids can just be kids. They hope you’ll join Get Air! When you arrive, or call beforehand, talk to one of their team members and they will ensure proper accommodations are made to create a fun and enjoyable experience for all.Special Time Just for You is for special needs jumpers and their families.

Transitioning from High School to the Adult World after Graduation - webinar
2022-11-07 18:00 - 19:30
Please join Tina Beauparlant, Parent to Parent of NYS, Regional Manager/ Education Specialist for this wonderful webinar. This training gives parents, grandparents and guardians, an understanding of high school transition.
Transition from high school to young adulthood is a critical stage for all teenagers; for students with disabilities this stage requires extra planning and goal setting. Factors to consider include post-secondary education, the development of career and vocational skills, as well as the ability to live independently. The first step in planning for a successful transition is developing the student’s transition plan. A transition plan is required for students enrolled in special education who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP). We will define and describe transition planning and how it can be utilized to maximize your child’s future.
If you have questions, contact Tina Beauparlant at (518) 381-4350.
REGISTER

The Link WNY’s Family & Caregiver Group via Zoom
2022-11-07 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!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org

Understanding the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education Part 200 Students with Disabilities - webinar
2022-11-08 11:00 - 13:00
Please join Nancy Marmet, Education Advocate, for Parent to Parent of NYS, as she presents a webinar on Understanding the Regulation of the Commissioner of Education Part 200 Students with Disabilities.
This training will take you through the NYS Special Education Regulations step by step. Parents will learn the role they play on the CSE, learn the chain of command regarding the CSE, learn how to request information regarding your child’s IEP and gain an understanding how to communicate with your child’s teachers and administrators. After this webinar parents will have more knowledge about the educational laws to advocate for their child/children.
If you have questions, contact Tina Beauparlant at (518) 381-4350.
REGISTER

Section 504, Students with Disabilities in Public & Private Schools - webinar
2022-11-08 18:30 - 20:00
Please join Namita Modasra, Education Advocate, for 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, Family Member, or just interested in this topic, this training is for you!
REGISTER

Education Records Organizer - webinar
2022-11-09 11:00 - 12:00
Please join Trish Washburn, Parent Advocate for this wonderful presentation.
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 at (518) 381-4350.

REGISTER

Delayed and Missed Diagnoses of Autistic Women - webinar
2022-11-09 13:00 - 14:00
Tune in to hear Hannah Belcher, PhD, Autistic researcher, speaker, and author, discuss the often late and missed diagnosis of autistic females.
About the speaker:
Dr. Hannah Belcher was diagnosed with ‘Asperger’s Syndrome’ in 2012, at the age of 23. After suffering from mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and severe agoraphobia, which resulted in her dropping out of school before her GCSEs, her autism was finally identified by an Art Therapist. Since then, Hannah has spent many years conducting research on the often late and missed diagnosis of autistic females, including the use of camouflaging strategies and the mental health repercussions. She started writing the blog ‘Aspertypical’ immediately upon receiving her diagnosis. The blog posts chronicled her journey to better understand and connect with her diagnosis and other autistic people. These have since been archived but can still be viewed on Hannah’s main blog pages.
Hannah has lectured in Psychology and mental health since 2016, for both the Open University and Anglia Ruskin University. After submitting her thesis in March of this year, Hannah has gone on to work for Mind, a leading mental health charity in the UK, and is currently a researcher at King’s College London. Her book, Taking off the Mask, about how autistic people can reduce their camouflaging behaviors and improve their wellbeing, is being published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers in 2022.
Hannah has been invited to give talks across the UK on her own experiences of autism and her research, including the British Science Festival (2019) and the National Autism Society’s’ ‘Women and Girls’ conference (2019). She has been interviewed both nationally and globally, featuring on the BBC and ABC, as well as in The Guardian and the New Scientist.
REGISTER: https://www.autism.org/gender-differences-in-diagnoses/

Understanding Your Child’s Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) / Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) Process via Zoom
2022-11-09 16:30 - 18:00
Understanding Your Child’s Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) / Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) Process
Gain an understanding of the regulations, the process, and the roles of the families and the school.
*Certification of completion available upon request*
REGISTER TODAY! FREE EVENT!
REGISTER
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
