Autism Society Western New York

Explore & More’s Au-Some Evenings - November 11, 2022
2022-11-11 17:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | 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.

Communicating with the CPSE / CSE through Letter Writing - webinar
2022-11-14 12:00 - 13:00
Please join Trish Washburn, Education Specialist, Parent to Parent of NYS, as she presents a webinar on Communicating with the CSE through Letter Writing.
Letter writing can be a very effective method of communication and advocacy for parents of children with disabilities. This training assists parents, guardians, grandparents how to clearly and effectively express concerns, ideas or suggestions to the professionals involved in their child’s special education program.
If you have questions, contact Tina Beauparlant Phone at (518) 381-4350.
REGISTER

How to Prepare for a Successful CSE Meeting - webinar
2022-11-14 18:00 - 19:30
Please join Namita Modasra for this training on How to Prepare for a Successful CSE Meeting.
This training is to help parents, who approach IEP meetings with fear and dread? If this is you, attend this training and there may be some suggestions to help you feel more at ease and able to participate as a full member of the team that plans your child’s special education program.
If you are a Parent, Grandparent, Family Member, or just interested in this topic, this training is for you!
REGISTER

Is Guardianship the Only Option? An overview of Guardianship and the Many Alternatives - webinar
2022-11-14 18:30 - 20:30, 2022-12-08 11:00 - 13:00
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

Chautauqua County Family & Caregiver Support Group via Zoom
2022-11-15 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-11/
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org

What You Need to Know About Assistive Technology in the IEP - webinar
2022-11-15 18:00 - 19:30
Please join nancy Marmet, Education Advocate as she presents What You Need to Know About Assistive Technology in the IEP.
This training will teach parents, grandparents, guardians about appropriate Assistive Technology (AT) devices and services, how they allow students with disabilities to participate in and benefit from the general education curriculum and meet Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals. For every student with an IEP, federal and state regulations require that the team consider the student’s need for assistive technology devices and services.
If you have questions, please contact Tina Beauparlant at (518) 381-4350.
REGISTER

Nurtured Heart Approach to Challenging Behaviors - Online Workshop
2022-11-15 18:00 - 20:00
Have you tried everything you know and don’t know where to turn?
The Nurtured Heart Approach is a powerful tool that will transform a difficult child and build you up as a family member or professional.
Participants will walk away with strategies and tools to increase success in all areas of life.
Certificate of completion available upon request
REGISTER TODAY! FREE EVENT!
REGISTER
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org

Pet Ownership and Autism - webinar
2022-11-16 13:00 - 14:15
Tune in to hear Gray Atherton, PhD’s presentation “They ask no questions and pass no criticism: A mixed-methods study exploring pet ownership in autism,”
About the Speaker, Dr. Gray Atherton
“I am interested in understanding how people with autism spectrum condition see the social world. Specifically, I explore individual differences in social processing and how these differences often found in people with autism also exist in the general population.
I also investigate anthropomorphism, or seeing the human in the non-human, and how this relates to social processing in autism. To investigate this, I am developing virtual reality techniques that allow for anthropomorphic experiences. My other research interest lies more broadly in embodied social processing. I am particularly interested in how movement can affect the way we see ourselves and our social partners, and how this can be used to understand special populations.”
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Buffalo Autism Parent Group with Kathy and Jana - (Participate in person or via Zoom)
2022-11-16 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]

Loss, Grief, and Adjustment for Parents of Children with Special Needs - webinar
2022-11-17 11:00 - 12:15
Please join Parent to Parent of NYS, Barb Hoffman, Regional Coordinator, as she presents on Loss, Grief and Adjustment for Parents of Children with Special Needs.
Powerful and intense feelings are natural and common responses to parenting a child with exceptional needs. This training will provide an overview of common emotions experienced by parents and discuss how by sharing and acknowledging these emotions parents can find the inner strength needed to face and embrace their role as a parent of a child with special needs.
REGISTER

Parent to Parent of NYS FATHERS GROUP via Zoom
2022-11-17 19:00 - 20:30, 2022-12-01 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

Families Talking Together - in-person
2022-11-19 10:00 - 12:00 | Parent Network of Western New York, 1021 Broadway, Buffalo, NY, 14212, United States
Parents can make a difference!
In just an hour and a half you can learn how to initiate the talk with your child. The program demonstrates how parents can influence their child’s decision to initiate sexual behaviors:

Communication
Monitoring and Supervision
Quality of the Relationship

REGISTER! FREE EVENT!

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

Parents Considering a Residential Placement Discussion Group
2022-11-29 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.

Families Talking Together - In-person event
2022-11-30 18:00 - 20:00 | Parent Network of Western New York, 1021 Broadway, Buffalo, NY, 14212, United States

GET AIR - BUFFALO - A Special Time Just for You
2022-12-03 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.

The Link WNY’s Family & Caregiver Group via Zoom
2022-12-05 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

When You Are Considering a Developmental Evaluation for Your Child: A Parent’s Perspective to Assist Your Visit - webinar
2022-12-06 18:00 - 19:00
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.
If you have questions, contact Tina Beauparlant at (518) 381-4350.
REGISTER

Starting Over: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren with Special Needs - webinar
2022-12-07 12:00 - 13:30
Please join Dianne O’Connor, Regional Coordinator for Parent to Parent of NYS as she presents a webinar on Starting Over, Grandparents (or Other Relatives) Raising Grandchildren with Special Needs.
There are many reasons why a grandparent or relative, is raising their grandchildren full time. By creating an enriched, supportive, and safe living environment, grandchildren stay connected to their family while keeping them out of foster care. This webinar will address the advantages and disadvantages of caring for our own and give practical resources and strategies for providing the best for your grandchildren. As one of the most important members of the family, we will also look at ways to care for you along the way.
If you have questions, please contact Tina Beauparlant at (518) 381-4350.
REGISTER

Education Records Organizer - webinar
2022-12-07 17:30 - 18:30
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.
REGISTER

Transition Planning for Families via Zoom
2022-12-07 18:00 - 20:00
Is your high schooler with disabilities getting ready to transition to adulthood?
Learn how to:

Assess the teen’s strengths, interests and needs
Establish measurable goals for the future
Identify appropriate transition services and coordinated activities
Work with the Committee on Special Education (CSE) to get your teenager ready for adulthood

REGISTER
FREE EVENT!
Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Call: 716-332-4170

What Happens After Early Intervention? via Zoom
2022-12-08 11:30 - 13:00
What Happens After Early Intervention?
In this workshop you will learn more about:

How to get ready for your child’s transition to preschool
The transition from Early Intervention (EI) to working with the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE)
Information on timelines and commonly used vocabulary to help you better understand the transition process
How to make informed decisions to benefit your child

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

What Does Advocacy Mean in Special Education - webinar
2022-12-08 18:00 - 19:30
Please join Namita Modasra for this training on What Does Advocacy Mean in Special Education.
Not everyone starts out by being a good advocate. Many parents, guardians and grandparents have faced challenges in getting their child’s education needs met. Parents, guardians, grandparents, must learn the skills they need to become good advocates for their children. Participants will learn that communicate effectively with teachers and other school personnel is one of the best ways to ensure that your child’s school is creating a good learning environment for your child, and to ensure that your child’s school is providing your child with the services or programs that he or she needs to succeed in school.
If you are a Parent, Grandparent, Family Member or just interested in this topic, this training is for you!
REGISTER

Residential Placement Online Discussion Group- Parents who have a child in a Residential placement
2022-12-08 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 - Friday, December 9, 2022
2022-12-09 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 or call 716-655-5131 ext. 3.

Jingle Bell Jam at Kleinhans Music Hall in Buffalo
2022-12-11 14:30 - 15:30 | Kleinhans Music Hall, 3 Symphony Circle, Buffalo, NY, 14201, United States
Fernanda Lastra, conductor
A family tradition of festive frivolity including a seasonal souvenir for kids! Santa helps conduct and leads the holiday sing-along.
Where: Kleinhans Music Hall, 3 Symphony Circle. Buffalo, NY 14201
Phone: 716-885-5000
Cost: $7.00 child/adult
Click here for information and to purchase tickets.

Guidelines for Determining the Need for a One-to-One Aide - webinar
2022-12-12 12:00 - 13:30
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 be considering, 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).
If you have question, please call Tina Beauparlant at (518) 381-4350.
REGISTER

Preventing Parent Burnout for Parents of Children with Special Needs - webinar
2022-12-12 18:00 - 19:00
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

A Guide for Families to Understanding Supports & Services Administered by OPWDD - webinar
2022-12-14 18:00 - 19:30
Please join Barb Hoffman, Parent to Parent of NYS, Regional Coordinator, as she presents on A Guide for Families to Understanding Supports & Services Administered by OPWDD.
The purpose of this training is to introduce families to the language of service delivery systems and to define and clarify information about services and supports. Participants will gain an increased awareness and understanding of eligibility criteria and the eligibility determination process. The training includes an overview of Home and Community Based Services Waiver and Family Support Services.
REGISTER
