Debra Kroetsch-Autism Advocate and an Adult with Autism
2020-02-24 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | Museum of disABILITy History, 3826 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14226, United States
Debra Kroetsch was not diagnosed with autism until the age of 50. She was left to her own devices as wife and mother without the guidance and supports that many others receive. Debra has “translated the indecipherable neurotypical world into a simpler, visual language and holds that translation with a permanent context”. That is to say she has made the world work for her.
Debra shows the many low-tech but extensive changes that she has made to her life. She hopes to not only inspire others to think outside the box by thinking “Inside the Box”, she also hopes to inform others about the way many individuals living with autism see the world. Debra has the ability to help us understand what often goes on in the minds of our loved ones that they may not be able to relay to us themselves.
This Workshop is free to attend but space is limited so we ask that you RSVP to dkroetsch53@gmail.com by February 1, 2020.

ADHD Strategies for Success and IEP Development - Webinar
2020-02-26 18:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | Webinar
Learn the signs and symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This class discusses the characteristics of ADHD, and the tips and tools to help identify strategies that can be included in a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).

To register online please go to:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/ register/7149870531847617291
or call to reserve your spot today! (716) 332-4170 or 1(866) 277-4762 toll free
www.parentnetworkwny.org

The Nurtured Heart Approach Helping Children Flourish Emotionally, Academically & Socially - Day 3
2020-02-27 17:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Woodrow Wilson Elementary School, 166 Halstead Ave., Sloan, NY, 14212, United States
Four Week Parenting Series – Thursdays 5:30-8:00 pm February 6th, 13th, 27th & March 5th 2020
The Nurtured Heart Approach (NHA) is an approach to life that creates a shift in how we relate to the problems that have been causing us challenges.

Presenter: 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 re- build the love you want in your home. NHA teaches us whyour typical parenting methods don’t always work and can evenmake things worse. The magic rests in its ability to use languageto build “inner wealth” and to make positive connections tothose 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)

Where: Woodrow Wilson Elementary School
166 Halstead Avenue
Sloan, NY 14212
(parking is available in the lot behind the school) Enter through Rear Doors

Light dinner at 5:30 pm in cafeteria Parenting Series begins at 6:00 pm
Register by email to info@parentnetworkwny.orgOnline at www.parentnetworkwny.org
or by phone at (716) 332-4170
Childcare available for children age 4+ to those who register by January 30th

Digital Arts and Technology Access Program
2020-02-29 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | The Buffalo Center for Arts & Technology, 1221 Main Stree, Buffalo, 14209, United States
Digital Arts and Technology Access Program
DATA is a media arts and technology program designed for individuals on the Autism Spectrum ages 13-19. A series of weekly winter and spring workshops will build up different creative and social skills. These workshops will culminate in a summer intensive on Villa Maria’s campus. All workshops utilize hands-on project focused learning with achievable modular goals for each meeting. Students will learn a large range of media-based practices that will suit all interests in technology and art.

There is a registration fee of $50 for participants. Limited full scholarships are available.
Contact kevin@squeaky.org for more information and registration.

All Winter/Spring workshops take place at The Buffalo Center for Arts & Technology, 1221 Main St. Buffalo, N.Y.
SOUND ENGINEERING – February 29th – March 21st
10 am – 1 pm
$50 Registration Fee
From beats to broadcast, sound plays an important part in all forms of media. In this workshop, students will explore audio production and learn fun new ways to construct and create unique soundscapes and stories. Using podcasts as a model students will work with found and recorded audio to make a creative take on their experience.

Alternative Animation – March 28th – April 18th
10 am – 1 pm
$50 Registration Fee
Animation is the oldest form of media art. In this creative workshop, students will explore different forms of traditional and digital animation. From stop-frame to Adobe’s Character Animator. Students will create short projects that explore different aspects of their experience.

Movie Production – April 25th – May 16th
10 am – 1 pm
$50 Registration Fee
Lights, Camera, ACTION! This workshop will teach students how to plan, set up and shoot short format narrative videos. Students will learn to use manual cameras, audio equipment, and video editing. The class will culminate in students creating a short biography from their perspective.

Spring/Winter Registration

Summer program takes place on the Villa Maria College Campus, 240 Pine Ridge Rd, Buffalo, N.Y.
Summer Program – August 17th – August 21st
10 am – 3 pm
$100 Registration Fee
Lights, Camera, ACTION! This workshop will teach students how to plan, set up and shoot short format narrative videos. Students will learn to use manual cameras, audio equipment, and video editing. The class will culminate in students creating a short biography from their perspective.

Summer Registration is not open

DATA is made possible with support from:

Fantastic Friends of WNY - Social Club
2020-03-02 17:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Fantastic Friends of WNY Center, 1284 French Road, Cheektowaga, New York, 14227, United States
Ages 13 years and up.
Cost: $10 includes pizza.
Mail payment to Fantastic Friends of WNY or pay at the door the day of the event.
YOU MUST REGISTER TO fantasticfriendswnyjk@gmail.com

Fantastic Friends of WNY-Art-Paint Pouring
2020-03-02 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | Fantastic Friends of WNY Center, 1284 French Road, Cheektowaga, New York, 14227, United States
Ages 13 years and up.
Cost: $10
Mail payment to Fantastic Friends of WNY or pay at the door the day of the event.
YOU MUST REGISTER TO fantasticfriendswnyjk@gmail.com

Family & Caregiver Niagara Autism Group
2020-03-02 18:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Empower Children’s Academy, 9812 Lockport Road, Niagara Falls, NY, 14304
Provides a welcoming environment for parents and other caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorders to meet, share experiences, ask questions and receive support.
RSVP TO ATTEND
www.parentnetworkwny.org or
(716) 332-4175 or support@parentnetworkwny.org
FREE TO ATTEND – ALL ARE WELCOME BUT RESERVATIONS ARE APPRECIATED
If you are interested in attending but have transportation or other barriers that would limit your participation, please let us know.
Please check local TV stations for cancellation information
*Light refreshments will be served.
Child Care is Available. In order to provide for your child’s individual needs reservations for childcare are required a minimum of 1 week in advance. Registration forms are required for all new children and are available at www.parentnetworkwny.org or call (716) 332-4175.

Koru Basic - March 2020 Class
2020-03-03 19:15 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | SowFit Buffalo Sports and Fitness, 1292 Sheridan Drive, Buffalo, NY, 14217, United States
Koru Mindfulness is a 4 session course that will teach you the skill of mindfulness. It will also help you build the habit of using it in your life on a regular basis. Mindfulness is a practice that helps cultivate greater peace, compassion, and resilience in your life. We’ve found that folks get a lot more out of Koru if they stick with it from beginning to end, therefore attendance at all 4 sessions is required. So double check your calendar and then sign up below! Accessible Academics requests a minimum donation of $40 ($10/class) to attend the course. This can be paid by cash, check or via the donation link on Accessible Academics’ website: https://www.accessibleacademics.org/donate The required book is The Mindful Twenty-Something by Holly Rogers. A limited number of copies of the book are available to borrow. If you would like to borrow a book, please contact Anne Showers at ashowers@accessibleacademics.org to reserve one. The book can be purchased online and there is also an e-Book version available.

ONE-TIME APP FEE: $3.99
The Koru Center charges this one-time fee to help cover the costs for development and maintenance of the Koru app. Our app helps you develop your mindfulness practice and connects you with your teacher for support during your Koru course. The app is essential for getting the full benefit from the Koru program.
This fee will only be charged for first time Koru students. If you have already paid your fee or already have a Koru account you will not be charged. You will be asked to login to your account on the registration page.

Teacher: Anne Showers
ashowers@accessibleacademics.org

Tuesdays March 3, March 10, March 17 and March 24, 2020 from 7:15 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

FINDING THE BEST GRADUATION OPTION FOR STUDENT’S WITH DISABILITIES
2020-03-04 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Sweet Home Central School District, 1901 Sweet Home Road, West Amherst, NY, 14228, United States
This workshop explores graduation options and outlines the updates
to New York State regulations. Learn about the different kinds of diplomas, and what you as a parent
or caregiver can do to help your young adult graduate.

Sweet Home Central School District
1901 Sweet Home Road
West Amherst, New York 14228
Enter through Door #6

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

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

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

Fantastic Friends of WNY - DrumFit
2020-03-04 18:30 - 19:15, 2020-03-11 18:30 - 19:15 (America/New_York) | Fantastic Friends of WNY Center, 1284 French Road, Cheektowaga, New York, 14227, United States
Ages 13 years and up.
NO CHARGE. YOU MUST REGISTER TO fantasticfriendswnyjk@gmail.com

The Nurtured Heart Approach Helping Children Flourish Emotionally, Academically & Socially - Day 4
2020-03-05 17:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Woodrow Wilson Elementary School, 166 Halstead Ave., Sloan, NY, 14212, United States

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sensory Friendly Family Film "Onward"
2020-03-07 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Flix Stadium 10, 4901 Transit Road, Lancaster, NY, 14043, United States
Flix Stadium 10 in Lancaster, NY Announces Sensory Friendly Family Film Series
Flix Stadium 10 sensory friendly family film series slated to run the first Saturday of every month at 10am. The films will be presented with the theatre lights on and the sound lowered.
Dipson Theatres, Inc. acknowledges the needs of social engagement and environmental factors affecting people on the autism spectrum, and hope that this family film series will create an entertainment venue for families to enjoy new releases in a presentation that will suit unique and special needs.
Admission is $8.75 per person for both children and adults. Flix will also offer a monthly raffle for attendees to win concession prizes and promotional movie gifts.
Potential guests are encouraged to sign up for the theatre’s weekly email list which will announce each month’s film. Anyone interested can go to www.dipsontheatres.com and sign up for the weekly newsletter.
Contact:
Tracy Janis, General Manager
Flix Stadium 10
tracy@dipsontheatres.com

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

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

Fantastic Friends of WNY - Bingo
2020-03-09 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | Fantastic Friends of WNY Center, 1284 French Road, Cheektowaga, New York, 14227, United States

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Au-Some Evenings Explore & More - March 13, 2020
2020-03-13 17:00 - 20:00 (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

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

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

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

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