Autism Society Western New York

Family & Caregiver Group - Virtual meeting via Zoom
2021-07-06 17:30 - 19:00 (America/New_York)
Are you a parent of a child with disabilities or 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 & other group members!
First Tuesday of the Month
5:30 pm to 7 pm
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/96127043675?pwd=QzA5Z0tRVWczQUVlTnNhVXY2OVBnUT09
Meeting ID: 961 2704 3675, Passcode: 632607

How to Protect My Child’s Future through Guardianship, Wills & Trusts via Zoom
2021-06-29 18:00 - 20:00
Event Details

Planning for the future is especially important when you have a child with a disability.
Learn how to effectively set your child up for safety and success in their future through guardianship, wills, and trusts.
Presentation & Discussion with Bruce A. Goldstein Special Counsel Kenney Shelton Liptak Nowak LLP
RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY https://parentnetworkwny.org/event/how-to-protect-my-childs-future-through-guardianship-wills-trusts-4/
email: info@parentnetworkwny.org | call: 716.332.4170

Video Chat Support Groups for Caregivers of Children, Teen and Young Adults ages 18-26
2021-06-24 19:00 - 20:00, 2021-06-10 19:00 - 20:00
Family support groups are offered through Mental Health Advocates of WNY MHA’s Child and Family Support Program and are open to parents, foster parents, grandparents or any caregiver/guardian to provide support and alleviate isolation.
Video Chat Support Groups for Caregivers of Children, Teen and Young Adults ages 18-26
Second & fourth Thursdays of the month
7:00pm-8:00pm

To sign-up:
RSVP to laney@mhawny.org, or 716-886-1242 x 313
You will receive a confirmation email with log-in information.

Mindfulness Stress Reduction 2021 Series via Zoom
2021-06-24 19:00 - 19:45
GOT STRESS? We Can Help!
This ongoing series is an opportunity for parents, caregivers, and youth with disabilities across New York State to meet virtually and learn how mindfulness can help with change and planning for the future. Join us to learn strategies and techniques to reduce stress and for a chance to connect with other youth and their families. Mindfulness is a way of paying attention to whatever is happening in our lives, both inside and out.
Mindfulness Stress Reduction Series sessions every 2 weeks from 7:00 PM – 7:45 PM
June 24
July 8, 22
August 5, 19
September 2, 16, 30
Register once and use the same link for every session!
REGISTER: https://parentnetworkwny.org/event/mindfulness-stress-reduction-series/

Webinar: Benefits and Entitlements for People with Disabilities
2021-06-24 18:00 - 19:00
Please join Lin Perry, Project Director, Family to Family Healthcare Information Center, as she presents a webinar on Benefits and Entitlements for People with Disabilities. Join Lin Perry as she unravels the web of public benefits and Medicaid waivers available to people with disabilities. This is a very complicated issue and many families don’t know where to begin so let us help you get started. The purpose of the webinar is to provide caregivers with the information about state and federal programs so they will have the knowledge to know what their loved one is eligible for. Please contact Maryalice Fegeley with any questions at Phone: 716-427-5140.
Online Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7245510462299577357

Webinar: When You Are Considering a Developmental Evaluation for Your Child: A Parent’s Perspective
2021-06-24 10:00 - 11:15
Please join Maryalice Fegeley, Regional Coordinator for Parent-2-Parent of NYS as she presents the webinar: When You Are Considering a Developmental Evaluation for Your Child: A Parent’s Perspective to Assist Your Visit. This webinar 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.
Contact Tina Beauparlant at 518-381-4350 with any questions.
Online Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3371550563784489741

Webinar: “What is Section 504?”
2021-06-23 16:00 - 17:30
Please join Trish Washburn, Education Specialist, for Parent to Parent of NYS, as she presents a webinar on What is Section 504?
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 then this training is for you!
If you have question please call, Tina Beauparlant (518) 381-4350.
Online Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6365637277775708428

The effects of aging: brain research and ASD - Webinar
2021-06-23 13:00 - 14:00
Previous studies have shown that older adults with autism traits may experience notably increased difficulty with executive function and social cognition as they age. Learn about remerging brain research on the role of the underlying neuroanatomy in seniors with ASD.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Greg Wallace, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at The George Washington University. His research focuses on neuropsychological and structural brain development in autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental disorders across the lifespan and their impacts on real-world outcomes. He is also particularly interested in eating-related behaviors and their cognitive and neural correlates in typical and atypical (e.g., autism spectrum disorder) development. Dr. Wallace has published extensively and presented his work widely on these and related topics.
Register: https://www.autism.org/effects-of-aging-brain-research-and-asd/

What Happens After Early Intervention? via Zoom
2021-06-22 18:30 - 20:30
FREE WORKSHOP

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

CTLE Credits Available
RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY https://parentnetworkwny.org/event/what-happens-after-early-intervention-2/
email: info@parentnetworkwny.org | call: 716.332.4170

Northtowns Family/Caregiver Support Group via Zoom
2021-06-21 19:00 - 20:30
Are you a parent of a child with disabilities or suspect they have a disability?
Do you want to
~ feel less overwhelmed?
~ feel a sensed of belonging?
Get the support you need from Parent Network of WNY, Empower and other group members!
NO JUDGEMENTS – NO FEES – ALL ARE WELCOME
email: info@parentnetworkwny.org | call: 716.332.4170
www.parentnetworkwny.org/events
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/99541728957?pwd=a1Q4djhNRnhKaktJblhZbC84RC8rQT09
Meeting ID: 995 4172 8957
Passcode: 075356

Webinar: Starting Over: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren with Special Needs
2021-06-21 12:00 - 13:30
Please join Dianne O’Connor, Regional Coordinator for Parent to Parent of NYS, as she presents the webinar Starting Over: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren with Special Needs. There are many reasons why a grandparent, or relative, may be 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.
Contact Maryalice Fegeley at 716-427-5140 with any questions.
Online Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5330592212465176078

The Mindfulness Self-Care Toolkit via Zoom
2021-06-19 09:30 - 11:30
FREE EVENT
Parents, Caregivers & Young Adults
The Mindfulness Self-Care Toolkit
Are you feeling exhausted from life’s day-to-day demands?
Relief is in sight!
Through this workshop, Sabrina Vogler from Heart in the Moment Mindfulness Coaching will share tools for shifting stress into a state of self-kindness and calm.
9:30 – 11 am – What is Mindfulness Self-Compassion?
11 am – We hope your youth (family member) will join to practice some simple tools.
We want you to feel comfortable!
Attendees can choose to watch & listen or interact & connect.
RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY https://parentnetworkwny.org/event/the-mindful-self-care-toolkit/
email: info@parentnetworkwny.org | call: 716.332.4170

Chautauqua County Family & Caregiver Support Group - Via Zoom
2021-06-17 18:30 - 19:30, 2021-06-03 18:30 - 19:30
Want to feel less overwhelmed? Want to feel a sense of belonging? This is the place for you.
No Judgements! No Fee! Every 1st & 3rd Thursday of the Month from 6:30-7:30PM.
Join Zoom meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82679660440?pwd=VlJsWE9OVjI0ODIwK1E0c2dCNDBMdz09
Meeting ID: 826 7966 0440
Password: 028188
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

Wednesday Wellness with the Experts Series-Anxiety and OCD in Youth: Identification and Management
2021-06-16 18:30 - 19:30
Join Mental Health Advocates of WNY for their free Wednesday Wellness with the Experts series on Wednesday, June 16th at 6:30 p.m.
This month’s topic is: Anxiety and OCD in Youth: Identification and Management
Presented by Alex Cogswell PhD.; Associate Professor, UBMD Psychiatry, Children’s Psychiatry Clinic
Click here to register. If you have any questions, please email sdziwulski@mhawny.org or call 716-886-1242 ext. 337.

Buffalo Group for Parents/Caregivers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders - via Zoom
2021-06-16 18:30 - 19:30
Practicing social distancing but still need to talk?
Do you want to
~ feel less overwhelmed?
~ feel a sense of belonging?
Get the support you need from Kathy Doody, Jana Mertz & other group members!
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/97311273663?pwd=ZDlSaWZZTnROU-UNaUTR6c3ErZ0RuQT09
Meeting ID: 973 1127 3663
Passcode: Ausome

Webinar: Preventing Parent Burnout for Parents of Children with Special Needs
2021-06-16 17:30 - 19:00
Please join Maryalice Fegeley, Regional Coordinator for Parent to Parent of NYS, as she presents the webinar 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.
Contact Tina Beauparlant at 518-381-4350 with any questions.
Online Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1218893713496145676

CCM Social Connection with Miss Ashley
2021-06-16 16:30 - 17:00 | Sweet Charlottes, 10255 Main Street, Suite 9, Clarence, 14031, United States
Join Miss Ashley, NYS certified School Psychologist, for social skills fun! Classes will include a weekly social skills lesson and fun activities to practice newly-learned skills.
For children ages 4-7 years old.
When: Wednesdays from 4:30-5:00pm
Where: Sweet Charlotte’s – 10255 Main St. Clarence NY
Wednesdays from 4:30-5:00pm at Sweet Charlottes
Cost: All 4 months (15 classes) – $70, or monthly:
April (3 sessions) – $15
May (4 sessions) – $20
June (3 sessions) – $15
Have questions? Please contact: ashleyda@buffalo.edu
Register: https://www.collaborativecommunitymission.org/event-registration

Webinar: Communicating with your CSE through Letter Writing
2021-06-16 13:00 - 14:30
Please join Trish Washburn, Education Specialist, Parent to Parent of NYS, as she presents a webinar on Communicating with your 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 question’s contact: Tina Beauparlant Phone: (518) 381-4350.
Registration Link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3575821131272516878

Mindfulness Stress Reduction 2021 Series via Zoom
2021-06-10 19:00 - 19:45
GOT STRESS? We Can Help!
This ongoing series is an opportunity for parents, caregivers, and youth with disabilities across New York State to meet virtually and learn how mindfulness can help with change and planning for the future. Join us to learn strategies and techniques to reduce stress and for a chance to connect with other youth and their families. Mindfulness is a way of paying attention to whatever is happening in our lives, both inside and out.
Mindfulness Stress Reduction Series sessions every 2 weeks from 7:00 PM – 7:45 PM
June 10, 24
July 8, 22
August 5, 19
September 2, 16, 30
Register once and use the same link for every session!
REGISTER: https://parentnetworkwny.org/event/mindfulness-stress-reduction-series/

Webinar: Health Care Notebook Overview
2021-06-09 18:00 - 19:00
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 518-381-4350 or email tbeauparlant@ptopnys.org with any questions.
Click here to register: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3983374911405797134

Playtime with Parent Network
2021-06-09 16:30 - 17:30 | Parent Network of Western New York, 1021 Broadway, Buffalo, NY, 14212, United States
Join us for our first Playtime with Parent Network event on Wednesday, June 9 from 4:30-5:30pm!
The Collaborative Community Mission will be joining us and providing kid friendly activities such as a sensory table with water beads, bean bin and more as well as an obstacle course!
Parent Network Staff will also be there providing information on programs, services and upcoming events!
This event is held as part of the Summer on Superstreet series and will be located at 1021 Broadway St. Buffalo, NY 14212 on the greenspace at the corner of Clark and Kent St. (Superman Corner)
Playtime with Parent Network is a FREE event that will be held on multiple Wednesday evenings throughout the summer in collaboration with other community organizations.
For more information on this and other events visit the Superstreet Event calendar by clicking the link below!
https://eastsidesuperstreet.wixsite.com/1021/calendar
Playtime with Parent Network

Transitioning from Preschool to Kindergarten Special Education via Zoom
2021-06-09 16:00 - 17:00
FREE WORKSHOP
You will learn about working together with your school district during the transition from the Committee on Preschool Education (CPSE) to Committee on Preschool Special Education (CSE).
We will cover topics such as the transition process, timeline and commonly used terms.
RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY https://parentnetworkwny.org/event/transitioning-from-preschool-to-kindergarten-special-education/
email: info@parentnetworkwny.org | call: 716.332.4170

Webinar: Education Records Organizer
2021-06-09 11:00 - 12:15
Please join Trish Washburn, Regional Coordinator 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 at 518-381-4350.
Webinar registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7941239635945897487

Is Guardianship the only Option? An overview of Guardianship and the Many Alternatives - Webinar
2021-06-08 18:30 - 20:00
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.
Contact Tina Beauparlant for more details (518) 381-4350 or tbeauparlant@ptopnys.org
Register: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6379900140795990796

Northtowns Family/Caregiver Support Group via Zoom
2021-06-07 19:00 - 20:30
Are you a parent of a child with disabilities or suspect they have a disability?
Do you want to
~ feel less overwhelmed?
~ feel a sensed of belonging?
Get the support you need from Parent Network of WNY, Empower and other group members!
NO JUDGEMENTS – NO FEES – ALL ARE WELCOME
email: info@parentnetworkwny.org | call: 716.332.4170
www.parentnetworkwny.org/events
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/99541728957?pwd=a1Q4djhNRnhKaktJblhZbC84RC8rQT09
Meeting ID: 995 4172 8957
Passcode: 075356
Upcoming Meeting Dates: June 21
Time: 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

A Family’s Guide to Student-Led IEPs via Zoom
2021-06-03 15:00 - 17:00
Get your child involved in planning for his/her future!
Students who participate in their own Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meetings often know more about their own disability, rights, goals, and accommodations. Through this participation, students have the opportunity to practice many skills that will help facilitate their independence, their ability to overcome obstacles and lead more self-determined lives.
REGISTER: https://parentnetworkwny.org/event/a-familys-guide-to-student-led-ieps-2/
email: info@parentnetworkwny.org | call: 716.332.4170

CCM Independence Connection
2021-06-02 18:00 - 19:00 | The Autism Resource Center, 97 Main St., Hamburg, NY, 14075, United States
CCM Independence Connection with Miss Brittaney, OT.

Weekly classes for adolescents who could benefit from life skills training to support independence. Several topics will be covered over the course of the school year, including grocery shopping and cooking, cleaning, organizing and time management, self-care, job skills, money management, and relationship skills.
**If a student requires hands on support during any part of the program an adult is required to stay during the duration of the class.**
**Please note: Additional fees may apply throughout the semester. An invoice will be emailed a week prior to the class and payment must be received prior to class**
For more information, email: collabcomm.mission@gmail.com
Register at https://www.collaborativecommunitymission.org/event-registration
**Please note that classes will take place at The Autism Resource Center at 97. Main Street, in Hamburg NY or Virtual via Zoom.**

April 14, 2021- June 16, 2021 at 6:00 PM
Cost: $50 for 10 week session

Webinar: A Guide for Families to Understanding Supports & Services Administered by OPWDD
2021-06-02 17:30 - 19:00
Please join Dianne O’Connor, Regional Coordinator for Parent to Parent of NYS, as she presents the webinar 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.
Contact Tina Beauparlant at 516-381-4350 with any questions.
Online Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2960698252726528268
