Autism Society Western New York

Webinar: NYS Autism Insurance Reform
2020-05-28 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Parent to Parent of NYS presents the webinar: NYS Autism Insurance Reform presented by Lin Perry, Project Director for Family to Family Healthcare Information Center. Autism Insurance Reform legislation became effective in 2013, however aspects of the bill, related to Applied Behavioral Analysis, are still being worked on within the NYS government. This webinar will address the overall legislation, who it assists, and how, and will also give an update on the current status of the ABA portion of the legislation.
Contact Tina Beauparlant at 518-381-4350 with any questions.
Register https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2335430170953104130

FAMILY & CAREGIVER GROUP for Parents of Children with Developmental Disabilities
2020-05-29 13:00 - 14:30
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.
WILL BE USING GO-TO MEETING:
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://global.gotomeeting.com/ join/805112789
You can also dial in using your phone. United States: +1 (312) 757-3121
Access Code: 805-112-789
New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/805112789
Funding for this program is provided by a Family Support Services grant from the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities. If you have any questions contact: (716) 332-4170 or info@parentnetworkwny.org
DATES
Friday , May 29, 2020
Friday, June 5, 2020
TIME:
1:00 –2:30 PM

Family & Caregiver - Niagara Autism Group
2020-06-01 18:30 - 20:30 | 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.

Let’s Talk: Mindfulness
2020-06-01 19:00 - 20:00
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?
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. 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 in advance for this meeting: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAodOyvrT4uE9akFWUx26rQykdidNNKYQpt
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Webinar: Health Care Notebook Overview
2020-06-02 18:00 - 19:00
lease 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 518-381-4350 with any questions.
Register:https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1895615624544879105

Finding the Best Graduation Option for Students with Disabilities LIVE Webinar
2020-06-02 18:00 - 20:00
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.
Recommended Audience
Families of middle or high school students with disabilities.
To register online please go to: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/588971402285406735

Let’s Talk: Meltdown Management
2020-06-03 08:30 - 10:00
During this discussion we will talk about the difference between tantrums and meltdowns. We will discuss strategies that can be used to help prevent meltdowns and interventions that can be used. We will also discuss recovering after
a meltdown and how to create a “meltdown management plan” so that you are prepared to manage a meltdown next time it occurs. A “meltdown plan” template will be shared with participants.
Presentation & Discussion with Debbie Schutt, MS!
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/tJwudumpqjkrGdCzucQXfEyuXi9hechJtpRz
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Technology Overuse and Autism Spectrum Disorders - Webinar
2020-06-03 13:00 - 14:00
As screen time is so alluring, parents need to take concrete steps to create limits and structure. Learn strategies for managing screen time access for young people with ASD and their neurotypical peers.
About the speaker:
Ben Wahl, MSW, manages strategic initiatives for Aspiring Youth in Seattle, Washington. He has worked with children, adolescents and young adults for more than 20 years in a variety of roles and is a cofounder of QRKON, a a unique gaming and media convention for the neurodiverse community. Ben founded Aspiring Youth, which serves children, teens and young adults with autism, ADHD, learning disabilities and similar traits, in 2005, followed by the Delphi Young Adults Program in 2013.
Register for Technology Overuse and Autism Spectrum Disorders: https://www.autism.org/technology-overuse/

Webinar: Education Records Organizer
2020-06-03 17:00 - 18:00
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.
Register: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2802411450606659841

Webinar: Loss, Grief, and Adjustment for Parents of Children with Special Needs
2020-06-04 12:00 - 13:00
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.
Register: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/4663249119359203330

Let’s Talk: Emotional Regulation
2020-06-04 16:00 - 17:00
This talk will describe how stress affects a child’s ability to emotionally regulate and what you can do to help.
Presentation & Discussion with Cherie Wilkolaski !
ABOUT THE HOST
Cherie Wilkolaski is a special educator, professional development specialist and school administrator with 37 years of experience. She has expertise in serving students with severe emotional disabilities, severe multiple disabilities, and autism. Cherie provides coaching and assistance to teachers who wish to improve their practice by supporting their use of strategies for social emotional learning, behavior and classroom management, trauma informed care, restorative practices and specially designed instruction.
You are invited to a Zoom meeting. Register in advance for this meeting: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMvcyqqzojE9Z1pdPs1uHAEUrM4r2QcmUT
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Webinar: Education for Empowerment: School and Teens in Healthcare Transition
2020-06-04 18:00 - 19:00
Parent to Parent of NYS presents the webinar: Education for Empowerment: School and Teens in Healthcare Transition presented by Lin Perry, Project Director for Family to Family Healthcare Information Center. As our youth with ID/DD or special healthcare needs transition from pediatric to adult healthcare systems, self-advocates and parents alike need to understand the importance of transitioning their healthcare effectively. While many people engage in transition planning for their education to adult systems, sadly healthcare, isn’t often included in those plans. And yet, good health is the most fundamental and foundational aspect of any person’s success.
In this webinar participants will learn what research says, what issues to consider, the importance of transitioning healthcare and some effective means to begin a plan to transition for the caregiver/parent or for the child. The focus is on being a good parent partner with health professionals, and using some tools to begin the conversations and plan for and insure success.
Contact Tina Beauparlant at 518-381-4350 with any questions.
Register: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5086334596369523202

Williamsville Virtual Agency Fair
2020-06-04 18:30 - 19:30
Did you know community agencies can provide a variety of services and supports for individuals with OPWDD (Office for People with Developmental Disabilities) eligibility? Come and join us to hear a brief overview of OPWDD and then from the agency providers. The agencies will share the programs and supports they can provide your young adult as they move into the adult world. Once you know your options will be able to make the best informed decision with your
young adult on planning for the future.
Presentation & Discussion with Tonia Weichmann & Other Agency Providers!
ABOUT THE HOST
Tonia Weichmann is the Transition Coordinator at Parent Network of Western New York. She has over 20 years experience working with young adults with disabilities, their families, and professionals. Her personal mission is to ensure that all young adults have the skills, knowledge, and support to achieve their life goals. Life is full of opportunity and knowing where to find the resources and supports that are needed is one of the most important steps.
You are invited to a Zoom meeting. Register in advance for this meeting: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0uce2oqj8tGtCkugQcr8lLAcoLhFsGq5U8
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

FAMILY & CAREGIVER GROUP for Parents of Children with Developmental Disabilities
2020-06-05 13:00 - 14:30
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.
WILL BE USING GO-TO MEETING:
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://global.gotomeeting.com/ join/805112789
You can also dial in using your phone. United States: +1 (312) 757-3121
Access Code: 805-112-789
New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/805112789
Funding for this program is provided by a Family Support Services grant from the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities. If you have any questions contact: (716) 332-4170 or info@parentnetworkwny.org

FAMILY & CAREGIVER GROUP for Parents of Children with Developmental Disabilities
2020-06-05 13:00 - 14:30
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.
WILL BE USING GO-TO MEETING: Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone: https://global.gotomeeting.com/ join/805112789
New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/805191278
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (312) 757-3121
Access Code: 805-112-789

Family Fun Hour - Zoom Zoom
2020-06-05 17:00 - 18:00
Zoom Zoom is the game of EXTREME close-ups.
During this Family Fun Hour, our host will zoom in on a variety of familiar images, animals, and objects while the participants have try to guess what it is they are looking at.
Not sure what you are seeing? The picture will slowly zoom out while the participants guess. Eventually, the picture is back to its “normal” and identifiable size. It sounds easy, right? Can you guess what the picture is?
Come back every Friday for more fun!
Family Fun Hour with Debbie Schutt, MS!
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/ tJUkcOyprTsrG9Py2LwbhyWili7Hvvh-tImt
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Family & Caregiver Group for Parents of Children with Developmental Disabilities
2020-06-06 10:00 - 12:00 | Prevention Works Office, 501 W. 3rd Street (Suites 3&4), Jamestown, NY, 14701, United States
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.

RSVP TO ATTEND
www.parentnetworkwny.org or (716) 332-4170 or info@parentnetworkwny.org

If you are interested in attending but have transportation or other barriers that would limit your participation, please let us know.

Child Care is available. In order to provide for your child’s individual needs reservations for childcare are required by the Monday prior to the meeting. Registration forms are required for all new children and are available at www.parentnetworkwny.org or call (716) 332-4175.

Webinar: Health Care Notebook overview
2020-06-09 18:00 - 19:00
Please join Sharon Marrella, Regional Coordinator as she presents a webinar on the Health Care Notebook.Participants will learn how a HCN 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.
Register: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/4783420244950611469
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
If you have questions contact: Tina Beauparlant at (518) 381-4350.

Speak Up! Skills for Effective Advocacy & How to Prepare for Meetings LIVE Webinar
2020-06-09 18:00 - 20:00
This workshop is for parents, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities who participate in various meetings with professionals throughout a school year. Learn tips on how to be prepared and organized for all meetings, both virtual and in person when school resumes. You will learn how to be a powerful advocate (someone who speaks up).
To register online please go to: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/6870768304303727887

Transition to Adulthood - Webinar
2020-06-10 13:00 - 14:00
Tune in to hear Stephen Shore, Ed.D. share insights about growing up with autism, navigating school, and finding his role in education and advocacy.
About the speaker:
A professor of special education at Adelphi University, Dr. Shore was diagnosed with autism in early childhood. He recounted how his parents encouraged his strong interests and engaged in helping to teach him communication skills, both of which ultimately led him to success in school and job opportunities. His love of bicycles and strengths in disassembling and rebuilding things led him to become a bicycle mechanic as an older teen and in college. Later, his gift for music and also helping others advocate for their educational and employment needs led him to study music and develop curricula that builds on student strengths.
In addition to his teaching and advocacy roles, Dr. Shore is a member of the Autism Speaks board as well as its Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee.
Register for Transition to Adulthood: https://www.autism.org/transition-to-adulthood/

Let’s Talk: I’m working from home!
2020-06-11 08:30 - 10:00
Tips and strategies for parents to help manage space, time, and behaviors while working (and schooling) at home.
Participants will receive a Social Skills Story to use with their kids.
Presentation & Discussion with Debbie Schutt, MS!
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/tJYkceyvrjIjHt3bd4EoKZSSFfXGfKWT3bHi
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Webinar: A Guide for Families to Understanding Supports & Services Administered by OPWDD
2020-06-11 17:15 - 18:45
Please join Sharon Marrella, 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 Medicaid Service Coordination (MSC), Home and Community Based Services Waiver, and Family Support Services.
Contact Tina Beauparlant at 518-381-4350 with any questions.
Register: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/8351670826249557251

Family & Caregiver Group for Parents with Teenagers with Autism Spectrum Disorders
2020-06-11 18:00 - 19:30 | 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.

FAMILY & CAREGIVER GROUP for Parents of Children with Developmental Disabilities
2020-06-12 13:00 - 14:30
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.
WILL BE USING GO-TO MEETING: Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone: https://global.gotomeeting.com/ join/805112789
New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/805112789
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (312) 757-3121
Access Code: 805-112-789

Family Fun Hour - Spaghetti O’s
2020-06-12 17:00 - 18:00
Participants will need uncooked spaghetti noodle and Cheerios (or other O shaped cereal).
During this family fun hour participants will challenge one another in the game of Spaghetti O’s.
The objective of the game is to see who can get the most O’s on their spaghetti noodle! The twist? You can’t use your hands!
Come back every Friday!
Family Fun Hour with Debbie Schutt, MS!
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/tJIvdOqppzkjEtfQ0MJGfzz3O7g8vIomCF3_
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Family & Caregiver Niagara Autism Group
2020-06-15 19:00 - 21:00
PURPOSE: Provide 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 conference call!
Call – 716/332-4112 – pw is 1234#

Family & Caregiver Group-DDAWNY for Parents of Children with Developmental Disabilities
2020-06-16 17:30 - 18:45 | 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.

Screen Time: Setting and Enforcing Limits
2020-06-17 08:30 - 10:00
Learn tips and strategies to help enforce limits and expectations related to screen time.
Participants will receive a Social Skills Story to use with their kids.
Presentation & Discussion with Debbie Schutt, MS!
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/tJ0kcuyorzkrGtNp60_5ofiRwx2SYC3M1I2Z
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Parent Group for Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
2020-06-17 18:30 - 20:00 | Aspire Building, 7 Community Drive, Cheektowaga, NY, 14225, United States
Provides a welcoming environment for parents and other caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorders to meet, share experiences, ask questions and receive support.

*Light refreshments will be served.
MODERATED BY:
Kathy Ralabate Doody, PhD – Parent of child with autism, Instructor, Exceptional Education at Buffalo State
Jana Mertz, MBA – Program Coordinator, The Children’s Guild Foundation Autism Center Oishei Children’s Hospital of Buffalo
RSVP TO ATTEND. Please call (716) 323-6435 or e-mail: jmertz@kaleidahealth.org. Please sign up online so we will have enough materials available:https://tinyurl.com/2020ausomeparents
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.

Webinar: Preventing Parent Burnout for Parents of Children with Special Needs
2020-06-18 18:00 - 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.
Register: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/3809276030207103491
