Autism Society Western New York

FAMILY & CAREGIVER GROUP for Parents of Children with Developmental Disabilities
2020-06-05 13:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York)
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

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.

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

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: 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

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

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/

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

Webinar: NYS Autism Insurance Reform
2020-05-28 12:00 - 13:00
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

Do It Yourself (DIY) ~ Sensory Fun!
2020-05-28 08:30 - 10:00
Presentation & Discussion with Debbie Schutt, MS!
Learn how to use or repurpose basic household supplies to create items that will help address the sensory needs of your child.
Demonstrations will include DIY items for all of your senses – sight, sound, touch, movement, pressure, and more!
Examples of household items used include papertowel/toilet paper tubes, empty plastic bottles, pasta, rice, rubber bands, laundry basket, empty boxes, aluminum foil, cotton balls, and so much more.
You are invited to a Zoom meeting.
Register in advance for this meeting: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/ tJIkf-yrqTsoE9eydxfzzSugJGzuJYXWD4c_
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
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.

Webinar: When You Are Considering a Developmental Evaluation for Your Child: A Parent’s Perspective
2020-05-27 17:00 - 18:15
Please join Sharon Marrella, 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.
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1057442519034741773
If you have questions contact: Tina Beauparlant at (518) 381-4350.

Let’s Talk: Early Childhood & Behavior
2020-05-26 19:00 - 20:00
Presentation & Discussion with Katie Junevic & Megan King !
This Talk will:
• Focus on Early Childhood
• Describe how children use behavior as communication
• Include practical strategies, including supporting basic sensory needs, from a parent perspective
• Includes time for a Q & A
You are invited to a Zoom meeting
Register in advance for this meeting: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwvfuihpzojHtYcfiOKk3zX0C841OUKZhKr
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
ABOUT THE HOSTS
Katie Junevic is an Early Childhood Professional Development Specialist with Parent Network of WNY. She has been working in the Special Education field for over 10 years and is the mother to an amazing 8 year old son.
Megan King is a parent, and advocate for her 2 boys, ages 9 and 5. She has been working in education for over 18 years. Megan has extensive experience working with, and on behalf of, students with disabilities for more than 16 years.

Family Fun Hour - Pictionary
2020-05-22 17:00 - 18:00
Join us for Family Fun Hour on May 22nd for a game of online Pictionary.
Bring your own pencil and paper or use the built in drawing feature in Zoom.
Pictionary is fun for all ages!
Come back every Friday for more fun!
You are invited to a Zoom meeting
Register in advance for this meeting: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAsd-mhqzkjE9dh8yRNgwJCsGSkctEm2mQo
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
ABOUT THE HOST
Debbie Schutt, MS is Parent Network’s 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

FAMILY & CAREGIVER GROUP for Parents of Children with Developmental Disabilities
2020-05-22 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 22, 2020
Friday , May 29, 2020
Friday, June 5, 2020
TIME:
1:00 –2:30 PM

School is Closed: Talking to your kids! - Zoom Meeting
2020-05-21 08:30 - 10:00
School is closed until the end of the academic year and it is not yet known when school will reopen.
Join Parent Network for a discussion about how to talk to your child(ren) about school being closed. We will also discuss how to help your child identify and manage their feelings related to school being closed.
Participants will receive a FREE downloadable social skills story, emotion identification cards, and coping skills cards to use with their child(ren).
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. Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/meeting/ register/ tJctd-CurT8jE9RNK1y jg4CGt4A9ox5Wwn6N
Meeting ID: 930 0963 4990 Password: [REDACTED]
Dial by your location +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)

Charla con Nosotros! ¡Únase a nosotros para obtener respuestas a sus preguntas e inquietudes!
2020-05-20 19:00 - 20:30
Responderemos sus preguntas sobre…
• Transiciones
• Educación Especial y Discapacidades
• Manejo de tiempo en el Hogar
• Trabajo Escolar
• Comportamiento
• Tecnología
• Recursos en Buffalo
• ¡Y cualquier otro tema que quieras discutir!
Sesiones Semanales de Charla Con Lizarelis Ali!
Lizarelis Ali es especialista en apoyo familiar en Parent Network of WNY. Ella ha estado trabajando con las familias en la ciudad de Buffalo por más de 20 años. Su esperiencia es en apoyar y guiar a las familias en las comunidades que tienen hijos con autismo, ADHD y problemas de aprendizaje.
Únase a mi reunión desde su computadora, tableta o teléfono inteligente: https://global.gotomeeting.com/ join/673979189
También puede marcar usando su teléfono. United States: +1 (646) 749-3112 Access Code: 673-979-189
¿Nuevo a Go To Meeting? Descargue la aplicación y esté listo cuando comience su reunión. https://global.gotomeeting.com/ install/673979189

Free Webinar! Special Education During the COVID-19 Quarantine
2020-05-19 19:00 - 20:30
Parents have so many questions about their child’s special education rights and needs in this time of quarantine.
Join Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge and four special ed attorneys – Pete Wright, Piper Paul, Wayne Steedman, and Jack Robinson – who will teach us what the laws are and how you can help your child RIGHT NOW.
Pete Wright and these amazing attorneys will answer:
?What is the federal law during the COVID-19 quarantine?
?What is compensatory education?
?How can parents advocate for their child right now?
?Need for data points: The how and why of evaluations and collecting data.
Register Now! This FREE Webinar Will Fill Up! https://drroseann.com/special-education-during-a-pandemic/

Let’s Talk: Time Out - webinar
2020-05-19 19:00 - 20:30
This talk will ….
• Describe how to implement time out for not following instructions and breaking house rules.
• Include time for a Q & A session
About Your Host: Dr. Marcus Thomeer is Co-Director of the Institute for Autism Research (IAR) and an Assistant Professor at Canisius College. Prior to his work at Canisius, Dr. Thomeer was the Director of Research and Program Evaluation at Summit Educational Resources in Buffalo, New York. He has extensive experience in developing, implementing, and evaluating psychosocial interventions for autism spectrum disorders.
Join from your computer, tablet or smartphone: https://global.gotomeeting.com/ join/797721877
You can also dial in using your phone. United States: +1 (312) 757-3121 Access Code: 797-721-877
New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts. https://tinyurl.com/yckggnbu

Family & Caregiver Group-DDAWNY for Parents of Children with Developmental Disabilities
2020-05-19 17:30 - 18:45 | Aspire Building, 7 Community Drive, Cheektowaga, NY, 14225, United States
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.
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.

Family & Caregiver Niagara Autism Group
2020-05-18 19:00 - 20:30
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.
MAY 2020
Practicing Social Distancing but still need to talk? We will be meeting via conference call! Call: 716-332-4112 Password is 1234#.
RSVP TO ATTEND: www.parentnetworkwny.org or (716) 332-4170 or info@parentnetworkwny.org
FREE TO ATTEND – ALL ARE WELCOME BUT RESERVATIONS ARE APPRECIATED.

Chautauqua County Family & Caregiver Support Group
2020-05-16 14:00 - 15:00
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.
Saturday, May 16, 2020
Saturday, May 30, 2020
TIME:
2:00 –3:00 PM
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8267966044 0?pwd=[REDACTED] DBMdz09
Meeting ID: 826 7966 0440
Password: [REDACTED]
One tap mobile
+19292056099,,82679660440#,,1#,0281 88# US (New York)

Family Fun Hour - Pastasaurus
2020-05-15 18:00 - 19:00
Join our Family Fun Hour with Debbie Schutt, MS to make a dinosaur skeleton out of pasta – also known as a “pastasaurus”. You can select and print a dinosaur skeleton template here: https://drive.google.com/ open?id=1HghRn46tYapLSwMNt0KiUu_ sDmwy0Ghc or find your own. You will need to have your own uncooked pasta (a variety of shapes and sizes is best) and glue.
Come back every Friday for more fun!
You are invited to a Zoom meeting. Register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwvdOiuqTsuHtyM-5o1cEA3JJ1BCyYFoJQi
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
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.

Family & Caregiver Group for Parents of Children with Developmental Disabilities
2020-05-15 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
If you have any questions contact us at : (716) 332-4170 or info@parentnetworkwny.org.

Family & Caregiver Group for Parents with Teenagers with Autism Spectrum Disorders
2020-05-14 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.

Free Cooking Class: How to Cook Veggie Burgers
2020-05-14 16:00 - 17:00
Presented by Accessible Academics
Free cooking class on how to make a black bean veggie burger. Follow along with Allison and ask questions in real time.
About this Event
Enjoy this free cooking class to learn how to make a black bean veggie burger! You will receive a copy of the recipe and Zoom link in your email after you register. Ask our Coach Allison Lakomski questions live as you follow along with the recipe.
To register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-cooking-class-how-to-cook-veggie-burgers-tickets-103279507788
