Is Guardianship the Only Option? An overview of Guardianship and the Many Alternatives
2024-04-18 11:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Come join Michele Juda, Ex. Director Parent to Parent of NYS, Tina Beauparlant, Regional Manager / Education Specialist as we explore: Is Guardianship the Only Option? An overview of Guardianship and the Many Alternatives.
Let’s face it nothing keeps parents up at night more than thinking about who will care for our child/children when we are no longer able to care for them. This workshop will increase the knowledge of families of individuals with disabilities about the options besides legal guardianship for adults with disabilities. If your adult child does not need full guardianship, there are other options that we will explore in this presentation. We will also discuss guardianship and the legal requirements.
Register here.

Parent to Parent of NYS- Statewide-Virtual Fathers Group
2024-04-22 19:00 - 20:00, 2024-05-13 19:00 - 20:00
Parent to Parent of NYS Fathers Group to meet online via Zoom and discuss the role of dads in navigating their children’s special needs. Come join Bing Feng for an informal meeting to share information, resources, and support. Parents of children and adults are welcome.
Register here.

What You Need to Know About Assistive Technology in the IEP - via Zoom
2024-04-23 18:30 - 20:00
Please join Tina Beauparlant, Regional Manager / Education Specialist, Parent to Parent of NYS for this presentation on What You Need to Know About Assistive Technology in the IEP. This training will teach parents, grandparents, guardians about appropriate Assistive Technology (AT) devices and services, how they allow students with disabilities to participate in and benefit from the general education curriculum, and to meet Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals. For every student with an IEP, federal and state regulations require that the team consider the student’s need for assistive technology devices and services.
REGISTER HERE.

White Matter Development and Language in Autism - webinar
2024-04-24 13:00 - 14:15
Learn about emerging research on white matter development and language abilities during infancy in autism.
The speaker:

Tyler McFayden, PhD, is a NICHD T32 Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Prior to her T32 position, she received her bachelor’s in science from Davidson College and PhD in Developmental and Clinical Psychology from Virginia Tech. She completed her APA-accredited internship at UNC’s Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities. Dr. McFayden currently works with Dr. Clare Harrop (Health Sciences) and Dr. Mike O’Shea (Pediatrics), researching social communication profiles of autistic youth and sex differences in neurodevelopmental trajectories. Dr. McFayden also works closely with Dr. Jessica Girault, PhD, a member of the IBIS group at UNC, studying neuro-behavior relations in high-likelihood infant samples. The April presentation will feature results and discussions from their recent paper highlighting a novel white matter-language connection in the right arcuate fasciculus in infants who later are diagnosed with autism at 24 months.
Register here.

Preventing Parent Burnout for Parents of Children with Special Needs via Zoom
2024-04-24 19:00 - 20:00
Preventing Parent Burnout for Parents of Children with Special Needs. Extraordinary parenting responsibilities create extraordinary pressures on parents. At the same time, parenting a child with special needs requires energy, focus, and enthusiasm to be effective in our role. The better off we are emotionally and physically, the better off our families will be. Join us for this webinar on Preventing Parent Burnout and discover positive ways to cope with and effectively manage stress.
REGISTER HERE.

Statewide- Virtual Special Education Parent Chat Group
2024-04-25 18:30 - 20:00
Come join Parent to Parent NYS for their Special Education chat group. As a parent’s of children with special needs, we know firsthand how hard it is to advocate for our children in school. Sometimes we feel helpless, exhausted, and lonely and let’s face it advocating for our kids is complicated! If you’re a parent, grandparent, caregiver of a child with special needs, and struggling with special education school related issues. Come join for an opportunity to share what’s happening while engaging in great conversation, sharing your knowledge, ideas and resources with other parents in the community who are dealing with the same issues. All from the comfort of your own home.
REGISTER HERE.

Supporting Your Child In Work-Based Learning (WBL) Experiences via Zoom
2024-04-29 18:00 - 19:30
Work-Based Learning (WBL) experiences are a way for students to develop skills and knowledge in the world of work.
Join us and gain foundational information of WBL, program options, who are the partners in WBL, and increase career awareness in home and community
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER HERE! FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
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Self Directed Budgets… What Do We Do With Those?! via Zoom
2024-05-01 18:30 - 20:00
Have you been wondering about Self-Directed Services?
Come learn the basics of self-directed services that are an option for families with OPWDD. This will include a discussion about what types of supports and services can be included in a self-direction budget.
Presenter: Bonnie Doyle
Bonnie Doyle has worked with Parent Network since 2021 as a Family Support Specialist; she is passionate about supporting families to secure all the benefits and services to help them reach their goals. In 2022 Bonnie became in independent broker for individuals who want to self-direct their OPWDD services. Bonnie is a NYS credentialed Peer Support Specialist as well as a NYS credentialed Family Peer Advocate; she is also the parent of a child with multiple diagnoses including ADHD and anxiety.
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER HERE! FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

Abuse prevention for people with disabilities.
2024-05-01 19:00 - 20:30
Parent to Parent of NYS is offering a special presentation: Individuals with disabilities experience violence and abuse at an alarmingly high rate. The NYS Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV) and NYS Council on Developmental Disabilities (CDD) invite you to join a conversation about abuse prevention for people with disabilities.
This webinar will offer the opportunity for an open discussion about barriers to accessing services and to identify training/resource needs for all.
Register here.

Traveling with Your Special Needs Child/Adult
2024-05-02 11:00 - 12:30
Come join Parent to Parent NYS for this NEW Presentation on Traveling with Your Special Needs Child/Adult. Have you dreamed of going on a vacation with your child or adult with special needs? Does your child express a desire to go visit grandparents or a friend? Does he/she want to go on a field trip? Are theme parks or cruises a wish? Does the thought of even planning a trip make you nervous? Whether it’s a day trip or a long vacation, get tips and tricks for planning and implementing a trip with your family member with special needs. Learn how a trip can benefit all of your family members.
Register here.

Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) What You Need to Know - webinar
2024-05-02 18:30 - 19:45
Come join Namita Modasra, Education Advocate, Parent to Parent of NYS, for this wonderful presentation and learn what the laws says about LRE. Have you heard of the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)? Many parents are unaware of what it means. (LRE) stands for Least Restrictive Environment and is part of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It refers to the placement that your child is in. Least restrictive environment is an important part of your child’s IEP.
REGISTER HERE.

Charla Con Nosotros Grupo De Apoyo via Zoom
2024-05-02 18:30 - 20:00
¿Eres padre de un niño/a que tieneuna discapacidad o sospechas quetengan una discapacidad?
DISCUCIONES YPERSPECTIVAS
OBTEN APOYO
Consigue información práctica,constructiva, y útil.
CONECTA CON OTROS
Consigue información práctica,constructiva, y útil.
Aprende mas sobre como manejar con susproblemas a través de experienciascompartidas.
EXPRESATE
Tén un espacio seguro para compartirsus experiencias y dificultades.

Primer Jueves de cada mes. 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

REGISTRACIÓN
www.parentnetworkwny.org/events
Mas Información
716.332.4170 o
info@parentnetworkwny.org
Registración es necesaria para recibirel enlace de Zoom.
Flyer

Special Education 101: A Parent Member
2024-05-03 15:00 - 16:00
Learn about the Special Education Process and the Individualized Education Program!

Gain understanding about procedures, NYS regulations, and strategies to promote a parent’s understanding and participation in an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting.
This course is required to receive a Parent Member Certificate to support a parent of a child with a disability in an IEP meeting.

*Please note that this is a 2-part training! Part 1 must be completed online in order to receive the zoom link for this session.
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER HERE! FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

GO, DOG. GO! - A Sensory-Friendly Performance at Theatre of Youth
2024-05-05 10:00 - 11:10 | Theatre of Youth, Buffalo, New York
GO, DOG. GO! – P.D. Eastman’s classic children’s book comes to life on stage in an exploration of movement, color and space. The dogs delve into life with gusto, creating a visual spectacle for the audience to feast upon. A big and little musical world of doggy fun. Like a pop-up book that comes to life – and never stops.
Theatre of Youth (TOY) welcomes you to enjoy a performance in a sensory-friendly environment. Your children can sit where they are most comfortable and move around as they need, all while enjoying the magic of live theatre. These tickets are made available for children and families who desire a sensory-friendly environment.
This performance incorporates special modifications to accommodate audiences with sensory needs, including, changes to the performance:
?Increased lighting in the seating area and house throughout the performance.
?Lower sound levels.
?Lowered seating capacities to allow for more space and movement between patrons.
*Dates and titles subject to change.
Ticket Code to Order: SENSORY23
SENSORY-FRIENDLY PERFORMANCE on Sunday, May 5 at 10AM
Purchase tickets here.

What Does Advocacy Mean in Special Education - webinar
2024-05-07 18:00 - 19:15
Please join Namita Modasra for this training on What Does Advocacy Mean in Special Education. Not everyone starts out by being a good advocate. Many parents, guardians and grandparents have faced challenges in getting their child’s education needs met. Parents, guardians, grandparents, must learn the skills they need to become good advocates for their children. Participants will learn that communicate effectively with teachers and other school personnel is one of the best ways to ensure that your child’s school is creating a good learning environment for your child, and to ensure that your child’s school is providing your child with the services or programs that he or she needs to succeed in school. If you are a Parent, Grandparent, Family Member or just interested in this topic then this training is for you!
REGISTER HERE!

Education Records Organizer via Zoom
2024-05-08 10:00 - 11:00
This workshop is where parents, guardians and advocates of children who receive 504, CPSE and CSE special education services take their educational records and organize them into a record-keeping binder. This workshop will assist in being more organized in planning a child’s education, and in the CPSE/CSE process.
REGISTER HERE.

Motor Skills and Executive Function in Autism - webinar
2024-05-08 13:00 - 14:15
Learn about emerging research on the relationship between the development of motor skills and executive function in autistic children.
The Speakers
Megan MacDonald, PhD is a professor of kinesiology, the early childhood research core director at the Hallie E. Ford Center for Children and Families and the OSU IMPACT for Life faculty scholar – all housed within the College of Health and. Her vision is that every child is active and accepted.
Megan McClelland, PhD, is the Katherine E. Smith Professor of Healthy Children and Families at Oregon State University (OSU) where she serves as Endowed Director at the Hallie E. Ford Center for Healthy Children and Families. Her research focuses on optimizing children’s development, especially as it relates to children’s self-regulation, early learning, and school success. Her recent work has examined links between self-regulation and long-term outcomes from early childhood to adulthood, recent advances in measuring self-regulation, and intervention efforts to improve these skills in young children. She works with colleagues and collaborators around the world and is currently involved with a number of national and international projects to develop measures of self-regulation and improve school success in young children.
Register here.

CANCELED - Effective And Collaborative Implementation Of Family Engagement Resources - via Zoom
2024-05-08 16:00 - 17:30
Participants will:

Explore meaningful and equitable training resources/tools to support effective family engagement and communication.
Explore the use of critical thinking skills to deepen connection and understanding of the resources to support equitable family engagement.

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

Know Your Rights: School Discipline and Special Education
2024-05-08 18:00 - 19:00 | Parent Network of Western New York, 1021 Broadway Street, Floor 4, Room 442, Buffalo, NY, 14212, United States
Know Your Rights: School Discipline and Special Education
Do you have a child with an IEP or 504 Plan?
School Discipline Project Supervising Attorney Sam White will discuss the protections for children with disabilities during school disciplinary matters!
In-Person Workshop or Attend Via Zoom
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER HERE! FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

Specially Designed Instruction: A Guide For Families And Caregivers - via Zoom
2024-05-09 10:00 - 12:00
Participants will:

Understand the concepts of SDI
Understand that there is both federal and state regulations around SDI
Be able to examine what SDI might look like in the classroom and in the home
Understand their value as engaged meaningful parent

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

Addressing Sleep Challenges for the Neurodivergent Child via Zoom
2024-05-09 15:00 - 16:00
Join Parent Network and Dr Amanda Hassinger for an informational workshop on addressing sleep issues in neurodivergent children. This could include those with diagnoses or suspected: ADHD, Autism, Anxiety, Dyslexia, and more. While this workshop is specific to these needs, good sleep patterns can be disrupted in children for many different reasons, and this workshop may help support any family that has a child with significant sleep disturbances.
Presenter: After working a decade in pediatric critical care, Dr Hassinger went back into training and completed a Sleep Medicine Fellowship. She worked with UBMD Pediatrics to develop the only pediatric-dedicated Sleep Medicine Center in WNY which opened in 2020, which provides both inpatient and outpatient pediatric sleep medicine consultations on a variety of children’s sleep problems. The Center sees patients 0 to 25 years old and has begun partnerships with community providers for neuro-diverse children; developing a multi-faceted program to improve the sleep and CPAP use in children with special needs in WNY.
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER HERE! FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

Chautauqua County Family & Caregiver Support Group via Zoom
2024-05-09 18:30 - 20:00
Receive Support – Connect with Others – Express Yourself
Free Support for parents, family members and caregivers of children with special needs
REGISTER ONCE FOR MONTHLY EMAIL REMINDERS AND ZOOM MEETING LINKS!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org

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Parent to Parent of NYS-Residential Placement Online Discussion Group- Parents who have a child or adult in a Residential placement
2024-05-09 19:00 - 20:00
For families with children and adults of all ages that currently have children in residential school or a group home. Come join us for an hour of support and conversation.
Register here.

Work-Based Learning (WBL) Updates & Collaboration
2024-05-10 12:30 - 14:30 | Erie 1 BOCES, 355 Harlem Road, West Seneca, NY, 14224, United States
Join us in-person for updates around Work-Based Learning!
We will be discussing the family’s role in WBL, updates from the new manual, and have round table discussions around work-based learning and schools.
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER HERE! FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

Au-Some Evenings at Explore & More - The Ralph C Wilson Jr. Children's Museum
2024-05-10 17:30 - 19:30 | Explore & More – The Ralph C Wilson Jr. Children’s Museum, 130 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14202, United States
Once a month, Au-Some Evenings give children with autism and sensory processing needs, their friends and family an opportunity to play and learn together in an understanding and supportive environment. In addition to a fun night of play with access to the museum space and exhibits, we have special programming for families! The evening features themed Art Studio projects, sensory exploration in our Tinkering Tank, therapy animals from the SPCA and student volunteers from SUNY Buffalo State’s Exceptional Education program. Parent outreach materials including links for social stories, child development resources and play tips are always available. We even provide small giveaways or snacks in the lobby, at the end of the night to help with the transition of leaving the museum. We look forward to having you join us!
To register for the next Au-Some Evening please complete the form, here!

Special thanks to the Exceptional Education department from SUNY Buffalo State for providing volunteers who help support children and families develop language skills, promote social interactions, and facilitate learning through play. Au-Some Evenings was created in 2012 and presented in partnership with: Kathy Doody, Professor in Exceptional Education, and Jana Mertz, The Arc Erie County.

Click here to download our Au-Some Evening flyer!

Questions? Email accessibility@exploreandmore.org.
SPACE IS LIMITED!

How to Prepare for a Successful CPSE/CSE Meeting - webinar
2024-05-14 13:00 - 14:15
Please join Parent to Parent of NYS, Tina Beauparlant, Regional Manager/Education Specialist, as she presents this wonderful presentation on How to Prepare for a Successful CSE Meeting. This training is to help parents, who approach IEP meetings with fear and dread. If this is, you attended this training then we have some suggestions to help you feel more at ease and participate as a full member of the team that plans your child’s special education program. If you are a Parent, Grandparent, Family Member, or guardian then this training is for you!
Register here.

Getting Started with the Residential Process: Tips, Tricks, and Information via Zoom
2024-05-14 18:30 - 19:45
Where Do I Begin?
The process of pursuing residential placement can be overwhelming. This presentation will help you organize your needs, preferences, and documents to help you navigate the process.
REGISTER HERE.

Growing with Others - Neurodivergent Social Group for high school students
2024-05-14 18:30 - 20:00 | North Tonawanda High School Library, 405 Meadow Drive, North Tonawanda, NY 14120, NY, 14120, United States
Neurodivergent social group for high school students meets 2nd Tuesday of every month from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Community Connection – Connect with other high school students and build positive relationships.
Develop New Skills – Opportunities to develop skills such as self-awareness, social wellness, coping with stress, and more!
Feel Supported – Discuss feelings, ideas, interests, and goals in a safe and supportive environment.
FACILITATOR
Patty McCalister, LMHC is a licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 20 years in the Human Services fields, working with individuals with intellectual disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
If you have any questions, please contact Patty McCalister at patriciamccalisterlmhc@gmail.com or 716-345-5450.
LOCATION
North Tonawanda High School Library, 405 Meadow Drive, North Tonawanda, NY 14120

Changes in Autism Symptoms Across Childhood - webinar
2024-05-15 13:00 - 14:15
Tune in to this presentation by Dr. Einat Waizbard-Bartov to learn about how autism symptoms change throughout child development.
The speaker: Dr. Einat Waizbard-Bartov is a post-doctoral researcher working with Dr. Ilan Dinstein at the Azrieli National Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopment Research at Ben-Gurion University, Israel. Dr. Waizbard-Bartov completed her doctoral studies at the University of California, Davis, working with Dr. David Amaral at the UC Davis MIND Institute’s Autism Phenome Project. She is also a licensed clinical psychologist trained in autism assessment and play-based and cognitive-behavioral therapies with children. Dr. Waizbard-Bartov is especially interested in assessment and measurement of autism symptoms, developmental trajectories across the life span and how these translate into individual needs, and the female autism phenotype.
Register here.
