Family Engagement: Communication and Culture via Zoom
2024-11-25 17:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | NY
Do you want to improve student attendance and test scores?
Join us to learn how culture and communication intersect to impact student achievement.
This workshop will help ensure that educators are mindful with how they communicate with parents, guardians, and families to ensure that educational sites are culturally responsive and welcoming.
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER HERE FOR THIS FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
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Parent Group for Parents of Older Children with developmental or physical disabilities 21 and older (via Zoom)
2024-11-25 19:00 - 20:00 | NY
Transitioning to adulthood isn’t easy for our kids, or us! Connect with other parents who understand the joys and struggles of raising older children with special needs. Share experiences, advice, and encouragement in a welcoming environment. This group is specifically for parents of children 21 and older.
Register here.

When You Are Considering a Developmental Evaluation for Your Child: A Parent’s Perspective to Assist Your Visit.
2024-12-02 13:00 - 14:00 | NY
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.
REGISTER HERE.

Parent to Parent of NYS- Statewide-Virtual Fathers Group (via Zoom)
2024-12-02 19:00 - 21:00 | NY
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 Bin Feng for an informal meeting to share information, resources, and support. Parents of children and adults are welcome.
Register here.

Getting Started with the Residential Process: Tips, Tricks, and Information via Zoom
2024-12-03 18:00 - 19:30 | NY
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!

Self-Regulation Strategies for Self-Injurious Behavior (webinar)
2024-12-04 13:00 - 14:15 | NY
Self-Regulation Strategies for Self-Injurious Behavior
About the speaker:
Emily Ferguson, Ph.D., is a postdoctoral academic researcher and clinician within Stanford University’s Autism and Developmental Disorders Research Program within the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. She earned her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of California Santa Barbara and completed her clinical internship at the University of California Los Angeles. Dr. Ferguson’s research focuses on advancing understanding of mechanisms of challenging behaviors in autistic youth and adults to inform treatment development. Her work takes a comprehensive perspective, integrating methods from implementation science to improve the accessibility and quality of clinical care for underserved autistic populations, especially those with higher support needs (or “profound autism”). She is also interested in developing methods to improve self-regulation in individuals with profound autism to effectively manage self-injurious behaviors and aggression. Dr. Ferguson is currently supporting research in the Preschool Autism Lab and exploring profiles of challenging behaviors with the Program for Psychometrics and Measurement-Based Care in a diverse range of autistic and non-autistic youth to inform treatment approaches.
Register here.

Student Involvement in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) for Families via Zoom
2024-12-04 16:30 - 18:30 | NY
Don’t miss this opportunity to increase graduation rates and student success! Enroll in, Student Involvement in the IEP, to acquire strategies to promote student and family involvement in the IEP development process, along with CSE Meetings.
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER HERE FOR THIS FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
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Traveling with Your Special Needs Child/Adult via Zoom
2024-12-04 18:00 - 19:30 | NY
Come join us 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!

How to Foster and Support Self-Determination in All Students via Zoom
2024-12-05 12:00 - 14:00 | NY
Participants will be provided with foundational concepts, resources, and strategies to implement and incorporate practices that promote the development of self-determination throughout a student’s day and across all ages- supporting skills for successful students.
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER FOR THIS FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
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Section 504, Students with Disabilities in Public & Private Schools - webinar
2024-12-05 18:30 - 19:45 | NY
Please join Namita Modasra, Education Advocate, Parent to Parent of NYS, as she presents a webinar on Section 504, Students with Disabilities in Public & Private Schools. 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,guardian,professional or just interested in this topic then this training is for you!
REGISTER HERE.

Charla Con Nosotros Grupo De Apoyo via Zoom
2024-12-05 18:30 - 20:00 | NY
¿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.
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Flix Stadium 10 Sensory Friendly Family Film – Moana 2
2024-12-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Flix Stadium 10, 4901 Transit Road, Lancaster, NY, 14043, United States
Flix Stadium 10 sensory friendly family film series slated to run the first or second Saturday of every month at 10am. The films will be presented with the theatre lights on and the sound lowered.
Dipson Theatres, Inc. acknowledges the needs of social engagement and environmental factors affecting people on the autism spectrum, and hope that this family film series will create an entertainment venue for families to enjoy new releases in a presentation that will suit unique and special needs.
Moana 2
Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.
Po is set to become the new spiritual leader of the Valley of Peace, but before he can do that, he must find a successor to become the new Dragon Warrior. He appears to find one in Zhen, a fox with plenty of promising abilities but who doesn’t quite like the idea of Po training her.
Admission is $10.00 per person for both children and adults. Flix will also offer a monthly raffle for attendees to win concession prizes and promotional movie gifts.
Potential guests are encouraged to sign up for the theatre’s weekly email list which will announce each month’s film. Anyone interested can go to www.dipsontheatres.com and sign up for the weekly newsletter.
Contact: Larry Phillips, General Manager, Flix Stadium 10, Larry@dipsontheatres.com, 716-668-1888
4901 Transit Road Lancaster, NY 14043
Flix Stadium 10 – Sensory Friendly Family Film Series (dipsontheatres.com)

Chinese Speaking Family Support Group via Zoom
2024-12-07 20:00 - 22:00 | NY
Welcome to our Parent Group tailored specifically for Chinese-speaking parents who have children with a developmental or physical disability. Led by our Fatherhood Engagement Coordinator, Bin Feng, this group is open to parents of children of any age or disability who speak Chinese (Mandarin).
Register here.

A Guide for Families to Understanding Supports & Services Administered by OPWDD
2024-12-09 18:30 - 20:00 | NY
Please join Parent to Parent of NYS, for this great presentation on 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.
REGISTER HERE.

The Link WNY’s Family & Caregiver Group via Zoom
2024-12-09 18:30 - 20:00 | NY
Are you a parent of a child with disabilities or do you 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, Empower and other group members!
Discuss topics such as Special Education, Sensory Processing Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and more!
REGISTER ONCE FOR MONTHLY EMAIL REMINDERS AND ZOOM MEETING LINKS!
REGISTER HERE.

Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download flyer

Teen Parent Group- for parents of teenagers with developmental or physical disabilities (via Zoom)
2024-12-09 19:00 - 20:00 | NY
Are you a parent of a special needs teenager? You are not alone! From navigating adolescence to managing behaviors and fostering independence, our group provides a safe space for open discussions about all things teen related. Parent to Parent offers parents a place where you can connect with other parents facing similar challenges and share experiences in a welcoming and understanding environment.
Register here.

NEW- Parenting With Pride (for parents of individuals in the LGBTQAI+ via Zoom
2024-12-09 19:00 - 20:00 | NY
Parenting a child with disabilities that also identifies in the LGBTQAI+ community can bring about many challenges and questions. This group offers a safe space for parents and caregivers to discuss this unique intersectionality and share experiences.
REGISTER HERE!

Let’s Take a Crash Course on Understanding How to Read an IEP - webinar
2024-12-10 10:00 - 12:00 | NY
Please join Tina Beuparlant,Regional Manager, Education Specialist for this training on Let’s Take a Crash Course on Understanding how to Read your child’s IEP. Does your child have an IEP (Individualized Education Program)? We’ll walk through the different sections of the IEP and discuss how to advocate for supports to make sure the IEP reflects your child’s abilities and needs. Because states and local school systems may include additional information, forms differ from state to state and may vary between school systems within a state. The IEP, Individualized Education Program, is a written document that’s developed for each public-school child who is eligible for special education. The IEP is created through a team effort and reviewed at least once a year. This training will teach you how to read the IEP so you can understand what should and can be in the IEP. If you are a Parent, Grandparent, Family Member or guardian then this training is for you!
REGISTER HERE.

EI to CPSE Transition for Parents via Zoom
2024-12-10 11:30 - 13:00 | NY
Parents will be guided through the process of transitioning their child from Early Intervention to the Committee on Preschool Special Education.
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER HERE FOR THIS FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

Parent group for families of children 5 and younger (via Zoom)
2024-12-10 19:00 - 20:00 | NY
Connect with other parents who understand the joys and challenges of parenting young children with special needs. Share experiences, advice, and encouragement in a supportive environment.
Register here.

Understanding Self Direction via Zoom
2024-12-10 19:00 - 20:30 | NY
Come join us for a night filed with information so you understand what Self Direction is and how it can help your family.
Presenter: Amber Suttle
REGISTER HERE!

CARD's Professional Development and Parent Seminars - Fall 2024
2024-12-11 09:00 - 14:15 | NY
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND PARENT SEMINARS
LIVESTREAM
CEUs AVAILABLECARD Albany is offering three livestream seminars that are directed towards school personnel, community professionals, and parents and family members who live or work with individuals on the autism spectrum.
The Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD Albany) offers these seminars at no cost to participants living in New York State through a grant provided by the New York State Education Department. Funding is administered by The Research Foundation for the State University of New York. There is a $5.00 registration fee per session for each CEU selected.
Registration is required to attend. Please choose the sessions you would like to attend when you fill out your registration entry.
These sessions will not be recorded at this time.
9:00am-10:15am
Beyond Theory of Mind: Autism and the Social World
Presenter: Erica Davis, LMSW

Participants will be able to explain the specific difficulties autistic individuals may face in understanding and responding to the emotions and thoughts of others
Participants will be able to explain the concept of double empathy and how it can be a valuable tool in fostering understanding between individuals with and without autism
Participants will identify strategies to improve communication and understanding between neurotypical individuals and autistic individuals

11:00am-12:15pm
Tolerating the Intolerable: Supporting Autistic Students to Cope with Uncertainty
Presenter: Jane Ann Worlock, MS Ed

Participants will be able to identify the correlation between symptoms of autism and intolerance of uncertainty
Participants should recognize some of the common responses and possible challenging behaviors stemming from intolerance of uncertainty in their autistic students and children
Participants will learn strategies they can implement in school and at home to support their students/children in coping with uncertain situations

1:00pm-2:15pm
Charting the Course Together: Empowering Autistic Learners Through Person-Centered Planning
Presenter: Melissa L. Rinaldi, PhD

Participants will be able to define person-centered planning (PCP), articulate its core principles, and demonstrate an understanding of its significance in supporting autistic students
Participants will be able to identify the benefits and positive outcomes associated with implementing PCP
Participants will be able to differentiate between various person-centered planning approaches and apply practical tools, strategies, and resources gained from the presentation to effectively integrate PCP into their professional setting

The three topics above are each available on the following dates:
Wednesday, October 30, 2024
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Continuing Education Credits
CARD Albany is an approved provider for the following continuing education credits:
School Psychologist (NASP)
NYS Social Worker (LMSW & LCSW)
Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE)
NYS Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
NYS Psychologist
General certificates of attendance will be provided for all participants.
Each session is eligible for 1.25 contact hours for NASP, SW, CTLE, and LMHC. Session one and two are eligible for 1.25 hours for NYS psychologists. There is a $5.00 registration fee per session for each CEU selected. Please visit CARD Albany website for more information about CEU offerings. CEUs can be selected during registration and payment can be submitted online with a credit card.

REGISTER HERE!
If you have questions or would like to learn more about any of their programs, please contact them at: 518-442-2574 or card@albany.edu
Additional information on all of their programs can be found on their website:
www.albany.edu/autism

Parent and Family Engagement within the FBA and BIP Process via Zoom
2024-12-11 17:00 - 19:00 | NY
Parent and Family Engagement within the FBA and BIP Process

Families, caregivers, and guardians will understand the definition of an FBA/BIP, when it is needed, and how it is conducted/developed and the role they play as part of the various teams.
Participants will understand the FBA/BIP process and guidance in how the NYS Regulations and CPSE/CSE Committee are part of the process.

REGISTER HERE FOR THIS FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
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Chautauqua County Family & Caregiver Support Group via Zoom
2024-12-12 18:30 - 20:00 | NY
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!
REGISTER HERE!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org

Download Flyer

Parent to Parent of NYS-Residential Placement Online Discussion Group- Parents who have a child or adult in a Residential placement
2024-12-12 19:00 - 20:00 | NY
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.

Au-Some Evenings at Explore & More – The Ralph C Wilson Jr. Children’s Museum
2024-12-13 17:30 - 19:30 | Explore & More – The Ralph C Wilson Jr. Children’s Museum, 130 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14202, United States
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.

Free. Registration Required.

Click here to register

Guidelines for Determining the Need for a One-to-One Aide
2024-12-16 18:30 - 19:45 | NY
Please join Namita Modasra, Education Advocate, Parent to Parent of NYS as she presents this wonderful webinar: Guidelines for Determining the Need for a One-to-One Aide Let’s explore what the IEP team needs to consider, supplemental aids, services and program modifications for all students with disabilities. A key question for the IEP team is to consider whether the student with a disability does or does not require one-to-one support to make meaningful progress toward annual goals in the IEP in the least restrictive environment (LRE).
REGISTER HERE.

PADRE A PADRE DE NYS via Zoom
2024-12-16 19:00 - 20:30 | NY
Les invitamos a ser parte de nuestra siguiente reunión de Cuidadores vía Zoom. Parent to Parent of NYS está ofreciendo reuniones GRATUITAS de padres y/o cuidadores de seres queridos con necesidades especiales y/o médicamente frágiles. Estamos aquí para usted. Venga a compartir con nosotros en una reunión informal donde compartiremos información, recursos y encontrará el apoyo que necesita mientras cría a un ser querido con necesidades especiales y/o médicamente frágiles, sin importar la edad de la persona.
Regístrese aquí.

ADHD/Learning Differences Support Group via Zoom
2024-12-17 18:30 - 20:00 | NY
ADHD/Learning Differences Support Group
Third Tuesday of the Month!
Are you a parent of a child with ADHD or do you suspect they have a learning difference?
We will be sharing experiences, discussing strategies and providing support.
Discuss topics such as:

Special Education
ADHD, Learning Disabilities,
and more!

ONE TIME REGISTRATION! FREE SUPPORT GROUP TO ATTEND! REGISTER HERE!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
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Parents CONSIDERING a Residential Placement Discussion Group
2024-12-17 19:00 - 20:00 | NY
Are you considering residential placement for your family member? Parent to Parent NYS is hosting this group for families with children and adults of all ages who are considering placement in a residential school or a group home.
Register here.
