Region 1 Self-Direction Information Sessions via WebEx
2022-07-07 16:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York)
All Region 1 Self-Direction Information sessions are WebEx/online format and attendance is taken using the person’s email address. This WebEx (if attended in its entirety) satisfies the requirement for attending a Self-Direction information session.
Attendance is taken using the email address logging in for the session. If you have any additional questions regarding attendance, please call your SD Liaison.
**People who are unable to access a WebEx session should contact their SD Liaison for a phone session.
REGISTER

Explore & More’s Au-Some Evenings - July 8, 2022
2022-07-08 17:30 - 19:30 | Explore & More – The Ralph C Wilson Jr. Children’s Museum, 130 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14202, United States
Explore & More’s Au-Some Evenings are free monthly events for children with autism spectrum disorder and sensory processing disorders along with family and friends. The second Friday of each month from 5:30pm – 7:30pm, children can play and learn together in an understanding and supportive environment. Families have access to the museum space and play zones. Featured activities include a music center, therapy dogs, art projects and gross motor activities. Explore & More will also have a social
narrative about the museum and its play zones, quiet kits, as well as calming sensory friendly spaces in the museum. Space is limited so reservations are essential. Be sure to check the website for the latest information. Email accessibility@exploreandmore.org to reserve your space.

Front Door Information Session (English) via WebEx
2022-07-11 17:00 - 19:00
ATTEND A FRONT DOOR INFORMATION SESSION TO LEARN ABOUT SUPPORTS AND SERVICES
The OPWDD Front Door Information Sessions outline the process of how you can become eligible for supports and services, the types of supports and services available and where you can go to get assistance. All sessions are presently offered remotely by WebEx. The session length is two hours.
Registration for a session is required.

To register, click here:
https://meetny.webex.com/meetny/onstage/g.php?MTID=eceef74054bc192732e6333927ca055f5
If you need assistance, please contact Brenda Sportello 315-793-9600 brenda.sportello@opwdd.ny.gov

All Regional Offices offer translation services for the language that best fits your needs. If you require a session in a language other than English or Spanish, including American Sign Language (ASL), please contact your local Front Door Office. Front Door contact numbers may be found on the OPWDD website: https://opwdd.ny.gov/contact-us#access-services-through-front-door

Autism Spectrum Disorders Advisory Board via WebEx
2022-07-13 09:00 - 11:00
The next public meeting of the Autism Spectrum Disorders Advisory Board will be held Wednesday, July 13, 2022 from 9 AM until 11 AM via WebEx. The meeting can be accessed here: https://meetny-events.webex.com/meetny-events/j.php?RGID=r4bae04d9bf5d3329752a54369823984b
The agenda and full meeting notice can be found on the OPWDD website here:
https://opwdd.ny.gov/event/autism-spectrum-disorders-advisory-board-meeting-4
The Autism Spectrum Disorders Advisory Board was created in November of 2016 to help provide guidance and information to New York policymakers, individuals with an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis (ASD), and families seeking reliable information regarding available services and supports. The Members of the Board are tasked with several important duties including: studying and reviewing the effectiveness of supports and services currently being provided to people diagnosed with Autism Spectrum disorders; identifying legislative and regulatory activity which may be required to improve existing service systems that support people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders; identifying methods for improving interagency coordination of services and maximizing the impact and effectiveness of services and agency functions; and, other matters as deemed appropriate by the Board.
To view the full schedule of public meetings, visit https://opwdd.ny.gov/events?f%5B0%5D=filter_term%3A26.

What is Section 504? - Online
2022-07-13 11:00 - 12:15
Please join Trish Washburn, Education Advocate, for Parent to Parent of NYS, as she presents a webinar on What is Section 504?
This training will introduce you to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This training is designed to provide you with an understanding of the law, how it applies to educational programs and to students with disabilities. Children who qualify under this law receive services and/ or accommodations in the public-school system without being classified under IDEA/IDEIA and their school district’s Committee on Special Education.
If you are a Parent, Grandparent, Family Member, or just interested in this topic then this training is for you!
If you have any questions, please call Tina Beauparlant (518) 381-4350 or email Tbeauparlant@ptopnys.org.
Webinar Online Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3614033566144586255

A Guide for Families to Understanding Supports & Services Administered by OPWDD - webinar
2022-07-13 17:30 - 19:00
Please join Parent to Parent of NYS, Maryalice Fegeley, Regional Coordinator, as she presents 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.
If you have questions, please contact Tina Beauparlant – Tbeauparlant@ptopnys.org Phone: 518-381-4350.
Online Webinar- Registration Required: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3974101635467102734

Parent to Parent of NYS Father Group On-Line Chat
2022-07-14 19:00 - 20:30
Virtual Meeting: Bi-weekly on Thursdays, starting at 7 p.m.
Parent to Parent has established an informal Fathers Group to meet online via Zoom and discuss the role of dads in navigating their childrens’ special needs.
Virtual Zoom- Registration required. REGISTER
Questions, contact Chris Brewster – cbrewster@ptopnys.org.

What Families And Caregivers Need To Know About The New York State Alternative Assessment (NYSAA) via Zoom
2022-07-15 13:00 - 14:00
What Families Need to Know about the New York State Alternative Assessments (NYSAA)
Participants will learn:

The criteria for NYSAA eligibility
The type of assessments used to measure a NYSAA student’s performance and how often
How a NYSAA determination affects graduation options and plans for life after high school

CTLE Credits Available.
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org

Guidelines for Determining the Need for a One-to-One Aide - Webinar
2022-07-18 11:00 - 12:30
Please join Tina Beauparlant, Regional Manager / Education Specialist, 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).
If you have any questions, please call Tina Beauparlant (518) 381-4350 or email Tbeauparlant@ptopnys.org.
Webinar Online Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5660346751226422031

OPWDD UPCOMING IN-PERSON 2023-2027 DRAFT STRATEGIC PLAN FORUMS IN WNY
2022-07-18 15:30 - 17:30 | Mary Cariola Children’s Center, 1000 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY, 14621, United States
Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) will release a new Statewide Comprehensive 2023-2027 Strategic Plan in the fall of 2022 following stakeholder feedback and discussion which began in 2021 and continued in 2022 with review of a draft plan. The 2023-2027 Strategic Plan will include the top priorities for OPWDD policy and planning efforts for the next several years.
OPWDD is preparing its new Statewide Comprehensive 2023-2027 Strategic Plan which will be released in the fall of 2022 and invite you to provide feedback on the draft plan now on their website (plain language summary is available). Using your input, OPWDD will adopt a final Strategic Plan that will guide the agency over the next five years.
You can provide your comments in two ways – by submitting written comments or by attending one of their in-person forums.
The Rochester Regional in-person forum
Monday, July 18 from 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Mary Cariola Children’s Center
1000 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14621

The Buffalo Regional in-person forum
Tuesday, July 19 from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
OPWDD Regional Office & SANYS of WNY
1021 Broadway Street, 4th Floor, Large Conference Room
Buffalo NY, 14212
Recognizing and respecting that some stakeholders may not be comfortable with in-person meetings, OPWDD will provide additional virtual public hearing opportunities on the 2023-2027 Draft Strategic Plan Dates and times will be announced soon.

Written Feedback
Fill out an online form here. Note that the form provides for written comments. Those who wish to submit written feedback through the online feedback form should submit their comments by July 29, 2022.
OPWDD will share additional information on forum times and locations as plans are finalized. Registration is not required but is encouraged. Register here. If you require assistance with the online feedback form or wish to send OPWDD written comments on the Draft Strategic Plan via email, please contact them at planning@opwddny.gov. To request registration in another language, email communications@opwddny.gov.

Parent's Guide to Special Education (formerly Parent Member) via Zoom
2022-07-18 18:00 - 20:00
FREE WORKSHOP
2 Parts: Online Training and Virtual Meeting via Zoom.
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.
Part 1 – Online videos & activities
Complete at least 1 day prior to Live Zoom Session
Part 2 – Live Zoom Session
July 18th
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Preventing Parent Burnout for Parents of Children with Special Needs - webinar
2022-07-19 10:00 - 11:00
Please join Maryalice Fegeley, Regional Manager/ Regional Coordinator, Parent to Parent of NYS, as she presents a webinar on 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.
If you have questions, please contact Tina Beauparlant – Tbeauparlant@ptopnys.org Phone: (518) 381-4350.
Online Webinar- Registration is required: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2212227714167130125

Chautauqua County Family & Caregiver Support Group via Zoom
2022-07-19 12:00 - 13:00
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!
REGISTER: https://parentnetworkwny.org/events/chautauqua-county-family-caregiver-support-group-7/
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org

OPWDD UPCOMING IN-PERSON 2023-2027 DRAFT STRATEGIC PLAN FORUMS IN WNY
2022-07-19 13:00 - 15:00 | OPWDD Regional Office & SANYS of WNY, 1021 Broadway Street, 4th Floor, Large Conference Room, Buffalo, NY, 14212, United States
Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) will release a new Statewide Comprehensive 2023-2027 Strategic Plan in the fall of 2022 following stakeholder feedback and discussion which began in 2021 and continued in 2022 with review of a draft plan. The 2023-2027 Strategic Plan will include the top priorities for OPWDD policy and planning efforts for the next several years.
OPWDD is preparing its new Statewide Comprehensive 2023-2027 Strategic Plan which will be released in the fall of 2022 and invite you to provide feedback on the draft plan now on their website (plain language summary is available). Using your input, OPWDD will adopt a final Strategic Plan that will guide the agency over the next five years.
You can provide your comments in two ways – by submitting written comments or by attending one of their in-person forums.
The Buffalo Regional in-person forum
Tuesday, July 19 from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
OPWDD Regional Office & SANYS of WNY
1021 Broadway Street, 4th Floor, Large Conference Room
Buffalo NY, 14212
Recognizing and respecting that some stakeholders may not be comfortable with in-person meetings, OPWDD will provide additional virtual public hearing opportunities on the 2023-2027 Draft Strategic Plan Dates and times will be announced soon.

Written Feedback
Fill out an online form here. Note that the form provides for written comments. Those who wish to submit written feedback through the online feedback form should submit their comments by July 29, 2022.
OPWDD will share additional information on forum times and locations as plans are finalized. Registration is not required but is encouraged. Register here. If you require assistance with the online feedback form or wish to send OPWDD written comments on the Draft Strategic Plan via email, please contact them at planning@opwddny.gov. To request registration in another language, email communications@opwddny.gov.

Front Door Information Session (English) via WebEx
2022-07-19 17:00 - 19:00
ATTEND A FRONT DOOR INFORMATION SESSION TO LEARN ABOUT SUPPORTS AND SERVICES
The OPWDD Front Door Information Sessions outline the process of how you can become eligible for supports and services, the types of supports and services available and where you can go to get assistance. All sessions are presently offered remotely by WebEx. The session length is two hours.
Registration for a session is required.

To register, click here:
https://meetny.webex.com/meetny/onstage/g.php?MTID=e5136f18d164b66def4c99fbbc2ad5092
If you need assistance, please contact Kelli Smith 845-695-7330 Kelli.l.smith@opwdd.ny.gov

All Regional Offices offer translation services for the language that best fits your needs. If you require a session in a language other than English or Spanish, including American Sign Language (ASL), please contact your local Front Door Office. Front Door contact numbers may be found on the OPWDD website: https://opwdd.ny.gov/contact-us#access-services-through-front-door

Region 1 Self-Direction Information Session via WebEx
2022-07-20 10:00 - 12:00, 2022-08-02 16:00 - 18:00

Western NY Region: Caregiver Connections — Virtual Parent Groups through ZOOM
2022-07-20 19:00 - 20:30
At Parent to Parent of NYS we want you to know that during these uncertain and overwhelming times you are not alone. We are still here to offer support and information as we work from home. Our Caregiver Connections. This group is an informal meeting for parents who are navigating their child’s special needs.
Register in advance for this meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Virtual Zoom- Registration Required. REGISTER
Questions, contact Sharon Linne – Slinne@ptopnys.org.

Statewide- Special Education Parent Chat Group via Zoom
2022-07-21 18:30 - 20:00
As a parent of a child with a disability, I know first-hand how hard it is to continue the good fight. Sometimes we feel hopeless, helpless, and at a loss for words. If you’re a parent, grandparent, caregiver of a child with special needs, you may feel isolated, alone and struggling with special education school related issues. Come join us for an opportunity to share how your feelings, engage in some great conversation and share resources with other parents in the community who are dealing with the same issues. All from the comfort of your own home.
If you have questions, please contact Tina Beauparlant- tbeauparlant@ptopnys.org Phone: (518) 381-4350.
Online Zoom- Registration Required: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcvduqtpzspHNELns7of5HyDn6ybP-4umZO

Parents Considering a Residential Placement Discussion Group
2022-07-26 19:00 - 20:00
Are you considering residential placement for your family member? Parent to Parent of New York State is excited to host a new Parent Discussion Group facilitated by Sharon Linne for families with children and adults of all ages who are considering placement in a residential school or a group home.
Come join us for an hour of support and conversation about this important topic.
Virtual Zoom- Registration Required. REGISTER
Questions, contact Sharon Linne – Slinne@ptopnys.org.

Front Door Information Session (English) via WebEx
2022-07-27 10:00 - 12:00
ATTEND A FRONT DOOR INFORMATION SESSION TO LEARN ABOUT SUPPORTS AND SERVICES
The OPWDD Front Door Information Sessions outline the process of how you can become eligible for supports and services, the types of supports and services available and where you can go to get assistance. All sessions are presently offered remotely by WebEx. The session length is two hours.
Registration for a session is required.

To register, click here:
https://meetny.webex.com/meetny/onstage/g.php?MTID=e9863a84fe82c2f38d8e6131d3cad33ab
If you need assistance, please contact Erin Caglioti 631-416-3943 erin.a.caglioti@opwdd.ny.gov

All Regional Offices offer translation services for the language that best fits your needs. If you require a session in a language other than English or Spanish, including American Sign Language (ASL), please contact your local Front Door Office. Front Door contact numbers may be found on the OPWDD website: https://opwdd.ny.gov/contact-us#access-services-through-front-door

Gender Differences in Functional Brain Organization - webinar
2022-07-27 13:00 - 14:00
Tune in to hear Kaustubh Supekar, PhD, describe recent findings about how girls with autism differ in several brain centers compared with boys with autism.
About the speaker:
Kaustubh Supekar, PhD, is a clinical Assistant Professor in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford Medicine.
REGISTER: https://www.autism.org/gender-brain-differences-autism/

What is Section 504? - Webinar
2022-08-01 12:00 - 13:15
Please join Trish Washburn, Education Advocate, for Parent to Parent of NYS, as she presents a webinar on What is Section 504?
This training will introduce you to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This training is designed to provide you with an understanding of the law, how it applies to educational programs and to students with disabilities. Children who qualify under this law receive services and/ or accommodations in the public-school system without being classified under IDEA/IDEIA and their school district’s Committee on Special Education.
If you are a Parent, Grandparent, Family Member, or just interested in this topic then this training is for you!
If you have questions, please contact Tina Beauparlant (518) 381-4350 or Tbeauparlant@ptopnys.org.
Webinar Online Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8627988008221792783

The Link – WNY’s Family & Caregiver Group via Zoom
2022-08-01 18:30 - 20:00
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!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org

Front Door Information Session (Spanish) via WebEx
2022-08-03 10:00 - 12:00
ATTEND A FRONT DOOR INFORMATION SESSION TO LEARN ABOUT SUPPORTS AND SERVICES
The OPWDD Front Door Information Sessions outline the process of how you can become eligible for supports and services, the types of supports and services available and where you can go to get assistance. All sessions are presently offered remotely by WebEx. The session length is two hours.
Registration for a session is required.

Para registrarse, haga clic aquí:
https://meetny.webex.com/meetny/onstage/g.php?MTID=e55ffab773c63c7837ccb0dcbb9dc8166
Si necesita ayuda, comuníquese con Clara Fournier 718-430-0761 Clara.Fournier@opwdd.ny.gov

All Regional Offices offer translation services for the language that best fits your needs. If you require a session in a language other than English or Spanish, including American Sign Language (ASL), please contact your local Front Door Office. Front Door contact numbers may be found on the OPWDD website: https://opwdd.ny.gov/contact-us#access-services-through-front-door

Education Records Organizer - Webinar
2022-08-03 16:00 - 17:00
Please join Trish Washburn, Parent Advocate for this wonderful presentation.
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.
Webinar Moderator: Sharon Linne
If you have any questions, contact Tina Beauparlant- tbeauparlant@ptopnys.org or 518-381-4350.
Online Webinar- Registration Required. Register

When You Are Considering a Developmental Evaluation for Your Child: A Parent’s Perspective to Assist - Webinar
2022-08-03 18:00 - 19:00
Please join Maryalice Fegeley, 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.
Webinar Moderator: Chris Brewster
If you have any questions, please contact Tina Beauparlant at tbeauparlant@ptopnys.org or 518-381-4350.
Online Webinar- Registration Required. Register

Front Door Information Session (English) via WebEx
2022-08-04 16:00 - 18:00
ATTEND A FRONT DOOR INFORMATION SESSION TO LEARN ABOUT SUPPORTS AND SERVICES
The OPWDD Front Door Information Sessions outline the process of how you can become eligible for supports and services, the types of supports and services available and where you can go to get assistance. All sessions are presently offered remotely by WebEx. The session length is two hours.
Registration for a session is required.

To register, click here:
https://meetny.webex.com/meetny/onstage/g.php?MTID=e8a424071bf043acb70110fc58f08bf89
If you need assistance, please contact Jeffrey Roberts 585-241-5797 Jeffrey.e.roberts@opwdd.ny.gov

All Regional Offices offer translation services for the language that best fits your needs. If you require a session in a language other than English or Spanish, including American Sign Language (ASL), please contact your local Front Door Office. Front Door contact numbers may be found on the OPWDD website: https://opwdd.ny.gov/contact-us#access-services-through-front-door

DC League of Super-Pets - Sensory Friendly Film Series
2022-08-06 10:00 - 12:00 | Flix Stadium 10, 4901 Transit Road, Lancaster, NY, 14043, United States
Flix Stadium 10 in Lancaster, NY Announces Sensory Friendly Family Film Series
Flix Stadium 10 sensory friendly family film series slated to run the first 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.
Upcoming movie: August 6: DC League of Super-Pets. Krypto the Super-Dog and Superman are inseparable best friends, sharing the same superpowers and fighting crime in Metropolis side by side. When Superman and the rest of the Justice League are kidnapped, Krypto must convince a rag-tag shelter pack–Ace the hound, PB the potbellied pig, Merton the turtle and Chip the squirrel–to master their own newfound powers and help him rescue the superheroes.

Admission is $8.75 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:
Tracy Janis, General Manager
Flix Stadium 10
tracy@dipsontheatres.com
716-668-1888
4901 Transit Road
Lancaster, NY 14043
www.dipsontheatres.com

What Happens After Early Intervention? via Zoom
2022-08-09 11:30 - 13:00
What Happens After Early Intervention?
In this workshop you will learn more about:

How to get ready for your child’s transition to preschool
The transition from Early Intervention (EI) to working with the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE)
Information on timelines and commonly used vocabulary to help you better understand the transition process
How to make informed decisions to benefit your child

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