Au-some Evening at Explore & More - The Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Children's Museum
2023-04-14 17:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | 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!

Family Guide To Transition Planning via Zoom
2023-04-17 18:00 - 20:00
Family Guide to Transition Planning
To assist families in understanding the transition planning process specifically from high school to life after high school.
When families are knowledgeable about the transition process students with disabilities experience improved post-school outcomes in the areas of employment, postsecondary education, and independent living.
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER.
FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

First Responder Autism Awareness Training - Free for all Emergency Responders
2023-04-18 08:30 - 15:30 | Hilbert College, Swan Auditorium, 5200 South Park Avenue, Hamburg, NY, 14075, United States
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is the fastest-growing neurobiological condition in the world, which means first responders are more likely than ever to encounter a person with ASD during an emergency response. Since autism can impair a person’s ability to communicate and relate to others, these calls can become high risk for both the responder and a person with ASD.
The Autism Society of Nassau-Suffolk, Erie County Law Enforcement Foundation, Erie County Chiefs of Police, and Hilbert College Institute for Law and Justice present
FIRST RESPONDER AUTISM AWARENESS TRAINING
FREE TRAINING FOR ALL EMERGENCY RESPONDERS
Tuesday, April 18, 2023
Hilbert College, Swan Auditorium, 5200 South Park Avenue, Hamburg, NY 14075
8:30 a.m. Check in for training.
9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Full day training
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Half day training
Excellent Training Opportunity for All Emergency Responders
• Overview of Autism, what autism is, how people are affected by it,
• Education about the challenges associated with ASD that may impair communication between an individual with ASD and a first responder,
• Tools that can help identify people with autism, sensory problems, and calming techniques,
• The importance of multiple officers’ presence when an arrest of an autism person is necessary and restraint considerations,
• Important tips on where to look for a lost autistic child when reported missing, and
• Different programs that are available for people that elope, including but not limited to, the Take Me Home Program and Project Lifesaver.
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Please email Veronica Garcia, Director of Development, NSASA at vgarcia@nsasa.org or call 516-205-9925.
ABOUT THE PRESENTERS
Ret. Lt. Jimmy Donohoe is the creator of the Take Me Home Program, a database which allows those who are unable to speak or properly identify themselves to police officers to register with a photo, physical description and contact information so first responders can provide special assistance that may be required when contact with a person with autism occurs. This program has been distributed to hundreds of law enforcement agencies nationwide and four foreign countries to help people with disabilities during crisis situations.
He has served on the National Center on Criminal Justice and Disability National Advisory Committee as well as the Autism Society’s Safe & Sound Task Force and the Autism Pensacola Board of Directors. He helped develop the curriculum for the mandatory autism training for law enforcement in the state of Florida. Ret. Lt. Donohoe is considered a Subject Matter Expert on how first responders handle autism in the State of Florida and is a father of a son on the spectrum.
Ret. Captain Bill Cannata is a retired captain from the Westwood, MA Fire Department with more than 35 years of experience as a firefighter. He became a member of the Autism and Law Enforcement Education Coalition (ALEC) in November 2003 and in January 2006, he became the statewide coordinator of ALEC. He also served as a member of the Autism Society’s Safe & Sound Task Force.
The father of a son who lives on the autism spectrum, he has trained firefighters across the country to be better prepared to rescue people with autism in an emergency. Mr. Cannata’s efforts have gained national attention from NBC’s “Today” show and Autism Speaks, among others.

Chautauqua County Family & Caregiver Support Group via Zoom
2023-04-18 12:00 - 13:00
Receive Support – Connect with Others – Express Yourself
Free Support for parents, family members and caregivers of children with special needs
MEET THE HOSTS
Marcia Restivo, 23 years’ experience working with special needs families and Laurie Reynolds, parent of child with special needs.
REGISTER ONCE FOR MONTHLY EMAIL REMINDERS AND ZOOM MEETING LINKS!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org

Download Flyer
REGISTER: https://parentnetworkwny.org/events/chautauqua-county-family-caregiver-support-group-15/

Is Guardianship the Only Option? An overview of Guardianship and the Many Alternatives via Zoom
2023-04-18 17:30 - 19:30
Come join 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.

What Happens After Early Intervention? via Zoom
2023-04-18 18:00 - 19:30
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

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

What You Need to Know about Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) via Zoom
2023-04-18 18:30 - 20:00
Have you heard Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)? Many parents are unaware of what is 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.
Come join Namita Modasra, Education Advocate, Parent to Parent of NYS for this new presentation and learn what the laws says about LRE.
REGISTER here.

Gestational Influences and Autism – 2023 -webinar
2023-04-19 13:00 - 14:00
Learn updates about emerging research on gestational influences on the etiology of autism.
THE SPEAKER

Judy Van de Water, PhD, joined the faculty in the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of California, Davis in 1999. In 2000, she also joined the faculty of the newly formed UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute when she began her research on the immunobiology of autism. Dr. Van de Water’s laboratory pursues research programs pertaining to autoimmune and clinical immune-based disorders including the biological aspects of autism spectrum disorders. The application of Dr. Van de Water’s immunopathology background has been instrumental in the dissection of the immune anomalies noted in some individuals with autism, and in the differentiation of various autism behavioral phenotypes at a biological level. Most notable of these is the investigation of the maternal immune system as it relates to autism spectrum disorders, with particular emphasis on the presence of highly specific maternal autoantibodies to fetal brain proteins. Dr. Van de Water’s seminal work in this area has led to a highly specific biomarker of autism risk as well as three patents leading to the commercialization of this technology. Dr. Van de Water is currently the Director of the NIEHS funded Center for Children’s Environmental Health at UC Davis, investigating potential environmental risk factors contributing to the incidence and severity of childhood autism.
REGISTER: https://www.autism.org/gestational-influences-2023/

Understanding the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education Part 200 Students with Disabilities via Zoom
2023-04-20 11:00 - 13:00
Please join Namita Modasra, Education Advocate, Parent to Parent of NYS, for this indepth presentation on Understanding the Regulation of the Commissioner of Education Part 200 Students with Disabilities.
This training will take you through the NYS Special Education Regulations step by step. Parents will learn the role they play on the CSE, learn the chain of command regarding the CSE, learn how to request information regarding your child’s IEP and gain an understanding how to communicate with your child’s teachers & administrators. After this webinar parents will have more knowledge about the educational laws to advocate for their child/children.
If you have questions, contact Tina Beauparlant at (518) 381-4350.
REGISTER here.

LA IMPORTANCIA DE GENERALIZAR LAS HABILIDADES EN EL HOGAR Y LA COMUNIDAD A TRAVÉS DE LA CAPACITACIÓN DE LOS PADRES
2023-04-20 12:00 - 13:00
LA IMPORTANCIA DE GENERALIZAR LAS HABILIDADES EN EL HOGAR Y LA COMUNIDAD A TRAVÉS DE LA CAPACITACIÓN DE LOS PADRES

Presenter: Karissa Cuevas, RBT, Eden II Autism Outreach Center
FREE! Register here.
Entrenamiento de padres consiste en ayudarles a entender cómo trasladar las habilidades enseñadas en la escuela al hogar. Este seminario web cubrirá las formas en que los padres pueden ayudar a sus hijos a generalizar las habilidades de la escuela a su hogar y comunidad.

Understanding The Individualized Education Program (IEP) Process for Parents of Preschool Students via Zoom
2023-04-20 12:00 - 13:30
Understanding the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Process for Parents of Preschool Students
Learn about the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) process, your role in the process, and identify the different components of the Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Discuss how to develop relationships and practices that build home-school collaboration and support your child.
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER.
FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

Coming to the Table - CSE Tips for Educators and Families of Children with Autism - Free webinar
2023-04-20 19:00 - 20:15
RCASD Old Westbury Autism Webinar – Coming to the Table – CSE Tips for Educators and Families of Children with Autism
Thursday, April 20, 2023 from 7:00 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.
This free webinar will address tips for educators and families to prepare for and enhance the Committee on Special Education (CSE) meeting process for students with autism. The webinar will address developing supportive Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with autism and tips for holding student-focused and family-friendly meetings. It will also provide concrete steps for families to prepare for CSE meetings and address some common misperceptions about the CSE process.
Certificate of Attendance: All attendees are asked to complete an evaluation after the webinar and will receive a certificate of attendance.
Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLEs): SUNY Old Westbury is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s Office of Teaching Initiatives as an approved provider of CTLE for Professional Classroom Teachers, School Leaders and Level III Teaching Assistants. At total of 1.25 CTLE hours are available for this webinar. The total administration fee for CTLEs is $10 and is payable at time of registration.
There are no other CEUs being offered at this webinar.
Register here.

THE IMPORTANCE OF GENERALIZING SKILLS INTO THE HOME AND COMMUNITY THROUGH PARENT TRAINING
2023-04-21 12:00 - 13:00
THE IMPORTANCE OF GENERALIZING SKILLS INTO THE HOME AND COMMUNITY THROUGH PARENT TRAINING

Presenter: Nyla Baboolal-Fong, MS Ed, BCBA, LBA, Eden II Autism Outreach Center

FREE! Register here.

Parent training involves helping parents understand how to carry over skills taught at school to the home setting. This webinar will cover ways parents can help their children generalize skills from school to their home and community.

Front Door Info Session (English) via WebEx
2023-04-21 17:00 - 19:00
The Front Door Information Session will 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.
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, Spanish or Chinese, including American Sign Language (ASL), please contact your local Front Door Office. Front Door contact numbers may be found on the OPWDD Website here: https://opwdd.ny.gov/contact-us#access-services-through-front-door.
Register here: https://meetny.webex.com/weblink/register/r369fa5e632f920fa470d35e0d0fd814e
If you need assistance, please contact Karen Francisco at 518-388-0431 or Karen.Francisco@opwdd.ny.gov

Supporting Students with Co-Occurring Mental Health and ASD - a virtual workshop
2023-04-22 08:30 - 12:45
The Autism Society Western New York and Autism Services, Inc. will host Dr. Cathy Pratt, BCBA-D as she presents “Supporting Students with Co-Occurring Mental Health and ASD”, a virtual workshop, on Saturday, April 22, 2023 from 8:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
ABOUT THE WORKSHOP
Individuals on the autism spectrum are at an increased risk of co-occurring mental health conditions and even suicide. Both parents and teachers can play a role in supporting these children and adolescents. This presentation will focus on the following:

Potential mental health conditions and the warning signs of suicide,
Supports needed in classroom and home situations,
The impact of mental health conditions on behavior and how to assess,
Behavioral, educational, and other strategies that are the most beneficial,
The role and impact of trauma,
Classroom factors that can minimize trauma and maximize education,
Strategies for supporting emotional regulation for both parent/child and staff/students, and
Potential community supports.

This workshop is geared towards individuals with ASD, parents and professionals. At the conclusion of this workshop, participants will be able to:

Identify classroom factors that can minimize trauma in students and maximize education.
List and describe a range of educational strategies.
List the signs for suicide and potential suicide ideation.
Discuss the role of emotional regulation for both staff and students.

PRICING AND CEUs
Parent/Individual with ASD $10.00 per person CEUs n/a
Speech-Language Pathologists & Audiologists $30.00 per person
.35 ASHA CEUs *ASHA CEUs are only awarded to ASHA members who are eligible and have paid the CE registry fee.
OTs and COTAs $30.00 per person
3.0 NYS Continuing Competency Hours for OTs/OTAs * Please note that these hours may be used towards completing AOTA continuing competency requirements, but are not offered through an AOTA approved provider.
PTs and PTAs $30.00 per person
.3 NYS Approved PT Board Continuing Education Hours Other
Professionals/ Paraprofessionals/Students $20.00 per person
No CEUs awarded.
BCBAs $30.00 per person.
3.5 Type ll BCBA Credits
Please note that all webinar materials (i.e. registration links, handouts, continuing education credit forms/survey links, etc.) will be e-mailed to attendees approximately 1-2 days prior to the workshop. If you have a PayPal account, the e-mail associated with that account will be used for all correspondence including Zoom links and all webinar materials. This is a live event and will be broadcast in Eastern Standard Time.
Individuals with ASD and Parent/Caregiver Scholarships based on financial need are available. Call 716-633-2275 to apply.
REGISTRATION
Please note that as this is a virtual event there will be no mail-in registration. The deadline to register is April 19, 2023. No refunds after April 12, 2023.

SIBSHOP WNY - Saturday, April 22, 2023
2023-04-22 13:00 - 17:00 | Richard E. Winter Student Center, 98 Hughes Ave., Buffalo, NY, 14208, United States
When a child is diagnosed with a developmental disorder or serious chronic physical disorder, the entire family is affected.
WHAT ARE SIBSHOPS?
Sibshops provide support and guidance to siblings of children with special needs. Siblings are encouraged to share the challenges and celebrate the joys with brothers and sisters in similar situations. They reflect a belief that brothers and sisters have much to offer one another—if they are given a chance.
Sibshops WNY are lively, action-packed, 4-hour workshops. They are held quarterly on Saturdays from 1 PM to 5 PM. The Sibshop model mixes information with special guests, events, and discussion activities with new games (designed to be unique, off-beat, and appealing to a wide ability range). The minimum age for participation is six years old.
LOCATION: 2nd Floor—Richard E. Winter Student Center at 98 Hughes Ave. Buffalo, NY 14208—between Jefferson Avenue and Meech Street.
REGISTRATION: $20 per session https://www.sibshopwny.com/
QUESTIONS? Please contact: Susan Putnam, PhD or Sarah Vallo, LMHCP. Email: profputnam@gmail.com or lovallos@my.canisius.edu
Phone: (716) 714-9691

Education Records Organizer via Zoom
2023-04-24 18:00 - 19:00
Please join Barb Hoffman, Regional Coordinator, Parent to Parent of NYS as she presents this wonderful webinar.
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.
Please contact with any questions: Tina Beauparlant (518) 381-4350.
REGISTER here.

Region 1 Self-Direction Information Session via WebEx/online
2023-04-25 10:00 - 12:00
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.
Registration is required. Register here.

What You Need to Know About Assistive Technology in the IEP via Zoom
2023-04-25 12:00 - 13:30
Please join Namita Modasra, Education Advocate, 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.
If you have any questions, please contact Tina Beauparlant at (518) 381-4350.
REGISTER here.

FRONT DOOR INFORMATION SESSION (English) via WebEx/online
2023-04-25 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. Register here.
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, Spanish or Chinese, including American Sign Language (ASL), please contact your local Front Door Office. Front Door contact numbers may be found on the OPWDD Website here:https://opwdd.ny.gov/contact-us#access-services-through-front-door
If you need assistance, contact Erin Caglioti at 631-416-3943 or erin.a.caglioti@opwdd.ny.gov

Parents Considering a Residential Placement Discussion Group via Zoom
2023-04-25 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 Sharon Linne for an hour of support and conversation about this important topic.
REGISTER here.

Aquatic Therapy Programming for Individuals with Autism - webinar
2023-04-26 13:00 - 14:00
Learn about aquatic therapy programming for autistic individuals aimed at removing barriers to involvement and expanding recreation repertoire to build memories and experiences together in a community-based setting.
Jennifer Knott, CTRS, works to assist individuals with special needs in a community-based setting. She is a graduate of Kent State University with a Bachelors in Leisure Studies with Concentration in Recreation Therapy and a minor in Psychology and a member and Presenter at the Aquatic Therapy and Rehab Institute. “In working with children, adults, and families with special needs, we recognize the the many barriers to recreation involvement. We strive to eliminate as many barriers as possible by designing inclusive, goal-driven, individualized, and meaningful recreation programs. We believe that recreation activities can assist people with special needs and families in expanding their recreation repertoire, memories, and experiences together.” She currently serves as the Executive Director of Rec2Connct located in Wadsworth, Ohio.
REGISTER here.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE - LEARN ABOUT CAREERS WORKING WITH PEOPLE WITH AUTISM
2023-04-26 16:00 - 17:00
MAKING A DIFFERENCE – LEARN ABOUT CAREERS WORKING WITH PEOPLE WITH AUTISM
Presenter: Jan M. Downey, MA, CCC-SLP, TSHH, Director of Long Island Speech Language Services Eden II Programs

FREE! Register here.

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have learning deficits in areas of communication, socialization and behavior that effect all aspects of their lives. There are many interesting career paths available for those that are interested in helping people with autism throughout their lives.

Fearlessly Different: An Autistic Actor's Journey to Broadway's Biggest Stage - television program
2023-04-26 20:00 - 20:30
Watch an upcoming television program featuring Mickey Rowe and neurodiversity-affirming speech-language therapist and Buffalo native Amy Pinder on WBBZ-TV on Wednesday, April 26 at 8 pm or Saturday, April 29 at noon on Channel 5 on Verizon FiOS, Spectrum, and DISH and Channel 67 on DirecTV.

Mickey is an actor, director, speaker, author, and consultant who has been featured in The New York Times, the Today Show, NPR, The Wall Street Journal, NBC, The Huffington Post, Forbes, Vogue, CNN, and PBS. He is the first autistic actor to play Christopher Boone, the lead role in the Tony Award-winning play The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, and the title role in the Tony Award-winning play Amadeus. He keynoted at the International Council on Development and Learning, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, The Kennedy Center, Yale University, Columbia University, Disability Rights Washington, The Gershwin Theatre on Broadway, New York Public Library, and more.

An autistic and legally blind person, Mickey Rowe is a disability and accessibility expert who has led DEIA trainings and workshops for Nordstrom, Pfizer, BrightHouse, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Metropolitan Opera, New York City Ballet, and more. He was the founding Artistic Director of the National Disability Theatre, which partners with Tony Award-winning companies, like La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego and the Goodman Theatre in Chicago. Most recently, Mickey authored the award-winning, bestselling book Fearlessly Different. (Link to article written by Annette Pinder in Buffalo Healthy Living.)

To learn more about Mickey, see video clips of his appearances, purchase his book, or arrange to have him speak at your organization, visit http://www.mickeyrowe.com.

FRONT DOOR INFORMATION SESSION (Chinese) via WebEx/online
2023-04-27 13:00 - 15:00
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. Register here.
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, Spanish or Chinese, including American Sign Language (ASL), please contact your local Front Door Office. Front Door contact numbers may be found on the OPWDD Website here: https://opwdd.ny.gov/contact-us#access-services-through-front-door
If you need assistance, contact 如果您需要帮助，请联系 Xindi Xu @ 718-722-2745 或发送电子邮件至

BPO Exceptional Kids: Dan Brown Wild Symphony
2023-04-30 14:30 - 15:30 | Kleinhans Music Hall, 3 Symphony Circle, Buffalo, NY, 14201, United States
BPO Exceptional Kids: Dan Brown Wild Symphony
Dan Brown, author of The Da Vinci Code, has created a uniquely entertaining multimedia symphony show based on his book of children’s poetry featuring Maestro Mouse and his musical friends! Don’t miss this ‘mindful, humorous, musical, and unique’ experience that will enchant both young and old!
Cost: $7.00 child/adult
Purchase tickets
The program offers a number of benefits for Exceptional Kids families, including:

YouTube playlists to help patrons prepare and familiarize themselves with the music to be played at each concert,
inclusive pre-concert sensory activities provided by GiGi’s Playhouse Buffalo,
a designated quiet space for families (in the event that children need to take a break),
augmentative hearing devices,
noise-muffling headphones, and
large-font setlists of concert repertoire. and their families.

Awareness and Education presentations are administered by WCHOB Autism Center professionals for BPO staff, ushers and volunteers to help increase everyone’s understanding of autism spectrum disorders and provide best practices to communicate and interact with Exceptional Kids
For more information, and to get involved please contact the Education Department at (716) 242-7822 or email rpudlewski@bpo.org.
Visit BPO for Exceptional Kids.

FRONT DOOR INFORMATION SESSION (English) via WebEx/online
2023-05-01 09:00 - 11:00
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. Register here.
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, Spanish or Chinese, including American Sign Language (ASL), please contact your local Front Door Office. Front Door contact numbers may be found on the OPWDD Website here: https://opwdd.ny.gov/contact-us#access-services-through-front-door
If you need assistance, contact Richard Labonte at 585-241-5842 or Richard.S.Labonte@opwdd.ny.gov.

Loss, Grief, and Adjustment for Parents of Children with Special Needs - webinar
2023-05-01 18:00 - 19:00
Please join Barb Hoffman, Regional Coordinator, Parent to Parent of NYS, as she presents on 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.
REGISTER here.

Section 504, Students with Disabilities in Public & Private Schools - webinar
2023-05-02 11:30 - 13:00
Please join Nancy Marmet, 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, Family Member, or just interested in this topic, then this training is for you!
If you have a question, please call Tina Beauparlant (518) 381-4350.
REGISTER

How Age – and Age of Diagnosis – Affect Quality of Life - webinar
2023-05-03 13:00 - 14:00
A significant proportion of autistic adults today were not diagnosed until later in life, a group referred to as the ‘lost generation,’ which may affect mental health. Learn about research investigating how age, and age of diagnosis, affects quality of life.
THE SPEAKER
Gray Atherton, PhD, has a BSc in Child Development from Vanderbilt University, a Master’s in Counselling from University of Houston, and a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and Individual Differences from University of Houston. She has previously lectured at University of Houston and the University of Wolverhampton. Prior to entering academia, Gray was a counselor for adolescents with neurodevelopmental conditions. “I am interested in understanding how people with autism spectrum condition see the social world. Specifically, I explore individual differences in social processing and how these differences often found in people with autism also exist in the general population. I also investigate anthropomorphism, or seeing the human in the non-human, and how this relates to social processing in autism. To investigate this, I am developing virtual reality techniques that allow for anthropomorphic experiences. My other research interest lies more broadly in embodied social processing. I am particularly interested in how movement can affect the way we see ourselves and our social partners, and how this can be used to understand special populations.”
REGISTER: https://www.autism.org/age-and-diagnosis/
