FRONT DOOR INFORMATION SESSION (English) via WebEx/online
2023-05-19 10:00 - 12:00, 2023-05-30 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
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.

How to Prepare for a Successful CPSE/CSE Meeting - webinar
2023-05-23 18:00 - 19:30
Please join Namita Modasra, Education Advocate, 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 and 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! If you have questions, please contact: Tina Beauparlant (518) 381-4350.
REGISTER

A Guide for Families to Understanding Supports & Services Administered by OPWDD - webinar
2023-05-24 11:00 - 12:30
Please join Barb Hoffman, Parent to Parent of NYS, 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.
Register here.

Region 1 Self-Direction Information Session via WebEx/online
2023-05-24 13:00 - 15:00, 2023-06-06 09:00 - 11:00, 2023-06-22 16:00 - 18:00
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.

Parent’s Guide To Special Education - Two-Part Training Workshop via Zoom
2023-05-24 18:00 - 20:00
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.

Part 1: Online videos & activities. Complete at least 1 day prior to Live Zoom Session.
Part 2: Wednesday, May 24th, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Live Zoom session.
REGISTER HERE.

FRONT DOOR INFORMATION SESSION (English) via WebEx/online
2023-05-25 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. 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 Kelli Smith at 845- 695-7344 or Kelli.L.Smith@opwdd.ny.gov.

Parent to Parent of NYS- Parents Considering a Residential Placement Discussion Group
2023-05-30 19:00 - 20:00
For families with children and adults who have not yet placed, but are considering a placement in a residential school or a group home. Join us as we about the issues and emotions that we experience when making the difficult decision of residential placement.
REGISTER

Making Social Skills Fun! - Free webinar
2023-05-31 08:00 - 08:30
FREE INFORMATION SHARING WEBINAR
Tuesday, May 23, 2023 from 8:00a.m. -8:30a.m.
Making Social Skills Fun! 😊
About the Webinar: This webinar will consist of a presentation by Juli Gunner. Juli will discuss the basics of teaching social skills via behavioral skills training (e.g., “skillstreaming”), an evidence-based strategy for helping individuals learn prosocial ways to have their needs met. Participants will be provided with a brief introduction and examples of how to make social skill instruction enjoyable, relevant, and generalizable. This presentation has a target audience of any professional who interacts with individuals on the autism spectrum.
Learning Objectives:
• Participants will demonstrate understanding of the 4 components of behavioral skills training (instruction, modeling, rehearsal, and feedback), and how these can be adapted to support learners across developmental levels.
• Participants will learn how to identify target skills, execute situationally relevant role plays, and create engaging opportunities for contrived and generalized skill practice.
• Participants will recognize the importance of the relationship between emotional identification/regulation skills and adaptive/prosocial behavior.
Presented by Juli Gunner MS. Ed., BCBA, LBA, The Summit Center
Juli Gunner is a NYS-Certified Teacher and BCBA with a passion for parent training, social skill instruction, and curriculum design. Presently, she uses a self-made curriculum based behavioral skills training to teach prosocial behavior and emotional regulation skills to 5 classrooms of learners, ages 3-8. As an educator, Juli has experienced how effective use of educational technology and evidence-based practice can improve students’ social skills, and she can’t wait to share with you (and your learners)!
This webinar is made possible by a grant from NYSRCASD. Requests for accommodations/special needs may be sent to wnyrcasd@thesummitcenter.org or by calling 716-629-3417.
Register Today!

FRONT DOOR INFORMATION SESSION (English) via WebEx/online
2023-06-02 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 Richard Labonte at 585-241-5842 or Richard.S.Labonte@opwdd.ny.gov.

Sensory Friendly Film Series: The Little Mermaid movie
2023-06-03 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.
The Little Mermaid
Saturday, June 3 at 10:00 a.m.
The youngest of King Triton’s daughters, and the most defiant, Ariel longs to find out more about the world beyond the sea, and while visiting the surface, falls for the dashing Prince Eric. With mermaids forbidden to interact with humans, Ariel makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, which gives her a chance to experience life on land, but ultimately places her life – and her father’s crown – in jeopardy.
RUN TIME: 120 minutes.
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: 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)

Recreational Festival
2023-06-03 10:00 - 14:00 | Cazenovia Park, West Seneca, NY, United States
Parent Network of WNY brings you Recreational Festival!
Learn about recreational programs and services in WNY for children with all abilities. Free activities for all ages and abilities at Cazenovia Park across from the Casino in West Seneca, NY. Cazenovia Park is bordered by Cazenovia Street, Seneca Street, Potters and Abbott Road.

When You Are Considering a Developmental Evaluation for Your Child: A Parent’s Perspective to Assist Your Visit. via Zoom
2023-06-05 10:00 - 11:00
Please join Maryalice Fegeley, Regional Manager, 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.
If you have questions, contact Tina Beauparlant (518) 381-4350.
REGISTER HERE.

Care Coordination: The Basics of Eligibility and Referral Process as it Pertains to Individuals on the Autism Spectrum - Free webinar
2023-06-06 08:00 - 08:30
FREE INFORMATION SHARING WEBINAR
Tuesday, June 06, 2023 from 8:00am-8:30am
Care Coordination: The Basics of Eligibility and Referral Process as it Pertains to Individuals on the Autism Spectrum
About the Webinar: This webinar will consist of a presentation by Jessica Fisher and Rachel Epstein. They will discuss Augmentative and Alternative Communication systems which can be a primary source and/or a support to an individual’s communication. Participants will be provided with a brief introduction and examples of AAC systems available currently. This presentation has a target audience of any professional who interacts with individuals who need augmentative or alternative methods to communicate.
Learning Objectives:
• The participants will understand the value of AAC
• The participates will learn about the types of AAC that are currently available
• The participants will understand the basic process of funding and obtaining an AAC device
Presented by Jessica Fisher, M.S. CCC-SLP and Rachel Epstein, MS. Ed. CCC-SLP The Summit Center
• Jessica Fisher is a licensed speech-language pathologist. She has worked with individuals on the autism spectrum for 18 years and has been a supervisor of AAC for the past 7 years. She uses her vast knowledge of AAC systems to assist students, families, and therapists to learn and navigate the process of obtaining communication systems.
• Rachel Epstein has worked with individuals with disabilities for over 9 years. She is a licensed speech-language pathologist with extensive training in the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and other Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems. She uses this knowledge to teach individuals how to functionally communicate their needs, wants, and emotions.
This webinar is made possible by a grant from NYSRCASD. Requests for accommodations/special needs may be sent to wnyrcasd@thesummitcenter.org or by calling 716-629-3417.
Register Today!

Education Records Organizer via Zoom
2023-06-07 11:00 - 12:00
Please join Dodie Daniels, 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.
If you have any questions, contact Tina Beauparlant (518) 381-4350.
REGISTER HERE.

ASISTA A UNA SESIÓN INFORMATIVA DE FRONT DOOR PARA OBTENER INFORMACIÓN SOBRE LOS APOYOS Y SERVICIOS
2023-06-08 13:00 - 15:00
ASISTA A UNA SESIÓN INFORMATIVA DE FRONT DOOR PARA OBTENER INFORMACIÓN SOBRE LOS APOYOS Y SERVICIOS
Las sesiones informativas de Front Door de la OPWDD describen el proceso de cómo usted puede ser elegible para los apoyos y servicios, los tipos de apoyos y servicios disponibles y adónde se puede ir para obtener ayuda.
En la actualidad, todas las sesiones se están ofreciendo a distancia por WebEx. La duración de la sesión es de dos horas.
Las sesiones informativas de Front Door están enumeradas debajo. También se puede encontrar esta información en el sitio web de la OPWDD aquí: https://opwdd.ny.gov/get-started/information-sessions.
Para las sesiones es necesario estar registrado. Una vez que haya encontrado el día y horario que más le convenga, por favor haga clic en el enlace para registrarse para la sesión. Si usted está viendo una copia impresa de este folleto, puede registrarse en el sitio web con el enlace mencionado con anterioridad o comunicarse con el contacto indicado debajo para la sesión a la cual desea asistir.
Todas las Oficinas Regionales ofrecen servicios de traducción para el idioma que se adapte mejor a sus necesidades. Si necesita una sesión en otro idioma que no sea inglés o español, incluyendo el lenguaje de señas estadounidense (ASL), por favor póngase en contacto con su oficina local de Front Door. Los números de contacto de Front Door se pueden encontrar en el sitio web de la OPWDD aquí: https://opwdd.ny.gov/contact-us#access-services-through-front-door.
Register here.
If you need assistance, contact Miriam Nieto at 718-430-0806 or Miriam.X.Nieto@opwdd.ny.gov.

Parent to Parent of NYS- Statewide-Virtual Fathers Group via Zoom
2023-06-08 19:00 - 20:30
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 Chris Brewster for an informal meeting to share information, resources, and support. Parents of children and adults are welcome.
Register here.

Understanding Your Child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) via Zoom
2023-06-09 15:00 - 16:30
Understanding Your Child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP)
Gain an understanding of the components, the process, and the roles of the families and the school.
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER.
FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

Get Outdoors & Get Together Day - Saturday, June 10 (various locations)
2023-06-10 10:00 - 14:00
Get Outdoors & Get Together Day events will be held at select locations across New York on Saturday, June 10. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks), in partnership with the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and the NYS Division of Veterans’ Services, are hosting free and low-cost events to connect people to nature and provide increased access to the outdoors. Get Outdoors & Get Together Day will bring people of all abilities, ages, identities, and backgrounds together for fun, healthful activities as part of the state’s initiative to broaden the diversity of users and ensure inclusivity of access to state public lands.
FREE games, events, and guided fishing, hiking, paddling, camping, birding, archery, and more. All locations will offer a selection of accessible activities; and use of adaptive equipment and demonstrations will be provided at many sites. Celebrate New York’s spectacular outdoor spaces in this inclusive one-day event at a location near you.

Most events will run from 10am – 2 pm however there is some variation. Check opwdd.ny.gov to confirm the event time for the location you are interested in.

Download event flyer here. See event site location and more information! Learn more here.

The Link WNY’s Family & Caregiver Group via Zoom
2023-06-12 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! REGISTER

Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
MEET THE HOSTS
Kim Newton, 20 years experience working with special needs families,
Nicole LaMonte-DeGolier, parent of child with special needs, and
Erin Reisdorf, Parent of child with special needs.
Download flyer

FRONT DOOR INFORMATION SESSION (English) via WebEx/online
2023-06-13 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 Angelina Gogola at 315-793-9600 ext. 621 or Angelina.M.Gogola@opwdd.ny.gov.

Understanding Self Direction via Zoom
2023-06-13 19:00 - 20:30
Come join us to understand what Self Direction is and how it can help your family.
Presenter: Amber Suttle – Director of Self-Directed Services at Wildwood Programs
As an HCBS Waiver funded program through OPWDD, Self- Direction is a person-centered support that puts the individual and their family in control of service delivery.
Join us for this informative webinar to learn more.
REGISTER HERE.

Sensory Rich Summer! via Zoom
2023-06-14 18:30 - 20:00
Sensory Rich Summer!
Do you have kiddos with sensory needs?
Are you wondering what you’ll do over the summer to keep them regulated and healthy?
Summertime can feel daunting!
Join Amy Ruffino and Parent Network for an evening of learning and support! If you are looking fo rideas for your own children or children you work with, make sure to tune in.
Workshop followed by Q & A.
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER HERE! FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

Preventing Parent Burnout for Parents of Children with Special Needs - webinar
2023-06-14 19:00 - 20:00
Please join Sharon Linne, 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.
REGISTER here.

Chautauqua County Family & Caregiver Support Group via Zoom
2023-06-20 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 of experience working with special needs families
Laurie Reynolds, parent of child with special needs
REGISTER ONCE FOR MONTHLY EMAIL REMINDERS AND ZOOM MEETING LINKS! REGISTER
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org

Download Flyer

FRONT DOOR INFORMATION SESSION (English) via WebEx/online
2023-06-21 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 Monica Moore at 315-473-6985 or monica.moore@opwdd.ny.gov.

Parent to Parent of NYS-Upstate West-Caregiver Connections-Virtual Parent Group via Zoom
2023-06-21 19:00 - 20:30
Parent to Parent of NYS offers FREE online groups for parents of children with special needs. Group are available Regionally and Statewide We are here for you! Come join Barb Hoffman for: An informal meeting to share information, resources, and support. Parents of children and adults are welcome.
Register here.

Statewide-Special Education Virtual Parent Chat Group via Zoom
2023-06-22 18:30 - 20:00
Come join Parent to Parent NYS for their Special Education chat group. As a parent 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, or 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.
