Autism and Trauma - webinar
2024-06-05 13:00 - 14:15 (America/New_York)
Connor Kerns, PhD, discusses emerging research on the relationship between trauma and autism.
The Speaker
Dr. Connor Kerns has conducted and published studies on broad array of topics including the role of paternal age in ASD risk, the co-occurrence of childhood psychopathologies, and differential predictors of CBT efficacy for child anxiety. Her present research focuses on the overlap, assessment and treatment of anxiety and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Her ongoing projects aim to explore the varied presentation and phenomenology of anxiety in ASD and the implications of this variation for effective anxiety measurement and treatment. Dr. Kerns is also preparing to extend this work to the understudied area of traumatic events and their sequelae in youth with ASD. Another area of interest is the use of technology to facilitate the dissemination of empirically based treatments. Dr. Kerns is currently working to develop cost-effective, computer-assisted CBTs for youth with ASD and anxiety, interactive social stories to improve skill generalization in ASD, and video-enhanced ASD screening and educational tools. Her long terms goals include developing a parsimonious model of psychiatric co-occurrence to inform the design and dissemination of cross-diagnostic assessments and treatments that will improve child wellbeing and development.
REGISTER HERE.

Parent to Parent NYS Presents a Statewide Webinar: Understanding LGBTQ+ Individuals with Disability
2024-06-05 19:00 - 20:00
LGBTQ+ individuals living with disabilities are often overlooked. Approximately 30% of adolescents that identify in the LGBTQ+ population also have disabilities. Join us for a discussion with Self Advocate Pauline Bosma from MASS (Massachusetts Advocates Standing Strong ) as they explain the challenges of being transgender and disabled, and what parents need to know.
REGISTER HERE.

Charla Con Nosotros Grupo De Apoyo via Zoom
2024-06-06 18:30 - 20:00
¿Eres padre de un niño/a que tieneuna discapacidad o sospechas quetengan una discapacidad?
DISCUCIONES YPERSPECTIVAS
OBTEN APOYO
Consigue información práctica,constructiva, y útil.
CONECTA CON OTROS
Consigue información práctica,constructiva, y útil.
Aprende mas sobre como manejar con susproblemas a través de experienciascompartidas.
EXPRESATE
Tén un espacio seguro para compartirsus experiencias y dificultades.

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

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

Get Outdoors & Get Together Day - Saturday, June 8, 2024
2024-06-08 10:00 - 14:00
OPWDD is partnering with NYS State Parks, DEC, and the Department of Veterans Services this year on Get Outdoors & Get Together Day, happening on Saturday, June 8. Fun and accessible outdoor events will be held at select parks and DEC sites across the state! They are sharing a general flyer with you about the event to use to spread the word and encourage people with and without developmental disabilities to attend and join in on the fun. Everyone is encouraged to bring a picnic lunch with them as concession is not available at every location.
At DEC sites, attendees can discover new skills and enjoy a range of introductory-level outdoor recreation activities such as fishing, nature walks and hikes, birding, archery, camping, paddling, and more. Activities will vary at State Parks and range from lawn games to accessible hikes to arts and crafts. Most events will run from 10 am until 2 pm. Events running at slightly different times are noted below.
State Park Event Locations
All State Parks-hosted events run from 10 am until 2 pm
• Sunken Meadow State Park (Suffolk County)
• Buffalo Harbor State Park (Erie County)
• Darien Lakes State Park (Genesee County)
• Allegany State Park (Cattaraugus County)
• Chenango Valley State Park (Chenango County)
• Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site (Montgomery County)
• Taughannock Falls State Park (Tompkins County)
• Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park (New York County)
• Lake Taghkanic State Park (Columbia County)
• Sterling Forest State Park (Orange County)
DEC Event Locations
Most DEC-hosted events run from 10 am until 2 pm, *exceptions noted below
• Hempstead Lake State Park (Nassau County)
• Mount Loretto Unique Area (Richmond County)
• Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center (Dutchess County) *Event time is 9 am until 2 pm
• Norrie Point Environmental Education Center (Dutchess County) *Event time is 11 am until 1 pm
• Kenneth L. Wilson Campground (Ulster County)
• Catskills Visitor Center (Ulster County) *Event time is 10 am until 4 pm • North-South Lake Campground (Greene County)
• Five Rivers Environmental Education Center (Albany County)
• Ausable Point Campground (Clinton County)
• Lowville Forestry Demonstration Area (Lewis County)
• Mendon Ponds Park In conjunction with the ADK Outdoor Expo (Monroe County) *Event time is from 9:30 am until 3:30 pm
• Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center (Erie County)
OPWDD hopes to see you at Get Outdoors & Get Together Day! For the most up-to-date information about the event, click here to visit their website.
If you have questions about the event or wish to be put in touch with the local event coordinator in your region, email OPWDD at communications.office@opwdd.ny.gov.

NEW- Chinese Speaking Family Support Group - Via Zoom
2024-06-08 20:00 - 22:00
Parent to Parent NYS is excited to announce the launch of a new 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.

The Link WNY’s Family & Caregiver Group via Zoom
2024-06-10 18:30 - 20:00, 2024-07-08 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 HERE.

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

Parent to Parent of NYS- Statewide-Virtual Fathers Group
2024-06-10 19:00 - 20:00
Parent to Parent of NYS Fathers Group to meet online via Zoom and discuss the role of dads in navigating their children’s special needs. Come join Bing Feng for an informal meeting to share information, resources, and support. Parents of children and adults are welcome.
Register here.

NEW- Teen Parent Group- for parents of teenagers with developmental or physical disabilities
2024-06-10 19:00 - 20:00
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.

Understanding the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education Part 200 Students with Disabilities - webinar
2024-06-11 18:30 - 20:00
Please join Parent to Parent of NYS, Namita Modasra, Education Advocate, for this in-depth 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.
REGISTER HERE.

Growing with Others - Neurodivergent Social Group for high school students
2024-06-11 18:30 - 20:00 | North Tonawanda High School Library, 405 Meadow Drive, North Tonawanda, NY 14120, NY, 14120, United States
Neurodivergent social group for high school students meets 2nd Tuesday of every month from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Community Connection – Connect with other high school students and build positive relationships.
Develop New Skills – Opportunities to develop skills such as self-awareness, social wellness, coping with stress, and more!
Feel Supported – Discuss feelings, ideas, interests, and goals in a safe and supportive environment.
FACILITATOR
Patty McCalister, LMHC is a licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 20 years in the Human Services fields, working with individuals with intellectual disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
If you have any questions, please contact Patty McCalister at patriciamccalisterlmhc@gmail.com or 716-345-5450.
LOCATION
North Tonawanda High School Library, 405 Meadow Drive, North Tonawanda, NY 14120

Support for parents of children in Early Intervention - via Zoom
2024-06-11 19:00 - 20:00
Join Parent to Parent NYS’ community of parents navigating the early intervention journey with children aged 5 and younger. 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.

How To Foster And Support Self-Determination In All Students via Zoom
2024-06-12 12:00 - 14:00
This training provides participants 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 HERE FOR THIS FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

Special Education Mediation For Families
2024-06-12 13:00 - 14:30
Families will become aware of the option of Special Education Mediation to resolve disputes and will be more knowledgeable about its benefits.
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER HERE! FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
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Parent to Parent of NYS- Black, Indigenous, Person of Color (BIPOC) virtual Parent Group and learning series
2024-06-12 19:00 - 20:30
Are you a BIPOC Parent of a child with special needs of any age? (BIPOC – Black, Indigenous, Person of Color) Like you, I understand the realities of parenting our children with special needs while walking that tightrope of living on the margins struggling to be seen! Let’s address the high pressure reality on us as BIPOC parents so we may begin to re-energize ourselves, re-focus on what’s most important, and re-up our enthusiasm to increase our effectiveness in our roles. As we share our paths forward together, the better off we will be for our journey ahead, emotionally and physically, and the better off our families will be. Join me, Melanie Baker, for an honest conversation as we consider where we have been, where we are now, so that we may see our way forward.
Register here.

What You Need to Know About Assistive Technology in the IEP
2024-06-13 10:00 - 11:15
Please join Parent to Parent of NYS for this presentation on What You Need to Know About Assistive Technology in the IEP.
This training will teach parents, grandparents, guardians about appropriate Assistive Technology (AT) devices and services how they allow students with disabilities to participate in and benefit from the general education curriculum and to meet Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals. For every student with an IEP, federal and state regulations require that the team consider the student’s need for assistive technology devices and services.
Register here.

Chautauqua County Family & Caregiver Support Group via Zoom
2024-06-13 18:30 - 20:00
Receive Support – Connect with Others – Express Yourself
Free Support for parents, family members and caregivers of children with special needs
REGISTER ONCE FOR MONTHLY EMAIL REMINDERS AND ZOOM MEETING LINKS!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org

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Parent to Parent of NYS-Residential Placement Online Discussion Group- Parents who have a child or adult in a Residential placement
2024-06-13 19:00 - 20:00
For families with children and adults of all ages that currently have children in residential school or a group home. Come join us for an hour of support and conversation.
Register here.

Au-Some Evenings at Explore & More - The Ralph C Wilson Jr. Children's Museum
2024-06-14 17:30 - 19:30 | Explore & More – The Ralph C Wilson Jr. Children’s Museum, 130 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14202, United States
Once a month, Au-Some Evenings give children with autism and sensory processing needs, their friends and family an opportunity to play and learn together in an understanding and supportive environment. In addition to a fun night of play with access to the museum space and exhibits, we have special programming for families! The evening features themed Art Studio projects, sensory exploration in our Tinkering Tank, therapy animals from the SPCA and student volunteers from SUNY Buffalo State’s Exceptional Education program. Parent outreach materials including links for social stories, child development resources and play tips are always available. We even provide small giveaways or snacks in the lobby, at the end of the night to help with the transition of leaving the museum. We look forward to having you join us!
To register for the next Au-Some Evening please complete the form, here!

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

Click here to download our Au-Some Evening flyer!

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

Preventing Parent Burnout for Parents of Children with Special Needs via Zoom
2024-06-18 10:00 - 11:00
Preventing Parent Burnout for Parents of Children with Special Needs. Extraordinary parenting responsibilities create extraordinary pressures on parents. At the same time, parenting a child with special needs requires energy, focus, and enthusiasm to be effective in our role. The better off we are emotionally and physically, the better off our families will be. Join us for this webinar on Preventing Parent Burnout and discover positive ways to cope with and effectively manage stress.
REGISTER HERE.

Getting Started with the Residential Process: Tips, Tricks, and Information via Zoom
2024-06-18 11:00 - 12:15
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.

Parents CONSIDERING a Residential Placement Discussion Group
2024-06-18 19:00 - 20:00
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.

Loss, Grief, and Adjustment for Parents of Children with Special Needs
2024-06-24 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.

Parent Group for Parents of Older Children with developmental or physical disabilities 21 and older
2024-06-24 19:00 - 20:00
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.
2024-06-25 13:00 - 14:00
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.

Traveling with Your Special Needs Child/Adult
2024-06-26 18:00 - 19:30
Come join Parent to Parent NYS for this NEW Presentation on Traveling with Your Special Needs Child/Adult. Have you dreamed of going on a vacation with your child or adult with special needs? Does your child express a desire to go visit grandparents or a friend? Does he/she want to go on a field trip? Are theme parks or cruises a wish? Does the thought of even planning a trip make you nervous? Whether it’s a day trip or a long vacation, get tips and tricks for planning and implementing a trip with your family member with special needs. Learn how a trip can benefit all of your family members.
Register here.

Statewide- Virtual Special Education Parent Chat Group
2024-06-27 18:30 - 20:00
Come join Parent to Parent NYS for their Special Education chat group. As a parent’s of children with special needs, we know firsthand how hard it is to advocate for our children in school. Sometimes we feel helpless, exhausted, and lonely and let’s face it advocating for our kids is complicated! If you’re a parent, grandparent, caregiver of a child with special needs, and struggling with special education school related issues. Come join for an opportunity to share what’s happening while engaging in great conversation, sharing your knowledge, ideas and resources with other parents in the community who are dealing with the same issues. All from the comfort of your own home.
REGISTER HERE.

Guidelines for Determining the Need for a One-to-One Aide
2024-07-10 18:00 - 19:15
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.

Behavior as Communication - Summer Evening Series via Zoom
2024-07-10 18:30 - 19:30
Behavior is a way of communicating needs and wants. Behavior communication refers to an individual’s effort to communicate dislikes, needs, desires, etc., but who cannot do so in a traditional manner.
Come to this weekly series to learn about how you can respond to their needs and help them to learn more positive ways to communicate.
Dates of the Series
Wednesdays, July 10, 17, 24 & 31
Wednesdays, August 7 & 14
Times for the Series: 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
This series builds upon each session. Please plan on attending all sessions.
Registration will close after 7/17/2024.
REGISTER HERE FOR THIS FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
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Summer Lunch & Learn Series – Summer Success via Zoom (Once a week July 11-August 29 from 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.)
2024-07-11 12:00 - 12:45
Summer Lunch & Learn Series – Special Education!
FREE! 12:00 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Thursday, July 11 – Summer Success
Thursday, July 18 – Homeschooling
Wednesday, July 24 – Transition in the IEP
Tuesday, July 30 – Developmental Milestones
Tuesday, August 6 – CPSE to CSE
Tuesday, August 13 – Talking to Your Child About Their Disability
Wednesday, August 21 – Special Education Process
Thursday, August 29 – Learning Disabilities
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER HERE FOR THIS FREE EVENT SERIES! REGISTER ONCE TO ATTEND ALL SESSIONS.
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
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