Autism Society Western New York

Front Door Information Session via WebEx
2022-02-28 16:00 - 18:00 (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.

To register, click here: https://meetny.webex.com/meetny/onstage/g.php?MTID=e9068fdc1a507f96941ad57fbe148ea30 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

Family/Caregiver Support Group - 2022 via Zoom
2022-03-01 17:30 - 19:00
Are you a parent of a child with disabilities or 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 & other group members! First Tuesday of the month from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Virtual Meeting via Zoom. Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/96127043675?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 961 2704 3675, Passcode: [REDACTED]
NO JUDGEMENTS – NO FEES – ALL ARE WELCOME
email: info@parentnetworkwny.org | call: 716.332.4170
www.parentnetworkwny.org/events

Overview of OPWDD - Free Workshop via Zoom
2022-03-01 18:00 - 19:30
This workshop provides parents and caregivers with detailed information about the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). The class will help you to understand eligibility, the admission process, and any updates to the service.
Nicole Hall, MSW Eligibility Navigator
Parent Network WNY
REGISTER
FOR MORE INFORMATION
email: info@parentnetworkwny.org | call: 716-332-4170
online: http://www.parentnetworkwny.org/events

Food and Sleep - Webinar
2022-03-02 12:00 - 13:15
Tune in to hear nutritionist Vicki Kobliner, RD, describe nutritional strategies for improving sleep.
About the speaker:

Vicki Kobliner is a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist with over 20 years of expertise applying a Functional Nutrition approach to the care of children and adults. She utilized her wealth of experience with both traditional and integrative modalities, incorporating the power of food, herbs and targeted nutrition support for both prevention of and healing from both acute and chronic illnesses. Vicki sees pediatric patients and their families and has extensive experience in addressing a wide variety of childhood illnesses.
Vicki is a contributing author to two books: A Compromised Generation: The Epidemic of Chronic Illness in Americas Children, and Essential Remedies for Women’s Health. Vicki sits on the professional advisory board of the Neurological Health Foundation, and Epidemic Answers and was a member of the Connecticut PANDAS/PANS Legislative Advisory Council. She has lectured nationally and internationally about the role of nutrition in chronic disease and speaks frequently for the Autism Research Institute. She is on faculty at the Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs.
Register: https://www.autism.org/food-and-sleep/

Preparing For High School via Zoom
2022-03-03 18:00 - 20:00
Preparing for High School
This workshop is designed to help parents or caregivers of children about to enter high school. Hear about changes that will take place along the way.
Learn how to help your student identify his or her interests, strengths, and needs for all areas of life. An early understanding of graduation requirements will help to simplify this transition to independence.
CTLE Credits Available
REGISTER TODAY! FREE EVENT!
Register: https://parentnetworkwny.org/events/preparing-for-high-school/

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

Front Door Information Session via WebEx
2022-03-04 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=ed23004944506e183a9ef373b2f38cfa0 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

The Impact of Culture on Family Engagement via Zoom
2022-03-04 12:00 - 13:00
The Impact of Culture on Family Engagement
Explore how culture impacts family and caregiver engagement as well as specific tips to make all students/families/caregivers feel welcomed!
REGISTER TODAY! FREE EVENT!
Register: https://parentnetworkwny.org/events/the-impact-of-culture-on-family-engagement/
CTLE Credits Available
Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Call: 716-332-4170

Northtowns Family/Caregiver Support Group via Zoom
2022-03-07 18:30 - 19:30
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!
Join Zoom Meetinghttps://zoom.us/j/99541728957?pwd=[REDACTED] ID: 995 4172 8957Passcode: [REDACTED]

When You Are Considering a Developmental Evaluation for Your Child: A Parent’s Perspective to Assist Your Visit - Webinar
2022-03-08 13:00 - 14:15
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.
If you have questions, contact Tina Beauparlant (518)381-4350 or Tbeauparlant@ptopnys.org.
Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3377479138444732430

Region 1 Self-Direction Information Session via WebEx
2022-03-08 14:00 - 16:00
Region 1 Self-Direction Information Session
Registration is required.
(All sessions are WebEx/online format and attendance is taken using the person’s email address)
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: NYS Information Technology Service WebEx Enterprise Site

Nurtured Heart Series – Part 1 via Zoom
2022-03-08 18:00 - 20:00
The Nurtured Heart Approach (NHA) is a language-based approach that can help you regain focus and power and rebuild the love you want in your home. NHA teaches us why our typical parenting methods don’t always work and can even make things worse. The magic rests in its ability to use language to build “inner wealth” and to make positive connections to those around us by focusing on what IS working, at all times.
You will learn how to hold clear limits and consequences while you build positive connections. You will immediately FEEL the difference in your home, and in time, you, your children and your family learn to flourish.
By combining these curriculums, it is our intention to more fully provide you tools to not only manage the challenges in your life, but to actually grow and get better because of them. We look forward to seeing you transform!!
(No prior reading is required)
Nurtured Heart Series is a four-part series,
March 8, 2022 – Nurtured Heart Part 1 – 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
March 15, 2022 – Nurtured Heart Part 2 – 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
March 22, 2022 – Nurtured Heart Part 3 – 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
March 29, 2022 – Nurtured Heart Part 4 – 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

REGISTER ONCE FOR ENTIRE SERIES
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org

Let’s Take a Crash Course on Understanding how to Read an IEP via Zoom
2022-03-08 18:00 - 20:00
Please join Namita Modasra, Education Advocate, Parent to Parent of NYS as she presents this wonderful webinar.
The IEP, Individualized Education Program, is a written document that’s developed for each public-school child who is eligible for special education. The IEP is created through a team effort and reviewed at least once a year. This training will teach you how to read the IEP so you can understand what should be in the IEP.
Zoom Online registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAlc–pqz0sHdfBuOp_LH2QLQXRn7bt8Jk2
Contact: Phone: Tina Beauparlant- Tbeauparlant@ptopnys.org

Brain & Sensory Processing Differences Across the Lifespan - Webinar
2022-03-09 13:00 - 14:15
Sensory Processing Differences Don’t Go Away for Adults with Autism
Part 1: Understanding Brain & Sensory Processing Differences Across the Lifespan
Tune in to hear Fakhri Shafai, Ph.D., M.Ed., describe sensory differences experienced by individuals with autism throughout the lifespan.
About the speaker:
Since 2003, Dr. Fakhri Shafai has worked with autistic persons, their families, clinicians, and educators in various capacities. Her research is focused on sensory processing differences in autism spectrum disorder and how these differences are related to social competence, emotion processing, and anxiety. Currently, she works as the Research and Evaluation Project Coordinator for AIDE Canada, a federally funded nonprofit that seeks to support autistic individuals, individuals with intellectual disabilities, and their families.
Register: https://www.autism.org/brain-sensory-processing-differences/
Register for Part 2: Sensory-Friendly Strategies for Home, Wednesday, March 23, 2022

Front Door Information Session via WebEx
2022-03-09 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.

To register, click here: https://meetny.webex.com/meetny/onstage/g.php?MTID=e9fdef4d597babf598081b0d291c98f40 If you need assistance, please contact Monica Moore 315-473-6985 monica.moore@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

What is Section 504? - Webinar
2022-03-09 18:00 - 19:15
Please join Trish Washburn, Education Advocate, 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 call Tina Beauparlant (518) 381-4350 or Tbeauparlant@ptopnys.org.
Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7253413755527421452

Education Records Organizer - Webinar
2022-03-10 13:00 - 14:00
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.
Please contact with any questions: Tina Beauparlant (518) 381-4350 or Tbeauparlant@ptopnys.org
Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1772114097940225037

(Spanish) Chat with Us! via Zoom
2022-03-10 19:00 - 20:00
¡Únase a nosotros para obtener respuestas a sus preguntas e inquietudes!
RESPONDEREMOS SUS PREGUNTAS SOBRE…– Transiciones– Educación Especial y Discapacidades– Manejo de tiempo en el Hogar– Trabajo Escolar– Comportamiento– Tecnología Virtual– Recursos en Buffalo– ¡Y cualquier otro tema que quieras discutir!
Unirse a la Zoom reuniónhttps://us06web.zoom.us/j/83163589898?pwd=[REDACTED]ón ID: 831 6358 9898 Contraseña: [REDACTED]
Sesiones Semanales de Charla Con Lizarelis Ali!
email: info@parentnetworkwny.org | call: 716.332.4170
www.parentnetworkwny.org/events

Residential Placement Online Discussion Group- Parents who have a child in a Residential placement
2022-03-10 19:00 - 20:00
Do you have a family member in a residential program and are struggling to make peace with this decision? Parent to Parent is excited to host a new Parent Discussion Group facilitated by Mariela Adams, for families with children and adults of all ages that have children in residential school or a group home.
March_10-2022_Residential_Placement_Discussion_Group.docx
Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZItcOCgqjkiE93EvzhK2aXOn96j5KDcPGBy
If you have questions, please contact: Valeria Colavecchio – vcolavecchio@ptopnys.org.

Front Door Information Session via WebEx - Spanish
2022-03-11 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=e985f3b670d659cd867a5987f4852f878 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

Explore & More’s Au-Some Evenings - March 11, 2022
2022-03-11 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.

What are Effective Advocacy Skills
2022-03-14 13:00 - 14:15
Please join Trish Washburn, Education Advocate, Parent to Parent of NYS, as she presents a webinar on Effective Advocacy Skills. Not everyone starts out by being a good advocate. Many parents, guardians and grandparents have faced challenges in getting their child’s education needs met. Parents, guardians, grandparents, must learn the skills they need to become good advocates for their children. Participants will learn that communicating effectively with teachers and other school personnel is one of the best ways to ensure that your child’s school is creating a good learning environment for your child, and to ensure that your child’s school is providing your child with the services or programs that he or she needs to succeed in school.
If you have questions, please contact: Tina Beauparlant (518) 381-4350 or Tbeauparlant@ptopnys.org.
Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8505411153401124366

Parent's Guide to Special Education (formerly Parent Member) via Zoom
2022-03-14 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
March 14th
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
CTLE Credits Available
RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY
REGISTER: https://parentnetworkwny.org/events/parents-guide-to-special-education-formerly-parent-member-2/
Call: 716-332-4170
Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org

Front Door Information Session via WebEx
2022-03-15 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.

To register, click here: https://meetny.webex.com/meetny/onstage/g.php?MTID=efe6971f3cc78eba51eb17fbea7131bc8 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

How to Prepare for a Successful CSE Meeting - Webinar
2022-03-15 10:00 - 11:15
This training is to help parents, who approach IEP meetings with fear and dread. If this sounds like you, attend this training and you may find some suggestions to help you feel more at ease and able to 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 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.
Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2162964090502694925

BEHAVIOR STRATEGIES FOR THE BIG FOUR - FEEDING
2022-03-15 12:00 - 13:00
BEHAVIOR STRATEGIES FOR THE BIG FOUR
for parents of children with autism spectrum disorders
Behavior, Feeding, Sleeping and Toileting
Autism Learning Partners is offering a monthly FREE virtual workshop on each of the big topics for families with autism spectrum disorders. The parent workshops will consist of a presentation followed by an opportunity to ask questions.
Workshops are on the third Tuesday of each month, from 12:00 pm—1:00 pm:
Tuesday, January 18 – Behavior
Tuesday, February 15 – Sleeping
Tuesday, March 15 – Feeding
Tuesday, April 19 – Toileting
Featuring Presenters from Autism Learning Partners:
Rachael Schneider, MA, BCBA-LBA – Executive Director-IN, MD, MI, NJ, NY, & OH and PA
Kathy Honer, Psy.D., BCBA-D, LBA – Senior Behavior Analyst, Licensed Psychologist
Kara Wozniak, MA, BCBA-LBA – Clinical Director- Buffalo & Yonkers, NY
Here is the link to log on or call in:
Join from the meeting link: https://autismlearningpartners.zoom.us/j/86949654257?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 869 4965 4257 Passcode: [REDACTED]
Call in: +1 (346) 248-7799,,86949654257# US

Graduation Options for Students with Disabilities via Zoom
2022-03-15 18:00 - 19:00
Graduation Options for Students with Disabilities
Gain understanding of the NYS graduation requirements
Key areas being discussed:

Credit requirements
Multiple pathways to graduation
Safety nets for students with disabilities
Appeal process
Exiting credentials available to students

CTLE Credits Available
REGISTER: https://parentnetworkwny.org/events/graduation-options-for-students-with-disabilities/
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Call: 716.332.4170
Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org

Nurtured Heart Series - Part 2 - via Zoom
2022-03-15 18:00 - 20:00

Emotional Regulation Strategies - Webinar
2022-03-16 13:00 - 14:15
Learn evidence-based strategies for teaching emotional-regulation to individuals with autism.
REGISTER: https://www.autism.org/emotional-regulation-strategies/
About the speaker:

Amy Moore Gaffney, M.A., CCC-SLP is an educational consultant with the Indiana Resource Center for Autism (IRCA) at the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community, Indiana University, Bloomington. Gaffney has experience working with young children, school-age children, and young adults. Through her work as a speech-language pathologist and Autism consultant, Gaffney has worked with students and their families in a variety of settings, including in-home, public and private schools, and a private clinic.

Webinar: Transitioning from High School to the Adult World after Graduation
2022-03-16 18:00 - 19:15
Please join Tina Beauparlant, Parent to Parent of NYS, Regional Manager/ Education Specialist for this wonderful webinar.
This training gives parents, grandparents and guardians, an understanding of high school transition.
Transition from high school to young adulthood is a critical stage for all teenagers; for students with disabilities this stage requires extra planning and goal setting. Factors to consider include post-secondary education, the development of career and vocational skills, as well as the ability to live independently. The first step in planning for a successful transition is developing the student’s transition plan. A transition plan is required for students enrolled in special education who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
We will define and describe transition planning and how it can be utilized to maximize your child’s future.
If you have questions, contact Tina Beauparlant (518) 381-4350 or Tbeauparlant@ptopnys.org.
Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4456179208670246669

Western NY Region: Caregiver Connections — Virtual Parent Groups through ZOOM
2022-03-16 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.
Click the link above to register in advance for this meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Parent_Group_Flyer_3-16-2022.docx
Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0qcOmopjksHd0j3ZyCvaxvwpEshlVhCmb7
Contact: Phone: Barb Hoffman – bhoffman@ptopnys.org.
