The Link WNY’s Family & Caregiver Group via Zoom
2023-09-11 18:30 - 20:00, 2023-10-09 18:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
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.
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FRONT DOOR INFORMATION SESSION TO LEARN ABOUT SUPPORTS AND SERVICES - English
2023-09-13 12:00 - 14:00
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.
Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at 12:00 pm (English)
Registration link: https://meetny.webex.com/weblink/register/ra69402500a29a91bbb6ff7391470e332
If you need assistance, please contact Shannon Alford 315-793-9600 ext. 614 or Shannon.m.alford@opwdd.ny.gov.
All sessions are presently offered remotely by WebEx. The session length is two hours.
Upcoming Front Door Information Sessions can be found on the OPWDD website here: https://opwdd.ny.gov/get-started/information-sessions.
Registration for a session is required. Once you have found the date and time that works best for you, please click the link to register for the session.
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.

Screen Time and Social Engagement - webinar
2023-09-13 13:00 - 14:00
Learn about emerging research on the impact of screen time on social engagement of autistic children during early childhood development.

The speaker:
Dr. Karen Heffler, MD is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry in the Drexel University College of Medicine. She has over 35 years of experience in the medical field. Her research interests include investigating how early screen media exposure may impact developmental delays, including autism.
REGISTER here.

What is an Individualized Education Program for Families of Preschool Student via Zoom
2023-09-13 13:00 - 15:00
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.
REGISTER TODAY! FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer
REGISTER HERE.

NEW GROUP- Parent to Parent of NYS- Black, Indigenous, Person of Color (BIPOC) virtual Parent Group and learning series via Zoom
2023-09-13 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.

A Guide for Families to Understanding Supports & Services Administered by OPWDD - webinar
2023-09-14 11:30 - 13:00
Please join Parent to Parent of NYS, Sharon Linne, 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.

Loss, Grief, and Adjustment for Parents of Children with Special Needs - webinar
2023-09-18 19:00 - 20:00
Please join Parent to Parent of NYS, Dodie Daniels, Regional Coordinator, 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

Chautauqua County Family & Caregiver Support Group via Zoom
2023-09-19 12:00 - 13:00
Receive Support – Connect with Others – Express Yourself
Free Support for parents, family members and caregivers of children with special needs.
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

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What Does Advocacy Mean in Special Education - webinar
2023-09-19 12:00 - 13:15
Please join Tina Beauparlant for this training on What Does Advocacy Mean in Special Education. 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 communicate 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 are a Parent, Grandparent, Family Member or just interested in this topic then this training is for you!
REGISTER HERE.

How To Protect My Child’s Future Through Guardianship, Wills & Trusts via Zoom
2023-09-19 18:00 - 20:00
How to Protect My Child’s Future Through Guardianship, Wills & Trusts
Planning for the future is especially important when you have a child with a disability. This workshop provides parents or caregivers with an overview of things to think about: guardianship, wills, and trusts.
The workshop will help you to understand your options as you begin to think about plans for your special needs child.
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER HERE! FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

Parent to Parent of NYS- Parents Considering a Residential Placement Discussion Group via Zoom
2023-09-19 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 Parent to Parent NYS as they talk about the issues and emotions that we experience when making the difficult decision of residential placement.
REGISTER HERE.

Social Media Use and Autism – Teens and Adults - webinar
2023-09-20 13:00 - 14:00
Learn research updates on the impact of social media use on teens and adults with autism.
The speaker:
Dr. Wisniewski is an Associate Professor in Human-Computer Interaction and a Flowers Faculty Fellow in Engineering. Her work lies at the intersection of Social Computing and Privacy. She is an expert in the interplay between social media, privacy, and online safety for adolescents. She has authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications and won multiple best papers (top 1%) and best paper honorable mentions (top 5%) at ACM SIGCHI conferences. She has been awarded $4.72 million in external grant funding, including the NSF CAREER Award, and her research has been featured by popular news media outlets, including ABC News, NPR, Psychology Today, and U.S. News and World Report. She is an ACM Senior Member and the first and only computer scientist to be selected as a William T. Grant Scholar.
REGISTER HERE.

Special Education101: A Parent Member - Please note that this is a 2-part training.
2023-09-20 18:00 - 19:00
Please note that this is a 2-part training!
Part 1 must be completed online in order to receive the zoom link for this session.
Part 1: Online videos& activities – Complete at least 1 day prior to Live Zoom Session.
Part 2: Wednesday, September 20th from 6 pm – 7 pm Live Zoom Session
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.

*Certificate of completion available upon request*
Register here for this free event.
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

Key Ingredients for the Start of a Successful School Year!
2023-09-20 18:30 - 19:45
Please join Tina Beauparlant, Regional Manager / Education Specialist, Parent to Parent of NYS, as she presents Key Ingredients For the Start of a Successful School Year!
Moving from one school year to the next can be challenging for families and school team members. Join us for a FREE online class to learn strategies to help promote a seamless transition and lay the groundwork for a positive start to the new school year. We’ll help you prioritize the information to share with your child’s team and how to encourage a positive start to the school year.
REGISTER HERE.

FRONT DOOR INFORMATION SESSION TO LEARN ABOUT SUPPORTS AND SERVICES - English
2023-09-21 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.
Thursday, September 21, 2023 at 1:00 pm (English)
Registration link: https://meetny.webex.com/weblink/register/r862b8ca919450f526d3f3e72f26bdfc1
If you need assistance, please contact Kelli Smith at 845- 695-7344 or Kelli.L.Smith@opwdd.ny.gov.
All sessions are presently offered remotely by WebEx. The session length is two hours.
Upcoming Front Door Information Sessions can be found on the OPWDD website here: https://opwdd.ny.gov/get-started/information-sessions.
Registration for a session is required. Once you have found the date and time that works best for you, please click the link to register for the session.
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.

FRONT DOOR INFORMATION SESSION TO LEARN ABOUT SUPPORTS AND SERVICES - English
2023-09-26 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.
Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at 10:00 am (English)
Registration link: https://meetny.webex.com/weblink/register/r973f967a72ff67f10442968bb5e91df1
If you need assistance, please contact Erin Caglioti at 631-416-3943 or erin.a.caglioti@opwdd.ny.gov.
All sessions are presently offered remotely by WebEx. The session length is two hours.
Upcoming Front Door Information Sessions can be found on the OPWDD website here: https://opwdd.ny.gov/get-started/information-sessions.
Registration for a session is required. Once you have found the date and time that works best for you, please click the link to register for the session.
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.

Targeting Brain Plasticity in Autism Using a Reading Intervention - webinar
2023-09-27 13:00 - 14:00
Learn about research on biomarkers and autism as well as an intervention that affects brain plasticity.
The speaker:
Dr. Rajesh Kana has several years of experience in research in the field of autism spectrum disorders. After earning PhD from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi, India, he completed his postdoctoral training at Carnegie Mellon University. In 2001 he was awarded the William Fulbright pre-doctoral research fellow to do research at University of California Los Angeles. He joined the University of Alabama (UAB) in 2007.
Dr. Kana is the director of the Cognition, Brain and Autism Laboratory at UAB, and the co-director of the UAB Undergraduate Neuroscience Program.

Specially Designed Instruction: A Guide for Families and Caregivers - Via Zoom
2023-09-27 18:00 - 19:30
WHAT IS SPECIALLY DESIGNED INSTRUCTION (SDI)?

Learn how teachers use SDI to meet the needs of your child with disabilities in the classroom
Examine what SDI looks like in the IEP
Understand your value as an engaged meaningful partner in the special education process of your child.

REGISTER HERE! FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

FRONT DOOR INFORMATION SESSION TO LEARN ABOUT SUPPORTS AND SERVICES - SPANISH
2023-10-04 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.
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. (Spanish)
Registration link: https://meetny.webex.com/weblink/register/rf0f8f798be4e2d39ee649361cbf85d9e
If you need assistance, please contact Clara Fournier at 718-430-0761 or clara.fournier@opwdd.ny.gov.
All sessions are presently offered remotely by WebEx. The session length is two hours.
Upcoming Front Door Information Sessions can be found on the OPWDD website here: https://opwdd.ny.gov/get-started/information-sessions.
Registration for a session is required. Once you have found the date and time that works best for you, please click the link to register for the session.
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.

FRONT DOOR INFORMATION SESSION TO LEARN ABOUT SUPPORTS AND SERVICES - English
2023-10-05 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.
Thursday, October 5, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. (English)
Registration link: https://meetny.webex.com/weblink/register/r894bed23a094f35ff2162df4aec41153
If you need assistance, please contact Erin Caglioti at 631-416-3943 or erin.a.caglioti@opwdd.ny.gov.
All sessions are presently offered remotely by WebEx. The session length is two hours.
Upcoming Front Door Information Sessions can be found on the OPWDD website here: https://opwdd.ny.gov/get-started/information-sessions.
Registration for a session is required. Once you have found the date and time that works best for you, please click the link to register for the session.
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.

Preventing Parent Burnout for Parents of Children with Special Needs - webinar
2023-10-05 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.

Parent & Family Engagement Within the FBA/BIP Proces via Zoom
2023-10-06 14:00 - 16:00
Does your child need a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) and Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)?
Gain an understanding of the regulations, the process, and the roles of the families and the school.
REGISTER HERE FOR THIS FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

Sensory Friendly Family Film Series - Paw Patrol - October 7, 2023
2023-10-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Flix Stadium 10, 4901 Transit Road, Lancaster, NY, 14043, United States
Flix Stadium 10 in Lancaster, NY – Sensory Friendly Family Film Series
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.
Paw Patrol
Saturday, October 7 at 10:00 a.m.
When a magical meteor crash lands in Adventure City, it gives the PAW Patrol pups superpowers, transforming them into The MIGHTY PUPS! For Skye, the smallest member of the team, her new powers are a dream come true. But things take a turn for the worse when the pups’ arch-rival Humdinger breaks out of jail and teams up with a mad scientist to steal the superpowers for the two villains. With the fate of Adventure City hanging in the balance, the Mighty Pups have to stop the supervillains before it’s too late, and Skye will need to learn that even the smallest pup can make the biggest difference.

Location: Flix Stadium 10, 4901 Transit Road Lancaster, NY 14043
http://flix10.dipsontheatres.com/
Admission is $8.75 per person for both children and adults.

Contact: Larry Phillips, General Manager, Flix Stadium 10, Larry@dipsontheatres.com, 716-668-1888

FRONT DOOR INFORMATION SESSION TO LEARN ABOUT SUPPORTS AND SERVICE - English
2023-10-10 11:00 - 13:00
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.
Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. (English)
Registration link: https://meetny.webex.com/weblink/register/r2788ccfa907328941468cbb1c4e34992
If you need assistance, please contact Rebecca Edwards at 315-793-9600 or rebecca.edwards@opwdd.ny.gov.
All sessions are presently offered remotely by WebEx. The session length is two hours.
Upcoming Front Door Information Sessions can be found on the OPWDD website here: https://opwdd.ny.gov/get-started/information-sessions.
Registration for a session is required. Once you have found the date and time that works best for you, please click the link to register for the session.
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.

Communicating with the CPSE / CSE through Letter Writing - webinar
2023-10-10 18:30 - 19:45
Please join Namita Modasra, Education Advocate, Parent to Parent of NYS, as she presents a webinar on Communicating with the CPSE/CSE through Letter Writing. Letter writing can be a very effective method of communication and advocacy for parents of children with disabilities. This training assists parents, guardians, grandparents how to clearly and effectively express concerns, ideas or suggestions to the professionals involved in their child’s special education program.
REGISTER HERE.

Uncovering Neurodiversity in WNY - In person event at Cradle Beach
2023-10-11 09:00 - 17:00 | Cradle Beach, 8038 Old Lakeshore Rd., Angola, NY, 14006, United States
Uncovering Neurodiversity in WNY
What does it mean to be Neuro-affirming? This strength based positive approach will alter your view on “challenging behaviors” and offer you helpful strategies to meet your client or loved ones needs.

Neurodiversity Network of WNY has a number of learning objectives for this event including exploring and understanding neurodiversity and applying practical strategies for creating inclusive environments for neurodivergent children, adults, and their families. They will critically analyze existing systems and structures to identify areas of exclusion, while proposing solutions for creating more equitable and inclusive spaces.

Additionally, they aim to

Engage in open and respectful discussions about the experiences of neurodivergent individuals and their families,
Identify best practices for promoting the rights and inclusion of neurodivergent individuals,
Develop a network of professionals and advocates committed to promoting equity and belonging, and
Create action plans for incorporating and advocating for the use of neuro-affirming practices in our personal and professional lives.

Tickets are donation based, please pay what you can to help support the Neurodiversity Network of WNY organization.

Information & Registration.

Date: Wednesday, October 11, 2023
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EDT
Location: Cradle Beach, 8038 Old Lakeshore Rd, Angola, NY 14006

What You Need to Know About Assistive Technology in the IEP - webinar
2023-10-11 10:00 - 11:30
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.

Children in Care: Helping Them Flourish - Virtual Six Part Series
2023-10-11 13:00 - 15:00
Children placed in out-of-home care (including foster, kinship and residential settings) need strong supports to be successful in both school and life.
Please join us for this engaging six-part VIRTUAL series, developed and delivered jointly by Parent Network of WNY and the Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo.
The program offers both families and professionals key information, tools and skills to help children and youth in the child welfare or juvenile justice systems carve a pathway to success.
Wednesday, October 11th – School Matters for Youth in Care
Wednesday, October 18th – Making Sense of School Discipline & Suspensions
Wednesday, October 25th – Educational Advocacy
Wednesday, November 1st – Special Education
Wednesday, November 8th – Pathways to Graduation
Wednesday, November 15th – High School Selection
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER HERE! FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

Empowering Your Child Through Self-Advocacy - FREE Webinar
2023-10-12 12:00 - 13:00
FREE webinar: Starting Early: Empowering Your Child Through Self-Advocacy presented by Mary E. McDonald Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA, Associate Executive Director – Eden II/Genesis Programs.
This presentation will discuss fostering self-advocacy skills in young children with disabilities, setting the stage for their lifelong journey towards empowerment and independence. Grounded in the understanding that self-advocacy is a powerful tool for personal growth, attendees will explore the significance of early self-advocacy education, understanding how it lays the foundation for building resilient, confident, and proactive individuals. Drawing on research, real-life case studies, and best practices, participants will gain an understanding of the pivotal role caregivers and instructors can play in guiding these young learners to effectively voice their needs, rights, and aspirations. Fostering communication skills and self-awareness to nurturing problem-solving abilities will be discussed.
Presenter: Mary E. McDonald, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA Associate Executive Director – Eden II/Genesis Programs
REGISTER HERE.
These webinars are made possible through a generous grant from NYS Developmental Disabilities Planning Council.
