Autism Society Western New York

Preschool Special Education Process via Zoom
2023-02-17 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
The Preschool Special Education process training is designed to gain an understanding of the IEP process including but not limited to the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE), the roles and responsibilities of all parties.
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER TODAY! FREE EVENT!
Any questions? Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org

Statewide- Virtual Special Education Parent Chat Group
2023-02-16 18:30 - 20:00
Come join us for our 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 us 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: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIvfuCvpj0vEt3f_afZetC6OhLvnYGCOEGq

OPWDD FRONT DOOR INFORMATION SESSION (Spanish) - online
2023-02-16 16:00 - 18:00
The Front Door Information Session will outline the process of how you can become eligible for supports and services, the types of supports and services available, and where you can go to get assistance. All sessions are presently offered remotely by WebEx. The session length is two hours.
All Regional Offices offer translation services for the language that best fits your needs. If you require a session in a language other than English, Spanish or Chinese, including American Sign Language (ASL), please contact your local Front Door Office. Front Door contact numbers may be found on the OPWDD Website here: https://opwdd.ny.gov/contact-us#access-services-through-front-door
Registration is required. REGISTER HERE.
Contact for assistance: Miriam Nieto (718) 430-0806 Miriam.X.Nieto@opwdd.ny.gov

Region 1 Self-Direction Information Session via WebEx/online
2023-02-15 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.
REGISTER HERE.

OPWDD FRONT DOOR INFORMATION SESSION (English)- online
2023-02-15 14:00 - 16:00
The Front Door Information Session will outline the process of how you can become eligible for supports and services, the types of supports and services available, and where you can go to get assistance. All sessions are presently offered remotely by WebEx. The session length is two hours.
All Regional Offices offer translation services for the language that best fits your needs. If you require a session in a language other than English, Spanish or Chinese, including American Sign Language (ASL), please contact your local Front Door Office. Front Door contact numbers may be found on the OPWDD Website here: https://opwdd.ny.gov/contact-us#access-services-through-front-door
Registration for a session is required. REGISTER HERE.
Contact for assistance: Karen Francisco (518) 388-0431 Karen.Francisco@opwdd.ny.gov

When You Are Considering a Developmental Evaluation for Your Child: A Parent’s Perspective to Assist Your Visit - webinar
2023-02-15 10:00 - 11:00
Please join Julia Luppino, 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: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/[REDACTED]

Let’s Take a Crash Course on Understanding how to Read an IEP - webinar
2023-02-13 18:30 - 20:30
Please join Namita Modasra, Education Advocate, Parent to Parent of NYS, for this training on Let’s Take a Crash Course on Understanding how to Read an IEP.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a federal law, requires certain information to be included in the IEP but doesn’t specify say how the IEP should look. Because states and local school systems may include additional information, forms differ from state to state and may vary between school
systems within a state. 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 and can be in the IEP.
If you are a Parent, Grandparent, Family Member or Guardian, then this training is for you.
REGISTER: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUucOCrqDwvHdG0cDsS_bfLNMrfGq72eACm

The Link WNY’s Family & Caregiver Group via Zoom
2023-02-13 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!
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 need
REGISTER ONCE FOR MONTHLY EMAIL REMINDERS AND ZOOM MEETING LINKS! REGISTER: https://parentnetworkwny.org/events/the-link-wnys-family-caregiver-group-2/

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

SIBSHOP WNY - Saturday, February 11, 2023
2023-02-11 13:00 - 17:00 | Richard E. Winter Student Center, 98 Hughes Ave., Buffalo, NY, 14208, United States
When a child is diagnosed with a developmental disorder or serious chronic physical disorder, the entire family is affected.
WHAT ARE SIBSHOPS?
Sibshops provide support and guidance to siblings of children with special needs. Siblings are encouraged to share the challenges and celebrate the joys with brothers and sisters in similar situations. They reflect a belief that brothers and sisters have much to offer one another—if they are given a chance.
Sibshops WNY are lively, action-packed, 4-hour workshops. They are held quarterly on Saturdays from 1 PM to 5 PM. The Sibshop model mixes information with special guests, events, and discussion activities with new games (designed to be unique, off-beat, and appealing to a wide ability range). The minimum age for participation is six years old.
LOCATION: 2nd Floor—Richard E. Winter Student Center at 98 Hughes Ave. Buffalo, NY 14208—between Jefferson Avenue and Meech Street.
REGISTRATION: $20 per session https://www.sibshopwny.com/
QUESTIONS? Please contact: Susan Putnam, PhD or Sarah Vallo, LMHCP. Email: profputnam@gmail.com or lovallos@my.canisius.edu
Phone: (716) 714-9691

Au-Some Evenings at Explore & More
2023-02-10 17:30 - 19:30 | Explore & More – The Ralph C Wilson Jr. Children’s Museum, 130 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14202, United States
Au-Some Evenings at Explore & More

Once a month, our special Au-Some Evenings give children with autism spectrum disorder and sensory processing disorder, their friends and family an opportunity to play and learn together in an understanding and supportive environment. Families will have access to the museum space and play zones, including our cafe. Featured activities include a music center, therapy dogs, art projects and gross motor activities. Explore & More will also have a social narrative about the new museum and its play zones, quiet kits, as well as calming sensory friendly spaces in the museum.
Register for the next Au-Some Evening.

Au-Some Evenings are also supported by J.M. McDonald Foundation, Maria Love Convalescent Fund, and Erie County

For more au-some activities and videos, click here.

A Family’s Guide to Student-Directed IEPs via Zoom
2023-02-10 16:00 - 17:30
When your child learns how to self-advocate, they will feel more:
Informed | Empowered | Understood | Confident
GET INVOLVED!
Understanding Student-Led IEPs and CSE Meetings
Is your child’s voice heard at their meetings?

Did they help create a goal for their IEP?
Learn more about working with the school district to help your child learn how to advocate for themselves.

*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 FATHERS GROUP
2023-02-09 19:00 - 20:30
Statewide Virtual Meeting: Bi-weekly on Thursdays, starting at 7 p.m.
Parent to Parent of NYS Fathers Group to meet online via Zoom and discuss the role of dads in navigating their childrens’ special needs.
Come join Chris Brewster for an informal meeting to share information, resources, and support. Parents of children and adults are welcome.
REGISTER: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEtcOivqD8vGdEpO5DltxXk9Ds9xNFODCuV

Residential Placement Online Discussion Group- Parents who have a child or adult in a Residential placement via Zoom
2023-02-09 19:00 - 20:00
Are you considering a residential school or program for your son/daughter and just don’t know how you will ever be able to make this decision? Do you feel guilty for even thinking about it? 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 Parent Discussion Group facilitated by Mariela Adams, for families with children and adults of all ages that have children in residential school or are considering a residential placement for their loved one.
Come join us for an hour of support and conversation about this important topic.
REGISTER: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZItcOCgqjkiE93EvzhK2aXOn96j5KDcPGBy

Guidelines for Determining the Need for a One-to-One Aide - webinar
2023-02-08 18:30 - 20:00
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).
If you have questions, please call Tina Beauparlant (518) 381-4350.
REGISTER: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMrdOihrT8qEtV7mRQT9uem9jOkFZ92v_Ku

The Basics Of Supported Decision Making via Zoom
2023-02-08 18:00 - 20:00
Supported Decision-Making (SDM) allows individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) to make choices about their own lives with support from a team of people they choose.
People with I/DD will choose people they know and trust to be part of a support network to help with decision-making. SDM can be an alternative to guardianship and allows the person with the disability to make his or her own decisions.
Learn the basic process for SDM and resources available.
REGISTER TODAY! FREE EVENT! https://parentnetworkwny.org/events/basicsofsupporteddecisionmaking/

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

Preventing Parent Burnout for Parents of Children with Special Needs - webinar
2023-02-08 11:00 - 12:00
Please join Dodie Daniels, 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: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3459407056198103383

OPWDD FRONT DOOR INFORMATION SESSION (English) - online
2023-02-07 16:00 - 18:00
The Front Door Information Session will outline the process of how you can become eligible for supports and services, the types of supports and services available, and where you can go to get assistance. All sessions are presently offered remotely by WebEx. The session length is two hours.
All Regional Offices offer translation services for the language that best fits your needs. If you require a session in a language other than English, Spanish or Chinese, including American Sign Language (ASL), please contact your local Front Door Office. Front Door contact numbers may be found on the OPWDD Website here: https://opwdd.ny.gov/contact-us#access-services-through-front-door
Registration for a session is required. REGISTER HERE.
Contact for assistance: Michael Rice (518) 536-3466 michael.l.rice@opwdd.ny.gov

Understanding the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education Part 200 Students with Disabilities - webinar
2023-02-07 10:00 - 12:00
Please join Nancy Marmet, Education Advocate, for Parent to Parent of NYS, as she presents a webinar on Understanding the Regulation of the Commissioner of Education Part 200 Students with Disabilities.
This training will take you through the NYS Special Education Regulations step by step. Parents will learn the role they play on the CSE, learn the chain of command regarding the CSE, learn how to request information regarding your child’s IEP and gain an understanding how to communicate with your child’s teachers & administrators. After this webinar parents will have more knowledge about the educational laws to advocate for their child/children.
If you have questions, contact: Tina Beauparlant (518) 381-4350.
REGISTER: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1337036253687287386

Sensory Friendly Film Series: The Amazing Maurice
2023-02-04 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.
Upcoming movies:
Saturday, February 4: The Amazing Maurice
Maurice is a streetwise ginger cat who comes up with a money-making scam by befriending a group of talking rats. When Maurice and the rodents reach the stricken town of Bad Blintz, they meet a bookworm named Malicia and their little con soon goes down the drain. Run time: 93 minutes.
Saturday, March 4: Ant Man and The Wasp
In the film, which officially kicks off phase 5 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Super-Hero partners Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) and Hope Van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) return to continue their adventures as Ant-Man and the Wasp. Together, with Hope’s parents Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) and Janet Van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer), the family finds themselves exploring the Quantum Realm, interacting with strange new creatures and embarking on an adventure that will push them beyond the limits of what they thought was possible. Run time: 120 minutes.
Saturday, April 8: The Super Mario Bros. Movie
A plumber named Mario travels through an underground labyrinth with his brother, Luigi, trying to save a captured princess. Run time: 100 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
https://flix10.dipsontheatres.com/

OPWDD FRONT DOOR INFORMATION SESSION (English) - Online
2023-02-02 17:00 - 19:00
The Front Door Information Session will outline the process of how you can become eligible for supports and services, the types of supports and services available, and where you can go to get assistance. All sessions are presently offered remotely by WebEx. The session length is two hours.
All Regional Offices offer translation services for the language that best fits your needs. If you require a session in a language other than English, Spanish or Chinese, including American Sign Language (ASL), please contact your local Front Door Office. Front Door contact numbers may be found on the OPWDD Website here: https://opwdd.ny.gov/contact-us#access-services-through-front-door
Registration for a session is required. REGISTER HERE

The Ancient Roots of Autism Susceptibility Genes - webinar
2023-02-01 13:00 - 14:00
Researcher Emily Casanova, PhD, provides updates on her emerging findings in genetic research and autism.
The Speaker:
Emily Casanova, PhD, is an assistant professor in the Neuroscience program and the Department of Psychological Sciences at Loyola University, New Orleans, in the fall of 2022. She received her B.A. in Psychology from Webster University in St. Louis, and then went on to receive her M.S. (2012) and Ph.D. (2014) in Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology from the University of Louisville. She did a one-year postdoctoral fellowship with the University of South Carolina (USC) in Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND), followed by a three-year research postdoctoral fellowship, performing both clinical and basic autism research. She was hired by USC first as a Research Assistant Professor in Biomedical Sciences and then as a Clinical Assistant Professor in Pediatrics, as well as maintaining an Adjunct Lecturer position with Wofford College, teaching Psychology courses.
Throughout her training and early career, Dr. Casanova’s research has been focused on the study of autism from various perspectives, including investigation of its overlap with hereditary connective tissue disorders such as Ehlers-Danlos syndromes and fragile X premutation, as well as the investigation of major effect autism susceptibility genes and their evolution. Related to the study of autism gene evolution, Dr. Casanova has also been investigating a large group of developmental regulatory genes, their roles in metazoan evolution, and how they relate to evolutionary theories such as Punctuated Equilibria.
Dr. Casanova enjoys collecting antiques, traveling to other countries, knitting, collecting fossils, spending time with her family (both the two-legged and furry varieties), and a good strong cuppa tea! She also blogs on Science Over a Cuppa: https://scienceoveracuppa.com
REGISTER: https://www.autism.org/the-ancient-roots-of-autism-susceptibility-genes/

Parents Considering a Residential Placement Discussion Group via Zoom
2023-01-31 19:00 - 20:00
Are you considering residential placement for your family member? Parent to Parent of New York State is excited to host a new Parent Discussion Group facilitated by Sharon Linne for families with children and adults of all ages who are considering placement in a residential school or a group home.
Come join Sharon Linne for an hour of support and conversation about this important topic.
REGISTER: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcqc–ppzkiGdLNb3pg51CS4TfR1hFcibfp

Is Guardianship the Only Option? An overview of Guardianship and the Many Alternatives - webinar
2023-01-31 17:30 - 19:30
Come join Tina Beauparlant, Regional Manager / Education Specialist as we explore: Is Guardianship the Only Option? An overview of Guardianship and the Many Alternatives.
Let’s face it nothing keeps parents up at night more than thinking about who will care for our child/children when we are no longer able to care for them.
This workshop will increase the knowledge of families of individuals with disabilities about the options besides legal guardianship for adults with disabilities.
If your adult child does not need full guardianship, there are other options that we will explore in this presentation.
We will also discuss guardianship and the legal requirements.
REGISTER: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5596992900434049627

The Collaborative Community Mission Independence Connection - Cooking Northtowns
2023-01-28 11:00 - 12:30 | Terra House, 25 Buffalo St., Akron, NY, 14001, United States
The Collaborative Community Mission
Independence Connection – Cooking Northtowns
Join The Collaborative Community Mission for a new Independence Connection. This cooking class will be geared to help individuals with disabilities gain various skills within a kitchen to be able to be more independent & task oriented.
Class will include specific recipes selected by instructors Andrea & Niki, breakdown of prep work, kitchen safety & procedures, completion of cooking designated recipes and then time to eat at the end of each class. Class will also include information regarding healthy eating and health/wellness related materials.
Class registrant required to have support staff/guardian present if individual needs 1:1 supports. Please let us know if you need assistance with this. This class will have a $10 per registrant fee to help cover costs for the supplies. Class fee can be paid via Venmo at @Collaborative-Community, via PayPal @ collabcomm.mission@gmail.com or via cash the day of. Please make note on Venmo/Paypal payments the class name and date.
Location – Terra House, 25 Buffalo Street, Akron NY 14001 716.418.6836
Point of contact for program: Niki LaMonte-DeGolier / 818.625.0486 / ccmvicepres@gmail.com
Minimum 4 registrants, maximum 12
Ages 10 – 19
Once a month – day and time will vary each month, running for 1 1/2 hours.
REGISTER

The Collaborative Community Mission January Yoga/Language Connection
2023-01-27 17:00 - 17:30 | BTC Fitness Center, 5324 Rogers Road, Hamburg, NY, 14075, United States
Collaborative Community Connection (CCM)Yoga and Language Connection
Join for their FREE CCM Yoga Connection and CCM Language Connection class at BTC Fitness Center in Hamburg, NY, on January 27 at 5:00 PM. Students will be listening and participating in a winter themed book and activity followed by yoga poses for a fun and interactive combo class!
All ages are welcome, spaces are limited.
REGISTER: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d49acae2ea1fbc43-january#/

Parent to Parent of NYS FATHERS GROUP via Zoom
2023-01-26 19:00 - 20:30

Section 504, Students with Disabilities in Public & Private Schools - webinar
2023-01-26 12:00 - 14:00
Please join Nancy Marmet, Education Advocate, Parent to Parent of NYS, as she presents a webinar on Section 504, Students with Disabilities in Public & Private Schools.
This training will introduce you to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This training is designed to provide you with an understanding of the law, how it applies to educational programs and to students with disabilities. Children who qualify under this law receive services and/ or accommodations in the public-school system without being classified under IDEA/IDEIA and their school district’s Committee on Special Education.
If you are a Parent, Grandparent, Family Members, or just interested in this topic, then this training is for you!
If you have questions, please call Tina Beauparlant (518) 381-4350.
REGISTER: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5615904500415193691

REAL Transition Partners: Understanding Alternatives to Guardianship - Online Event
2023-01-26 11:00 - 12:30
This event is for Families, Youth/Young adults with disabilities & Adult System representatives.
They will:

Briefly discuss what guardianship is and is not.

Give an overview of alternatives to guardianship, including supported decision-making (SDM), for transition-age youth with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD).

Hear from the Center for Youth Voice, Youth Choice youth ambassadors, self advocates, and families.

Learn about the work being done by Center for Youth Voice, Youth Choice and its partners to support youth across eight states to collaboratively advance SDM and other alternatives to guardianship.

Link to register in English:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/real-transition-partners-understanding-alternatives-to-guardianship-registration-487819038877Link to register in Spanish:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ententiendo-las-alternativas-de-la-custodia-legal-tickets-492610690837
Questions? Contact Dawn Monaco – dmonaco@spanadvocacy.org

A Beginners Guide to Understanding the Special Education Process - webinar
2023-01-25 18:00 - 19:30
Please join Namita Modasra, Education Advocate for this presentation.
This workshop will describe the purpose of special education, introduction to special education process, and services available to children ages birth to 21. This training is for parents, grandparents, guardians, and professionals who are new to the special education process or have limited knowledge. The goal of the training is for attendees to learn the basics of the special education system.
If you have questions, contact: Tina Beauparlant (518) 381-4350.
REGISTER: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUqdeGspj4vHN1MLfqYlSSSiNyEp3d5pzk6

The Collaborative Community Mission & David’s Refuge New Year, New Goals - Virtual Happy Hour
2023-01-25 07:30 - 21:30
Wednesday January 25th
CCM Virtual Happy Hour – Zoom
7:30pm – 9:30pm
Join us along with David’s Refuge for our quarterly virtual happy hour. New Year, New Goals.
Come take a minute, catch your breath and make some connections in our community.
Care packages will be mailed to the first 15 people registered so sign up quick!
Zoom link will be emailed upon registration.
REGISTER: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080d4ba5a922abf58-newyear1
