Autism Society Western New York

Gender Differences in Functional Brain Organization - webinar
2022-07-27 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
Tune in to hear Kaustubh Supekar, PhD, describe recent findings about how girls with autism differ in several brain centers compared with boys with autism.
About the speaker:
Kaustubh Supekar, PhD, is a clinical Assistant Professor in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford Medicine.
REGISTER: https://www.autism.org/gender-brain-differences-autism/

What is Section 504? - Webinar
2022-08-01 12:00 - 13:15
Please join Trish Washburn, Education Advocate, for 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 contact Tina Beauparlant (518) 381-4350 or Tbeauparlant@ptopnys.org.
Webinar Online Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8627988008221792783

The Link – WNY’s Family & Caregiver Group via Zoom
2022-08-01 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!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org

Region 1 Self-Direction Information Session via WebEx
2022-08-02 16:00 - 18:00, 2022-08-18 14:00 - 16:00, 2022-08-30 10:00 - 12:00
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

Front Door Information Session (Spanish) via WebEx
2022-08-03 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=e55ffab773c63c7837ccb0dcbb9dc8166
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

Education Records Organizer - Webinar
2022-08-03 16:00 - 17:00
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.
Webinar Moderator: Sharon Linne
If you have any questions, contact Tina Beauparlant- tbeauparlant@ptopnys.org or 518-381-4350.
Online Webinar- Registration Required. Register

When You Are Considering a Developmental Evaluation for Your Child: A Parent’s Perspective to Assist - Webinar
2022-08-03 18:00 - 19:00
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.
Webinar Moderator: Chris Brewster
If you have any questions, please contact Tina Beauparlant at tbeauparlant@ptopnys.org or 518-381-4350.
Online Webinar- Registration Required. Register

Front Door Information Session (English) via WebEx
2022-08-04 16:00 - 18:00
ATTEND A FRONT DOOR INFORMATION SESSION TO LEARN ABOUT SUPPORTS AND SERVICES
The OPWDD Front Door Information Sessions outline the process of how you can become eligible for supports and services, the types of supports and services available and where you can go to get assistance. All sessions are presently offered remotely by WebEx. The session length is two hours.
Registration for a session is required.

To register, click here:
https://meetny.webex.com/meetny/onstage/g.php?MTID=e8a424071bf043acb70110fc58f08bf89
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

DC League of Super-Pets - Sensory Friendly Film Series
2022-08-06 10:00 - 12:00 | Flix Stadium 10, 4901 Transit Road, Lancaster, NY, 14043, United States
Flix Stadium 10 in Lancaster, NY Announces Sensory Friendly Family Film Series
Flix Stadium 10 sensory friendly family film series slated to run the first 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 movie: August 6: DC League of Super-Pets. Krypto the Super-Dog and Superman are inseparable best friends, sharing the same superpowers and fighting crime in Metropolis side by side. When Superman and the rest of the Justice League are kidnapped, Krypto must convince a rag-tag shelter pack–Ace the hound, PB the potbellied pig, Merton the turtle and Chip the squirrel–to master their own newfound powers and help him rescue the superheroes.

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:
Tracy Janis, General Manager
Flix Stadium 10
tracy@dipsontheatres.com
716-668-1888
4901 Transit Road
Lancaster, NY 14043
www.dipsontheatres.com

What Happens After Early Intervention? via Zoom
2022-08-09 11:30 - 13:00
What Happens After Early Intervention?
In this workshop you will learn more about:

How to get ready for your child’s transition to preschool
The transition from Early Intervention (EI) to working with the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE)
Information on timelines and commonly used vocabulary to help you better understand the transition process
How to make informed decisions to benefit your child

CTLE Credits Available
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER
FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org

Communicating with the CSE through Letter Writing - Webinar
2022-08-10 11:00 - 12:15
Please join Trish Washburn, Education Advocate, Parent to Parent of NYS, as she presents a webinar on Communicating with the 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.
If you have questions, contact Tina Beauparlant Phone: (518) 381-4350 or Tbeauparlant@ptopnys.org.
Webinar Online Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2313056223788016399

Front Door Information Session (English) via WebEx
2022-08-11 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=ee0ecd8409abd052dfc25c7b8ceda5d20
If you need assistance, please contact Molly Graves 607-217-6588 molly.c.graves@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

Residential Placement Online Discussion Group- Parents who have a child in a Residential placement
2022-08-11 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.
Virtual Zoom- Registration Required. REGISTER
Questions, contact Valerie Colavecchio – vcolavecchio@ptopnys.org.

Explore & More’s Au-Some Evenings - August 12, 2022
2022-08-12 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.

Loss, Grief, and Adjustment for Parents of Children with Special Needs - Webinar
2022-08-15 18:00 - 19:15
Please join Parent to Parent of NYS, Barb Hoffman, 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.
If you have questions, please contact Tina Beauparlant tbeauparlant@ptopnys.org or (518) 381-4350.
Webinar Moderator: Sharon Linne
Online Webinar- Registration Required: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5609272238648067599

Key Ingredients For the Start of a Successful School Year! - Webinar
2022-08-16 11:00 - 12:15
A new school year means a new grade, new teachers, new goals, and maybe even a new school! In order to help you and your child with special needs be as successful as they can be, we put together this great presentation with helpful back to school tips that we hope will make this transition into a new school year a little easier for you and your child.
If you have any questions, please contact Tina Beauparlant- tbeauparlant@ptopnys.org.
Online Virtual- Registration Required. Register

Chautauqua County Family & Caregiver Support Group via Zoom
2022-08-16 12:00 - 13:00
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!
REGISTER: https://parentnetworkwny.org/events/chautauqua-county-family-caregiver-support-group-8/
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org

Statewide- Special Education Parent Chat Group via Zoom
2022-08-16 18:30 - 20:00
As a parent of a child with a disability, I know first-hand how hard it is to continue the good fight. Sometimes we feel hopeless, helpless, and at a loss for words. If you’re a parent, grandparent, caregiver of a child with special needs, you may feel isolated, alone and struggling with special education school related issues. Come join us for an opportunity to share how your feelings, engage in some great conversation and share resources with other parents in the community who are dealing with the same issues. All from the comfort of your own home.
If you have questions, please contact Tina Beauparlant- tbeauparlant@ptopnys.org Phone: (518) 381-4350.
Online Zoom- Registration Required: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcvduqtpzspHNELns7of5HyDn6ybP-4umZO

A Beginners Guide to Understanding the Special Education Process - Webinar
2022-08-17 10:00 - 11:30
Please join Trish Washburn, Education Advocate, Parent to Parent of NYS as she presents this workshop.
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 that 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 or Tbeauparlant@ptopnys.org.
Webinar Online Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7940301759164215823

Front Door Information Session (English) via WebEx
2022-08-17 17:00 - 19:00
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=e88563bfce3584a4385ad502f657526d0
If you need assistance, please contact Christina Vankeuren 518-388-0431 Christina.M.Vankeuren@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

Western NY Region: Caregiver Connections — Virtual Parent Groups through ZOOM
2022-08-17 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.
Register in advance for this meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Virtual Zoom- Registration Required. REGISTER
Questions, contact Sharon Linne – Slinne@ptopnys.org.

Parent to Parent of NYS Father Group On-Line Chat
2022-08-18 19:00 - 20:30
Virtual Meeting: Bi-weekly on Thursdays, starting at 7 p.m.
Parent to Parent has established an informal Fathers Group to meet online via Zoom and discuss the role of dads in navigating their childrens’ special needs.
Virtual Zoom- Registration required. REGISTER
Questions, contact Chris Brewster – cbrewster@ptopnys.org.

Understanding The Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) And Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) Process Webinar
2022-08-19 13:00 - 14:00
Understanding the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) & Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) Process
Gain an understanding of the regulations, the process, and the roles of the families and the school.
CTLE Credits Available
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER
FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org

Front Door Information Session (English) via WebEx
2022-08-22 16:00 - 18:00
ATTEND A FRONT DOOR INFORMATION SESSION TO LEARN ABOUT SUPPORTS AND SERVICES
The OPWDD Front Door Information Sessions outline the process of how you can become eligible for supports and services, the types of supports and services available and where you can go to get assistance. All sessions are presently offered remotely by WebEx. The session length is two hours.
Registration for a session is required.

To register, click here:
https://meetny.webex.com/meetny/onstage/g.php?MTID=ec9251a94d9a3e8b2cab2ad754bc11829
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

Parents Considering a Residential Placement Discussion Group
2022-08-30 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 us for an hour of support and conversation about this important topic.
Virtual Zoom- Registration Required. REGISTER
Questions, contact Sharon Linne – Slinne@ptopnys.org.

Back-To-School Strategies for Autism - Webinar
2022-08-31 13:00 - 14:00
Learn evidence-based strategies for supporting students with autism as they transition back to the classroom.
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.

Register: https://www.autism.org/back-to-school-strategies-2022/

NY ABLE workshop via Zoom
2022-08-31 18:00 - 19:00
The NY ABLE Program is a tax-advantaged savings program for individuals with disabilities and their families to save for their current or long term needs while maintaining their ability to benefit from federal benefits programs such as SSI, SSDI and Medicaid.
Our program offers multiple investment options including a checking account and debit card option allowing individuals with disabilities to maintain their independence and have quick and easy access to their own money.
FREE EVENT!
REGISTER
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org

Front Door Info Session (English) - Webinar
2022-09-01 09:00 - 11:00
The OPWDD 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.
Registration:

To register, click here:
https://meetny.webex.com/meetny/onstage/g.php?MTID=ee12264ed5c059e0903ebc36964e6993d
If you need assistance, please contact Jeffrey Roberts 585-241-5797 Jeffrey.e.roberts@opwdd.ny.gov
