Autism Society Western New York

2022 Summer Training Institute on Autism: Advances in Evidence-Based Practice for Autism Spectrum Disorder - Day 3: Building Social Relationships through Evidence Based Social Skills Programming for Students on the Autism Spectrum
2022-06-16 09:30 - 16:00 (America/New_York)
2022 Summer Training Institute on Autism: Advances in Evidence-Based Practice for Autism Spectrum Disorder – Webinars
Who should attend?
This free webinar is for anyone who is interested in or touched by autism. It will intrigue educators, service providers, other interdisciplinary professionals, college students, families, and anyone else interested in learning more about autism.
Overview
This Training Institute is designed to prepare educators and service providers to understand the social communication, behavioral, and learning characteristics of children and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The Training Institute will present new findings on evidence-based practices and offer practical strategies for implementing these practices for individuals with ASD in educational and community settings.
Webinar Schedule
June 14, 15 & 16, 2022. Each day will follow the schedule below (all times are Eastern):
09:30 am – 09:45 am: Join Zoom and Get Comfortable
09:45 am – 10:00 am: Welcome and Tips for a Successful Webinar
10:00 am – 12:00 pm: Morning Session 1
12:00 pm – 12:45 pm: Lunch Break
12:45 pm – 02:15 pm: Afternoon Session 2
02:15 pm – 02:30 pm: Afternoon Break
02:30 pm – 04:00 pm: Afternoon Session 3
Agenda & Registration
Make sure to register for Each Day you plan to attend. It’s FREE to attend, but you MUST register. We encourage you to register for all three days.

Thursday, June 16, 2022

Session Schedule:

10:00 am –12:00 pm – Session 1
12:00 pm – 12:45 pm – Lunch Break
12:45 pm – 2:15 pm – Session 2
2:30 pm – 4:00 pm – Session 3

Building Social Relationships through Evidence Based Social Skills Programming for Students on the Autism Spectrum

Featured Speaker — Scott Bellini, PhD

The workshop will provide an overview of the Building Social Relationships (BSR) program, a social skills instructional model developed by Dr. Bellini. The workshop integrates research on social-emotional functioning with effective strategies for teaching social skills to children and adolescents on the autism spectrum. The BSR program provides a systematic and comprehensive framework to guide educators and other practitioners in the development and implementation of effective social skills programming.

Learner objectives:

Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:

Describe social and emotional functioning
Explain the relationship between social skill deficits and social anxiety
Describe skills necessary to assess social functioning
Differentiate between skill acquisition versus performance deficits
List evidence-based social skill strategies
Implement social skills strategies

REGISTER

About ASHA CEU Credits, Certificates of Attendance, and In-Service Credits

Earn up to 0.5 ASHA CEUs or 5 contact hours per day for a total possible 1.5 CE or 15 contact hours for the entire Summer Training Institute.

Requirements for ASHA CEU Credits
Participants can receive a maximum of 0.5 ASHA CE Credits each day for a total of 1.5 CE Credits for all three days. There are three blocks of content time: 10:00 am-12:00pm (ET), 12:45pm – 2:15pm (ET), and 2:30 pm- 4:00 pm (ET). Credit for ASHA CEUs will only be awarded to participants who are logged in for at least 80% of each day during the presentation times. There is no partial credit awarded for ASHA CEU Credits for less than one day.
You must submit a request for ASHA CE Credits for each day you attend. The link to submit your CE Credit request will be provided at the end of each day.

Please note the amount of Intermediate Level CEUs offered for each day below:

June 14: 0.5 ASHA CEUs, 5 hours of instruction for in-service points
June 15: 0.5 ASHA CEUs, 5 hours of instruction for in-service points
June 16: 0.5 ASHA CEUs, 5 hours of instruction for in-service points

Certificate of Attendance and In-Service Points
Certificates of attendance will reflect the total amount of time participants are logged in each day. Please be aware that you can earn a maximum of 5 contact hours. Your certificate may show more than 5 hours since there is a lunch break and an afternoon break. The break times do not count towards ASHA CE Credit or In-Service Points.
If you are an educator, you need to check with your professional development office to find out the documentation you need to get in-service points from your agency or district.
For information or assistance, please email autism@med.fsu.edu.

Autism and Eating-Related Behaviors - Webinar
2022-06-16 13:00 - 14:00
Free webinar at 1 pm, Eastern time (US), Wednesday, June 16, 2022
Tune in to hear Gregory Wallace, PhD, discuss eating-related behaviors and autism.

About the speaker:
Greg Wallace, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at The George Washington University. His research focuses on neuropsychological and structural brain development in autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental disorders across the lifespan and their impacts on real-world outcomes. He is also particularly interested in eating-related behaviors and their cognitive and neural correlates in typical and atypical (e.g., autism spectrum disorder) development. Dr. Wallace has published extensively and presented his work widely on these and related topics.
REGISTER

Chautauqua County Family & Caregiver Support Group via Zoom
2022-06-16 18:30 - 19:30
Chautauqua County Family & Caregiver Support Group
Receive Support – Connect with Others – Express Yourself
Free Support for parents, family members and caregivers of children with special needs
REGISTER TODAY TO SAVE YOUR SEAT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org

Download Flyer

Statewide Special Education Parent Chat Group via Zoom
2022-06-16 18:30 - 20:00
If you’re a parent, grandparent, guardian or caregiver of a child with special needs, you may feel alone and struggling with special education school related issues. Come join us for some great conversation with like-minded parents in the community who are dealing with the same issues. Let’s share ideas and I’m sure some GREAT resources around special education all from the comfort of your own home.
If you have questions, please contact Tina Beauparlant, Tbeauparlant@ptopnys.org.
Zoom online registration required: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcvduqtpzspHNELns7of5HyDn6ybP-4umZO

Sensory Friendly Family Film Series: Lightyear
2022-06-18 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: June 18: Lightyear The definitive origin story of Buzz Lightyear—the hero who inspired the toy—introducing the legendary Space Ranger who would win generations of fans.
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

Front Door Information Session (English) via WebEx
2022-06-20 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=ed6af949f46f905e8c4ff67870aa586d7
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

NEW- Section 504, Students with Disabilities in Public & Private Schools via Zoom
2022-06-20 18:00 - 19:45
Please join Namita Modasra, Education Advocate, for 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 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 – Tbeauparlant@ptopnys.org Phone: (518) 381-4350.
Virtual Zoom Platform: Registration Required: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMldOuvrzMuHd1ggMh-yFNehBrBYtizMEia

Is Guardianship the Only Option? An overview of Guardianship and the Many Alternatives - webinar
2022-06-21 13:00 - 14:45
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.
Webinar Moderator: Tina Beauparlant
If you have questions, please contact Tina Beauparlant – Tbeauparlant@ptopnys.org Phone: 518-381-4350.
Online Webinar- Registration Required: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3551216272962844174

Region 1 Self-Direction Information Session via WebEx
2022-06-21 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

AIR-P Presents: Autism in Girls and Women - Webinar
2022-06-21 16:00 - 17:00
Webinar Description
In this webinar, Dr. Christine Wu Nordahl will provide an overview of current research focused on understanding autism in girls and women. Topics will include biological and clinical theories about:

the difference in the sex ratio of autism
current insights into neurobiological sex differences in autism
unique challenges faced by autistic girls and women

Presenter: Christine Wu Nordahl, PhD
Christine Wu Nordahl, PhD is a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the UC Davis MIND Institute. Her research program utilizes structural and functional MRI scans to study brain development in autism across the life span. Since 2006, she has led neuroimaging efforts of the Autism Phenome Project and Girls with Autism – Imaging of Neurodevelopment study, two integrated longitudinal, interdisciplinary studies aimed at identifying clinically meaningful subtypes of autism. She is particularly committed to evaluating the entire autism spectrum, including girls with autism as well as the entire range of intellectual abilities. In 2021, she and her team initiated NeuroTeens, a social support group for neurodivergent girls and non-binary teens.
Please Note

CART captioning will be provided. For additional disability accommodations please email Elizabeth Schnieder at accommodations@aucd.org two weeks prior to the event with name of event and accommodation preference in your response.
There is no cost for this webinar.
CEUs are not offered for this webinar.
This webinar will be held on the Zoom Platform. You can test your connection with Zoom before joining the meeting here.
This webinar will be archived available on the AUCD Webinar Library.

REGISTER

Parent to Parent of NYS Father Group On-Line Chat
2022-06-23 19:00 - 20:30, 2022-07-14 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.

Parents Considering a Residential Placement Discussion Group via Zoom
2022-06-28 19:00 - 20:00
Parents Considering a Residential Placement Discussion Group
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.
Questions, contact Sharon Linne – Slinne@ptopnys.org.
Virtual Zoom- Registration Required:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcqc–pp…

Front Door Information Session (English) via WebEx
2022-06-30 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=e6200c8e95a9c7cd34969c0289cefc282
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

Sensory Friendly Family Film Series: Minions: Rise of Gru
2022-07-02 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: July 2: Minions: Rise of Gru This summer, from the biggest animated franchise in history and global cultural phenomenon, comes the untold story of one 12-year-old’s dream to become the world’s greatest supervillain, in Minions: The Rise of Gru.

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

Education Records Organizer - webinar
2022-07-06 10:00 - 11:00
Please join Trish Washburn, Education 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.
If you have questions, please contact Tina Beauparlant – Tbeauparlant@ptopnys.org Phone: 518-381-4350.
Online Webinar- Registration Required: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3742835858612509709

Front Door Information Session (Spanish) via WebEx
2022-07-06 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.

Registración:

Para registrarse, haga clic aquí:
https://meetny.webex.com/meetny/onstage/g.php?MTID=e314f5c5d80f224dcab9b072b5ebb42fd
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

Front Door Information Session (English) via WebEx
2022-07-06 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=ed4d094d618f9c342c5b3899a05ec1289
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

Understanding the Regulation of the Commissioner of Education Part 200 Students with Disabilities - Online
2022-07-07 12:00 - 13:30
Please join Tina Beauparlant, Regional Manager / Education Specialist, 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 or Tbeauparlant@ptopnys.org.
REGISTER

Region 1 Self-Direction Information Sessions via WebEx
2022-07-07 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

Explore & More’s Au-Some Evenings - July 8, 2022
2022-07-08 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.

Front Door Information Session (English) via WebEx
2022-07-11 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=eceef74054bc192732e6333927ca055f5
If you need assistance, please contact Brenda Sportello 315-793-9600 brenda.sportello@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

Autism Spectrum Disorders Advisory Board via WebEx
2022-07-13 09:00 - 11:00
The next public meeting of the Autism Spectrum Disorders Advisory Board will be held Wednesday, July 13, 2022 from 9 AM until 11 AM via WebEx. The meeting can be accessed here: https://meetny-events.webex.com/meetny-events/j.php?RGID=r4bae04d9bf5d3329752a54369823984b
The agenda and full meeting notice can be found on the OPWDD website here:
https://opwdd.ny.gov/event/autism-spectrum-disorders-advisory-board-meeting-4
The Autism Spectrum Disorders Advisory Board was created in November of 2016 to help provide guidance and information to New York policymakers, individuals with an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis (ASD), and families seeking reliable information regarding available services and supports. The Members of the Board are tasked with several important duties including: studying and reviewing the effectiveness of supports and services currently being provided to people diagnosed with Autism Spectrum disorders; identifying legislative and regulatory activity which may be required to improve existing service systems that support people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders; identifying methods for improving interagency coordination of services and maximizing the impact and effectiveness of services and agency functions; and, other matters as deemed appropriate by the Board.
To view the full schedule of public meetings, visit https://opwdd.ny.gov/events?f%5B0%5D=filter_term%3A26.

What is Section 504? - Online
2022-07-13 11:00 - 12:15
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 any questions, please call Tina Beauparlant (518) 381-4350 or email Tbeauparlant@ptopnys.org.
Webinar Online Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3614033566144586255

A Guide for Families to Understanding Supports & Services Administered by OPWDD - webinar
2022-07-13 17:30 - 19:00
Please join Parent to Parent of NYS, Maryalice Fegeley, 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.
If you have questions, please contact Tina Beauparlant – Tbeauparlant@ptopnys.org Phone: 518-381-4350.
Online Webinar- Registration Required: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3974101635467102734

What Families And Caregivers Need To Know About The New York State Alternative Assessment (NYSAA) via Zoom
2022-07-15 13:00 - 14:00
What Families Need to Know about the New York State Alternative Assessments (NYSAA)
Participants will learn:

The criteria for NYSAA eligibility
The type of assessments used to measure a NYSAA student’s performance and how often
How a NYSAA determination affects graduation options and plans for life after high school

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

Guidelines for Determining the Need for a One-to-One Aide - Webinar
2022-07-18 11:00 - 12:30
Please join Tina Beauparlant, Regional Manager / Education Specialist, 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 any questions, please call Tina Beauparlant (518) 381-4350 or email Tbeauparlant@ptopnys.org.
Webinar Online Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5660346751226422031

OPWDD UPCOMING IN-PERSON 2023-2027 DRAFT STRATEGIC PLAN FORUMS IN WNY
2022-07-18 15:30 - 17:30 | Mary Cariola Children’s Center, 1000 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY, 14621, United States
Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) will release a new Statewide Comprehensive 2023-2027 Strategic Plan in the fall of 2022 following stakeholder feedback and discussion which began in 2021 and continued in 2022 with review of a draft plan. The 2023-2027 Strategic Plan will include the top priorities for OPWDD policy and planning efforts for the next several years.
OPWDD is preparing its new Statewide Comprehensive 2023-2027 Strategic Plan which will be released in the fall of 2022 and invite you to provide feedback on the draft plan now on their website (plain language summary is available). Using your input, OPWDD will adopt a final Strategic Plan that will guide the agency over the next five years.
You can provide your comments in two ways – by submitting written comments or by attending one of their in-person forums.
The Rochester Regional in-person forum
Monday, July 18 from 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Mary Cariola Children’s Center
1000 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14621

The Buffalo Regional in-person forum
Tuesday, July 19 from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
OPWDD Regional Office & SANYS of WNY
1021 Broadway Street, 4th Floor, Large Conference Room
Buffalo NY, 14212
Recognizing and respecting that some stakeholders may not be comfortable with in-person meetings, OPWDD will provide additional virtual public hearing opportunities on the 2023-2027 Draft Strategic Plan Dates and times will be announced soon.

Written Feedback
Fill out an online form here. Note that the form provides for written comments. Those who wish to submit written feedback through the online feedback form should submit their comments by July 29, 2022.
OPWDD will share additional information on forum times and locations as plans are finalized. Registration is not required but is encouraged. Register here. If you require assistance with the online feedback form or wish to send OPWDD written comments on the Draft Strategic Plan via email, please contact them at planning@opwddny.gov. To request registration in another language, email communications@opwddny.gov.

Parent's Guide to Special Education (formerly Parent Member) via Zoom
2022-07-18 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
July 18th
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Preventing Parent Burnout for Parents of Children with Special Needs - webinar
2022-07-19 10:00 - 11:00
Please join Maryalice Fegeley, Regional Manager/ 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.
If you have questions, please contact Tina Beauparlant – Tbeauparlant@ptopnys.org Phone: (518) 381-4350.
Online Webinar- Registration is required: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2212227714167130125
