Autism Society Western New York

Understanding the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education Part 200 Students with Disabilities via Zoom
2023-03-22 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Please join Namita Modasra, Education Advocate, 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 at (518) 381-4350.
REGISTER HERE.

Preventing Parent Burnout for Parents of Children with Special Needs - webinar
2023-03-21 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.

Chautauqua County Family & Caregiver Support Group via Zoom
2023-03-21 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’ experience working with special needs families and Laurie Reynolds, parent of child with special needs.
REGISTER ONCE FOR MONTHLY EMAIL REMINDERS AND ZOOM MEETING LINKS!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org

Download Flyer
REGISTER: https://parentnetworkwny.org/events/chautauqua-county-family-caregiver-support-group-14/

Is Guardianship the Only Option? An overview of Guardianship and the Many Alternatives. - via Zoom
2023-03-21 11:00 - 13:00
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 HERE.

OPWDD FRONT DOOR INFORMATION SESSION (English) - online
2023-03-21 10:00 - 12:00
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: Kelli Smith (845) 695-7330 or Kelli.l.smith@opwdd.ny.gov

Transition In Individualized Education Programs (in person event)
2023-03-20 18:00 - 20:00 | Parent Network of Western New York, 1021 Broadway, Buffalo, NY, 14212, United States
Transition in Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)

Help teens decide what they want to do after high school and how to get there.
Help teens prepare to be independent adults.

*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER TODAY! FREE EVENT! https://parentnetworkwny.org/events/transition-in-individualized-education-programs-ieps/
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download flyer

Transition in Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) - In Person Event
2023-03-20 18:00 - 20:00 | Parent Network of Western New York, 1021 Broadway, Buffalo, NY, 14212, United States

ABLE Account Basics and NDI AT Loan Program Resources via Zoom
2023-03-16 19:00 - 20:30
ABLE Account Basics and NDI AT Loan Program Resources
Presenter: Laurie Schaller, the National Disability Institute
REGISTER HERE.

What Does Advocacy Mean in Special Education via Zoom
2023-03-16 18:00 - 19:30
Please join Namita Modasra 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.

UpState West- Caregiver Connection Parent Group via Zoom
2023-03-15 19:00 - 20:30
Parent to Parent of NYS offers FREE online groups for parents of children with special needs.
Groups are available Regionally and Statewide
We are here for you!
Come join Barb Hoffman for an informal meeting to share information, resources, and support. Parents of children and adults are welcome.
REGISTER

OPWDD FRONT DOOR INFORMAITON SESSION (English) - online
2023-03-15 09:00 - 11:00
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: Richard Labonte (585) 241-5842 or Richard.S.Labonte@opwdd.ny.gov

Section 504, Students with Disabilities in Public & Private Schools - webinar
2023-03-14 18:00 - 20:00
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 any questions, please call Tina Beauparlant (518) 381-4350.
REGISTER

Region 1 Self-Direction Information Session via WebEx/online
2023-03-14 09:00 - 11:00, 2023-02-28 14:00 - 16:00
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.

The Link WNY’s Family & Caregiver Group via Zoom
2023-03-13 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!
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.
Download flyer

OPWDD FRONT DOOR INFORMATION SESSION (Spanish)- online
2023-03-13 10:00 - 12:00
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 HEAR.

Understanding Your Child's FBA and BIP Process via Zoom
2023-03-10 16:30 - 18:00
Gain an understanding of the regulations, the process, and the roles of the families and the school.
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER HERE! FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

Evidence-Based Supports for Children, Adolescents, & Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder -Free virtual conference
2023-03-10 08:30 - 15:00
Institute for Child Development presents the 6th Annual Binghamton Regional Center for ASD Spring Conference for Families, Educators, & Providers
Evidence-Based Supports for Children, Adolescents, & Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder
FREE 2023 Virtual Conference Theme: Neurodivergent Coping and Social Success is on Friday, March 10 from 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Keynote I – Stuck in the Middle! Program Development and Supports for Students with ASD at the Middle School Level presented by Sanja Cale, Ph. D., BCBA-D & Kristin Durante, M. S. (1.5 CE/Contact Hours – NYSED CTLEs, Social Work, BACB)
Keynote II – It’s Never too Late: Friendships, Mental Health, and Well-Being in ASD Across the Lifespan presented by Amy Van Hecke, Ph. D. (1.5 CE/Contact Hours- NYSED CTLEs, Social Work)
Workshop I – Occupational Therapy at Home: Helping Families Promote Skills in Everyday Activities presented by Deborah Eckhardt, OTR/L (1.0 CE/Contact Hours- NYSED CTLEs, Social Work)
Workshop II – Making Sense of a Sensory-Intense World: Practical Coping and Opportunities for Connection presented by Rachel N. S. Cavalari, Ph. D., BCBA-D (1.0 CE/Contact Hours- NYSED CTLEs, Social Work, BACB)
The detailed conference brochure is available at BRCASD’s website: https://brcasd.binghamton.edu
REGISTER NOW

Parent to Parent of NYS FATHERS GROUP via Zoom
2023-03-09 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

Residential Placement Online Discussion Group- Parents who have a child or adult in a Residential placement via Zoom
2023-03-09 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

PARENT'S GUIDE TO SPECIAL EDUCATION, A TWO-PART TRAINING WORKSHOP
2023-03-09 11:00 - 13:00
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 Thursday, March 9 from 11 am – 1 pm Live Zoom Session.
CTLE Credits Available.
REGISTER HERE.
Instructions will be sent via email on how to access and complete the Part 1 online videos and activities.
email: info@parentnetworkwny.org | call: 716.332.417

How to Prepare for a Successful CSE Meeting - webinar
2023-03-08 18:00 - 19:30
Please join Tina Beauparlant, Regional Manager/Education Specialist, as she presents this wonderful presentation on How to Prepare for a Successful CSE Meeting.
This training is to help parents, who approach IEP meetings with fear and dread. If this is you attended this training and we have some suggestions to help you feel more at ease and participate as a full member of the team that plans your child’s special education program.
If you are a Parent, Grandparent, Family Member, or guardian, then this training is for you!
If you have questions, please contact Tina Beauparlant (518) 381-4350.
REGISTER

Education Records Organizer - webinar
2023-03-08 11:00 - 12:00
Please join Dodie Daniels, Regional Coordinator, Parent to Parent of NYS as she presents this wonderful webinar.
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 you in being more organized in planning a child’s education, and in the CPSE/CSE process.
If you have any questions, please contact Tina Beauparlant (518) 381-4350.
REGISTER

OPWDD FRONT DOOR INFORMATION SESSION (English) - online
2023-03-08 10:00 - 12:00
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: Kelly Lewha 315-793-9600 ext. 602 Kelly.Lewha@opwdd.ny.gov

Let’s Take a Crash Course on Understanding how to Read an IEP - webinar
2023-03-07 12:00 - 14:00
Please join Nancy Marmet 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

Sensory Friendly Family Film Series: Ant Man and The Wasp
2023-03-04 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, 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
2023-03-03 10:00 - 12:00
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: Richard Labonte at 585-241-5842 Richard.S.Labonte@opwdd.ny.gov

A Guide for Families to Understanding Supports & Services Administered by OPWDD - webinar
2023-03-02 18:00 - 19:30
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 Medicaid Service Coordination (MSC), Home and Community Based Services Waiver, and Family Support Services.
REGISTER

Parents Considering a Residential Placement Discussion Group via Zoom
2023-02-28 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

Preparing to Transition from High School to the Adult World after Graduation - webinar
2023-02-28 18:00 - 19:30
Please join Tina Beauparlant, Parent to Parent of NYS, Regional Manager/ Education Specialist for this wonderful webinar.
This training gives parents, grandparents and guardians, an understanding of high school transition.
Transition from high school to young adulthood is a critical stage for all teenagers; for students with disabilities this stage requires extra planning and goal setting. Factors to consider include post-secondary education, the development of career and vocational skills, as well as the ability to live independently. The first step in planning for a successful transition is developing the student’s transition plan. A transition plan is required for students enrolled in special education who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP). We will define and describe transition planning and how it can be utilized to maximize your child’s future.
If you have questions, contact: Tina Beauparlant (518) 381-4350.
REGISTER: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2810106957002208854
