Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) means children who receive special education should be in the same classrooms as other children as much as possible. LRE isn’t a place — it’s a principle that guides a child’s education program. Each child's LRE may look different since each child is unique. Join this training for an overview of [...]

Aprenda de los Aprenda de los expertos en Español Temas a tratar: Salud familiar, Educacion Especial, Comunicacion con el personal del colegio, Comunicacion con medicos, como conseguir ayuda para sus hijos. Click Here for Flyer and Registration

In this workshop, participants will gain valuable insight into the kindergarten transition, including how to be an effective member of the transition team, the differences between CPSE and CSE services, and the purpose of an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Parents and caregivers will leave with a clearer understanding of what to expect as their child [...]

The purpose of Supporting Your Child in Work-Based Learning (WBL) Experiences is to provide families and guardians with the foundational knowledge of what high-quality WBL looks like in New York State (NYS) including but not limited to: exploring registered and unregistered program options available to students with disabilities, reviewing the career development process and the [...]

In this workshop, participants will gain valuable insight into the kindergarten transition, including how to be an effective member of the transition team, the differences between CPSE and CSE services, and the purpose of an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Parents and caregivers will leave with a clearer understanding of what to expect as their child [...]

Are you considering applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for your family member? Come to this workshop to learn some tips and tricks to the application process. When and how to apply, the eligibility requirements and how to best make the process less stressful. Zoom Link: Click Here to Join  

Positive Solutions for Families Join us for a four-session workshop series for parents, families, and caregivers of children ages 2-5. These sessions will provide strategies to support your children’s social and emotional development and address challenging behaviors in a positive, effective way. Workshop details: Four sessions*, once a month on a Tuesday from 12-1:30pm Dates: [...]

Join us each month to learn and practice social skills in a safe space for young adults with disabilities. Start your journey to build healthy friendships and become a part of your community! Click Here for Zoom Registration

The purpose of this training is to promote and encourage student and family involvement in the IEP development process and Committee on Special Education (CSE) meetings. Concepts and resources that enhance involvement in student pre-meeting preparation, during the meeting participation and post-meeting activities, will be shared. Zoom Registration: Click Here

Have you ever wondered what services are provided at Westchester Institute of Human Development? Izel Steinmann Obermeyer, PhD, the Chief Clinical Officer at WIHD will share information about all the clinical services provided at WIHD. She will discuss medical, dental, behavioral health and allied health services in more detail. Join this session to learn more [...]

Join our team each month for a conversation on different topics about living your best life with a disability. Click Here for Zoom Registration

This 7- workshop series, held once a month, aims to provide caregivers with the directions for creating a transition plan for supporting their loved ones, as caregivers go through the aging process and beyond. At the end of the workshop series, the caregiver will have a blueprint that can be used for the transfer of [...]

Please note this training has been cancelled. It will be rescheduled at a date TBD.  Please contact CSN@WIHD.ORG for questions.  We offer our 4-hour Parent Member Training two times per year. Participants will learn about the entire Committee for Special Education (CSE) process, and those eligible can join committee meetings as a volunteer Parent Member. [...]

Special education mediation is a free, voluntary service available to parents, guardians, and school districts across New York State. When challenges arise, mediation offers a constructive, collaborative path forward. This presentation explores how mediation supports effective communication, shared problem-solving, and timely resolution of special education disputes—helping families and districts keep the focus where it belongs: [...]

Join us for an informative webinar on navigating the transition to college for students with disabilities. This session is designed for students with disabilities, parents, school staff, and college disability services professionals. Our expert panel includes a former college counselor and disability specialist, school psychologist, and a parent attorney who will share practical steps for [...]

In this workshop we will present instruments and methods used to support loved ones with disabilities in making choices as they approach the age of adulthood. Supported Decision-Making (SDM), Guardianship, and other Alternatives Many parents and caregivers have questions about how best their loved one with intellectual and developmental disabilities may be supported in making decisions [...]

Applying for Guardianship: Requirements and Process This workshop is intended for individuals who have already attended our monthly Supported Decision Making, Guardianship, and other Alternatives workshop, and have determined that guardianship is the most appropriate alternative. We will review the process of putting together a petition for guardianship and the documentation requirements. Zoom Registration: Click [...]

Please join us for a workshop on OPWDD services and eligibility. The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) is responsible for coordinating services for New Yorkers with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Through this workshop you will learn about the range of OPWDD services available to you and your loved one, and [...]

Learn about OPWDD’s self-direction services which allows for more choice in OPWDD-funded supports and services. The individual must be eligible for OPWDD services and participating in Care Management services through a Care Coordination Organization (CCO) to be approved for self-direction. Therefore, it is recommended that you first attend a workshop on OPWDD eligibility if the [...]