Westchester Institute for Human Development

Positive Behavior Solutions for Families
2023-06-20 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Positive Behavior Solutions for Families is a four-session, monthly workshop series that will give parents, families and caregivers positive and effective strategies to promote children’s social and emotional development and address the challenging behavior of children ages 2-5 years old.
Four sessions, Third Tuesday of the Month, from 10am-12pm:
March 21
April 18
May 16
June 20
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here
Presented by: Lower Hudson Early Childhood FACE Center, Lower Hudson Regional Partnership Center (LHRPC), NYSED OSE Partnership

Developing Personal Hygiene and Cleanliness Life-Skills: Life Skills Series for Parents and Caregivers of Teens and Young Adults with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities
2023-06-21 09:30 - 11:00 | Zoom
Life skills, or daily living skills, are abilities that our loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities need to achieve their highest level of independence. These include skills related to managing money, personal hygiene, medication management, taking care of living spaces, laundry, cooking, transportation, and shopping.
Join us for our first workshop in our Life-Skills Summer Series: Personal Hygiene and Cleanliness
Developing good personal hygiene habits is an important part of participating in community life. This workshop focuses on how parents and caregivers of people with intellectual or developmental disabilities can help their children who are transitioning into adulthood to develop more awareness and independence in care of themselves and their surroundings.

We will cover:
· The process of teaching and reinforcing hygiene life-skills
· The self-advocate’s perspective on the challenges in developing these skills
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

Project SEARCH Information Session
2023-06-28 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Please join us via Zoom to learn more about Project SEARCH at New York Presbyterian Westchester Hospital in Bronxville! This program serves young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the OPWDD system as well as students who are in their last year of high school who can benefit from personalized support in an intensive year of career development and internship experience. The program is a collaborative partnership and it is a community based, employment training program and is business focused. Please attend this information session to find out more and the eligibility requirements. Presented by: Community Support Network
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

Hear Our Voices - Self Advocacy Group Meeting
2023-06-28 18:00 - 19:30 | WIHD, 20 Plaza West, Valhalla, NY, 10595, United States
Topic – TBD
Please join us for this IN-PERSON self-advocacy meeting and note the date change as this meeting will be held on June 28 from 6:00-7:30.
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

Transition Planning for Life After High School: An Introduction to the Process for Families
2023-07-11 12:00 - 13:30 | Zoom
This workshop will provide information on the school to post-school transition planning process for students with disabilities and the transition components of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) starting at age 15. Families, as essential members of the Committee on Special Education (CSE), will improve their ability to work collaboratively with school teams in assessing students’ strengths, interests and needs, establishing postsecondary goals, and supporting the needs of students by identifying appropriate transition services that will help to prepare them for adulthood.
Presented by: Hudson Valley School-Age FACE Center, NYSED OSE Partnership
For Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

Virtual Parent Member Training
2023-07-12 09:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
This four-hour parent member certification is for parents/families with children with IEPs. This training is open to anyone interested in learning about the special education process, or even as a refresher course on CPSE/CSE!
This workshop (through Zoom), will provide an overview and best practices approach to the CPSE/CSE process. It will​ educate parents and Parent Members and assist them in developing techniques and strategies to become effective members of the IEP team in their respective roles. Parents or guardians whose child has or had an IEP in the last 5 years, will receive a certificate for submission to their school district to serve as a Parent Member at CPSE/CSE meetings.
Note: This is a four-hour training in two parts, 9-11 am and 12-2 pm with a one-hour break for lunch. (April sessions are 4-6pm over 2 dates.). Four hours must be completed to receive certification.
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here
Mid-Hudson Early Childhood FACE Center, Mid-Hudson Regional Partnership Center (MHRPC), NYSED OSE Partnership

Family Forum: Post School Planning for Young Adults Not Going to College
2023-07-13 18:00 - 19:30 | Zoom
Join us for a discussion on program options and considerations for young adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities. Participants can ask any questions they may have including the eligibility process for services through the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and other state service systems, the types of programs and support services available, as well as things to consider when selecting or visiting adult community-based programs.
Presented by: Hudson Valley School-Age FACE Center
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

Family Forum: Assistive Technology Services at WIHD
2023-07-18 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Would you like to learn more about Assistive Technology? It’s any piece of equipment that helps an individual with a disability improve their ability to perform everyday tasks.
Join us to hear how WIHD’s Assistive Technology (AT) Program provides services and collaborates with individuals and their families, caregivers, teachers, and/or related service providers to identify assistive technology devices, adaptations, and strategies to improve mobility, communication, computer access, access to the school curriculum, or control over the environment. A brief overview on AT evaluations, funding, available training and equipment that is available on loan will be shared. If you are interested in services that are directly available to clients or to students who are in school, this information session is for you.
Presented by: Community Support Network and Westchester Institute for Human Development
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here
Please note: In case you are unable to attend on this date, this session is also being held on 9/19/23. See the WIHD Calendar for registration information.

Soluciones Positivas para Familias
2023-07-20 10:30 - 12:30, 2023-08-17 10:30 - 12:30 | Zoom
Soluciones Positivas para Familias es una serie de talleres mensuales de cuatro sesiones que brindará a los padres, familias y cuidadores estrategias positivas y efectivas para promover el desarrollo social y emocional de los niños y abordar el comportamiento desafiante de los niños de 2 a 5 años. Cuatro sesiones, tercer jueves del mes, de
20 de Julio
17 de Agosto
21 de Septiembre
19 de Octubre
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

Culturally Responsive Workshop: Creating Welcoming and Affirming Environments
2023-07-25 09:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Creating Welcoming and Affirming Learning Environments is one of four high leverage principles identified in the Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education (CRSE) Framework. When students feel like they belong at school, they have fewer absences, fewer disciplinary infractions, higher graduation rates, as well as increased engagement, self-esteem, and attitudes. Students with disabilities and students of different cultural backgrounds are less likely to feel like they have a positive relationship with their teacher and that their identities and abilities are valued and affirmed in school.
Expected Outcomes: By the end of this training, participants will: ● Understand how a welcoming and affirming learning environment improves student outcomes ● Better understand their own identities and how those identities shape their relationships and experiences ● Develop strategies for creating a welcoming and affirming learning environment ● Identify 2-3 next steps for ongoing professional learning
* This is a two-part online course offered synchronously via Zoom. Each session will be 3 hours. Workshop dates are: Day #1- 7/25/23 (9 am-12 noon) Day #2 August 1,2023 (9 am-12 noon). Participants will receive Zoom log-in information 24 hrs. prior to workshop commencement via registered Frontline email. Attendance to both sessions is required for full CTLE credit.
For Registration Information: Click Here

Transitioning from Preschool Special Education to Kindergarten (CPSE to CSE) for Families/Planning the Transition from Preschool Special Education to Kindergarten (CPSE to CSE)
2023-07-25 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom
This online training will support parents as they prepare for their child’s transition from preschool special education to kindergarten. Topics covered include: understanding the differences between Committee for Preschool Special Education (CPSE) and Committee for Special Education (CSE), understanding the transition process from CPSE to CSE, learning how to be an active member of the transition team, understanding the purpose of an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Basics
2023-08-08 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
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.
Presented by: Community Support Network
Zoom Registration Link: Click here

Specially Designed Instruction: A Guide for Families and Caregivers about Special Education
2023-08-09 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom
Participants will:
• understand the concepts of SDI. Presented by: Lower Hudson Early Childhood FACE Center, and Mid-Hudson Early Childhood FACE Center
• understand that there is both federal and state regulation around SDI. • examine what SDI might look like in the classroom and in the home.
• understand their value as engaged meaningful partners in the special education process and education of their child.
Presented by: Lower Hudson Early Childhood FACE Center, and Mid-Hudson Early Childhood FACE Center
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

New York State Alternate Assessment (NYSAA): Essential Information for Families of Students with Disabilities
2023-08-15 10:00 - 11:30 | Zoom
This training is to educate families on the New York State Alternate Assessment (NYSAA) which is part of the NYS testing program that measures attainment of the State’s learning standards for students with the most severe disabilities in grades 3-8 and high school. Participants will learn about all State assessment options, what the NYSAA test entails, the eligibility and decision-making process, graduation/student exit options and how it will affect a student’s post-secondary planning.
Presented by: Hudson Valley School-Age FACE Center, NYSED OSE Partnership
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) ACCOUNT Basics
2023-08-22 18:00 - 19:00 | Zoom
Would you like to learn more about Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) accounts? Come to this workshop where information about Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE), a new financial savings tool for individuals with disabilities will be shared. What is an ABLE account, how it works and the eligibility requirements will be discussed. Potential ABLE participants and their families are invited.
Presented by: Community Support Network
Zoom Registration Link: Click here

Family Forum: BACK TO SCHOOL 2023
2023-09-07 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Tips, Troubleshooting and Q & A
Come to this workshop to receive tips on helping your kids transition back to school and troubleshoot special education issues with services and placement. We will be taking questions on all things back to school. You can also share any helpful strategies that work for your family.
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

Family Forum: Assistive Technology Services at WIHD
2023-09-19 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Would you like to learn more about Assistive Technology? It’s any piece of equipment that helps an individual with a disability improve their ability to perform everyday tasks.
Join us to hear how WIHD’s Assistive Technology (AT) Program provides services and collaborates with individuals and their families, caregivers, teachers, and/or related service providers to identify assistive technology devices, adaptations, and strategies to improve mobility, communication, computer access, access to the school curriculum, or control over the environment. A brief overview on AT evaluations, funding, available training and equipment that is available on loan will be shared. If you are interested in services that are directly available to clients or to students who are in school, this information session is for you.
Presented by: Community Support Network and Westchester Institute for Human Development
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

Understanding the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Process for Parents of School-Age Students with a Disability
2023-09-19 18:00 - 19:30 | Zoom
This training will offer families an understanding of the entire IEP process, including but not limited to, the Committee on Special Education (CSE), the roles and responsibilities of all parties, the various components of the IEP and the transition planning process.
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

Soluciones Positivas para Familias
2023-09-21 10:30 - 12:30, 2023-10-19 10:30 - 12:30 | Zoom
Soluciones Positivas para Familias es una serie de talleres mensuales de cuatro sesiones que brindará a los padres, familias y cuidadores estrategias positivas y efectivas para promover el desarrollo social y emocional de los niños y abordar el comportamiento desafiante de los niños de 2 a 5 años.

Cuatro sesiones, tercer jueves del mes, de

20 de Julio

17 de Agosto

14 de Septiembre

19 de Octubre

Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

What is an Individualized Education Program (IEP) For Families of Preschool Students
2023-09-26 10:00 - 11:30 | Zoom
This workshop will provide families/parents and caregivers an overview of the process for developing an Individual Education Program (IEP) using a collaborative approach. The training provides a review of the areas of the IEP and the information that a parent, family and/or caregiver can share with the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) regarding their child’s performance and disability related needs.
Participants will:
-Understand the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) process and your role within the process​
-Identify the different components of the IEP​
-Discuss how to develop relationships and practices that build home-school collaboration and support the student.
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

Project Lifesaver
2023-10-03 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Does your child/children or young adults with Autism and other developmental disabilities wander, elope or get lost?
Come to this workshop to find out about Project Lifesaver, a nationwide program designed to help children or young adults with Autism and other developmental disabilities who may wander, elope or get lost. Project Lifesaver uses radio frequency technology, employing wristband transmitters to locate wandering and lost individuals. To qualify, individuals must live at home with a parent or guardian, anywhere in Westchester County. This Westchester Project Lifesaver agency is administered by the Westchester County Department of Public Safety, in collaboration with the Department of Mental Health and Westchester Jewish Community Services.
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) Services and Eligibility
2023-10-04 18:00 - 19:00 | Zoom
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 about the requirements for service eligibility.
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

Future Planning Series: How Do We Pass The Torch? Transition Planning in Preparation for Aging Series
2023-10-05 18:00 - 19:30 | Zoom
This 4- workshop series aims to provide caregivers with the directions for creating a transition plan for who next will be responsible for supporting their loved one. At the end of the workshop series, the caregiver will have the knowledge to create a caregiver transition plan, which will include the systems, people and processes needed to successfully support their loved one so that they live life to the fullest. The process of transferring knowledge to new caregivers and circle of supporters will be an important aspect of the planning process. Our first workshop focuses on systems. Other workshops will cover people and staffing, financial planning, and housing.
Workshop 1: Overview and Systems

What should caregivers of people with intellectual/developmental disabilities be thinking about as they plan for the time when they are older and beyond?
What are the key systems that should be in place (eg SSA, OPWDD, Self-Direction), and what are the associated paperwork and information requirements from these systems that future caregivers need to be informed about? What legal documentation needs to be in place?

Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

Special Education 101: Training of the Parent Member
2023-10-10 09:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
This four-hour parent member certification is for parents/families with children with IEPs. This training is open to anyone interested in learning about the special education process, or even as a refresher course on CPSE/CSE!
This workshop (through Zoom), will provide an overview and best practices approach to the CPSE/CSE process. It will​ educate parents and Parent Members and assist them in developing techniques and strategies to become effective members of the IEP team in their respective roles. Parents or guardians whose child has or had an IEP in the last 5 years, will receive a certificate for submission to their school district to serve as a Parent Member at CPSE/CSE meetings.
Note: This is a four-hour training in two parts, 9-11 am and 12-2 pm with a one-hour break for lunch. (April sessions are 4-6pm over 2 dates.). Four hours must be completed to receive certification.

Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

Hudson Valley School-Age FACE Center, Lower Hudson Regional Partnership Center (LHRPC), NYSED OSE Partnership

Specially Designed Instruction: A Guide for Families and Caregivers about Special Education
2023-10-13 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom
Participants will:
• understand the development and use of Specially Designed Instruction for students with disabilities.
• understand that there is both federal and state regulation around SDI.
• examine what SDI might look like in the classroom and in the home.
• understand their value as engaged meaningful partners in the special education process and education of their child.

Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

Monthly Decision Making Series--Workshop #1: Supported Decision-Making (SDM), Guardianship, and other Alternatives
2023-10-18 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Join us for our three-workshop series where we will present instruments and methods used to support loved ones with disabilities in making choices as they approach the age of adulthood.
Workshop #1: 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 as an adult. What are the concerns around guardianship? What about Supported Decision Making? How do advance directives such as health care proxies and durable power of attorney factor in? This workshop should be taken before the Guardianship and Digging into Supported Decision-Making workshops. If you have already taken this WIHD zoom workshop, please register instead for the Digging in to Supported Decision-Making workshop.
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

Student Involvement in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) for Families
2023-10-19 18:00 - 19:30 | Zoom
This training is intended to promote and encourage student and family involvement in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) development process and Committee on Special Education (CSE) meetings. Participants will identify ways to build and encourage their child’s self-determination skills in order to meaningfully participate to the greatest extent possible, in their own educational planning and active involvement in annual review meetings. The Student-Directed IEP approach can be utilized at any age from K-12th grade. Tools, resources, and research-based information will be provided.
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

OPWDD Self-Direction
2023-10-24 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
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, enrolled in the Home and Community Based (HCBS) Waiver, 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 person with the disability does not already have it.
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here
