My Disability Roadmap
2022-06-01 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom Meeting
Join Samuel Habib and Dan Habib for a special event! A screening and discussion of their new film project: My Disability Roadmap. The film follows Samuel, a young man with complex disabilities, as he navigates the path to work, college, and relationships while seeking out wisdom from disability activists across the country. Following the film, Dan and Samuel will talk about their hopes, dreams and plans for the film, and take your questions, The film is captioned and audio described, and auto-captions will be provided for the discussion. The event will last approximately 60 minutes. Supported by The Taft Foundation and Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation.

Click Here to Register
Event Flyer

Tapping Into Our Community: Resources for School Age and Transitioning Youth with Disabilities in the Mid-Hudson Valley
2022-06-02 18:00 - 19:00 | Zoom Meeting
This virtual presentation will provide participants with a better understanding of what activities, programs and events are available in the Mid-Hudson area for youth with disabilities this summer. Please come ready to share resources you know of that others may not be aware of. There will be some mini-presentations and a whole lot of sharing!

Click Here to Register
Event Flyer
All trainings will have closed captioning. ASL interpretation available upon request. Need additional information or any accommodations?
Contact Nancy Nowak at DRNY. Nancy.Nowak@drny.org or 516.238.1261

Knowing When and How to Access Mental Health Supports for Youth
2022-06-07 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom Meeting
The rates of anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions are climbing for all of our young people, including those with disabilities receiving special education services. This presentation will educate and offer an overview of the signs and symptoms of a possible mental health condition, about what steps to take if your child or a student is showing symptoms and about how school districts and families can work together to help students. In addition, representatives from the Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health will address how to access their services.
Presented by Debra Carr, Psy.D. Director of Psychology, Behavioral Health Program at Westchester Institute of Human Development along with Tori Shaw and Michelle Armisto, LCSW Program Coordinators, Children’s Mental Health Services, Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health
Click Here to Register

Voices for Change - Parent Advocacy
2022-06-07 19:00 - 20:30 | Zoom Meeting
Strategies for Engaging Policy Makers – Guest Speakers
Parents, family members, and self-advocates can be highly effective in working with policy makers in the New York State Senate, New York State Assembly, as well as United States Senate and Congress. These members “work for us” and it is important that they hear from us on those issues that are important to our community. The Community Support Network is proud to announce that we are kicking off a series of sessions, designed to teach us all how to be better advocates, get the attention and ears of our policy makers, and communicate those issues to get the best results. Session will be virtual via a ZOOM link. Please register at the link below if you haven’t already.
At our next and last meeting, we will be once again welcoming NYS Senator John Mannion and NYS Assemblymember Tom Abinanti, each of who chair the Disability Committees of their respective houses.

The legislative session is adjourning soon, and we will hear a year end wrap of from each of them on topics including:

key budget initiatives
what they see as biggest improvements for PWD
what they see as the toughest challenges yet to come
plans for addressing those items next year

Any. questions can be directed to – Lucille Rossi
Click Here To Register

Agency 101 - Connecting Individuals with Disabilities to Adult Agencies
2022-06-14 09:00 - 11:00 | Zoom Meeting
Identifying the agencies who will be working with students and their families post-high school is a critical component of transition planning. Join us as we explore self-determination and its impact on postsecondary success. We will discuss adult service agencies and the different types of programs they provide.
Click Here to Register
Event Flyer

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Basics
2022-06-14 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom Meeting
Are you considering applying for 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.

Click Here to Register

Discussion with the self-advocates about the Crip Camp movie!
2022-06-15 18:00 - 19:00 | Zoom Meeting
Hear Our Voices will be showing Crip camp trailer!
Discussion with the self-advocates about the Crip Camp movie!

Click Here to Register

What Does it Mean to be Culturally Responsive?
2022-06-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Zoom Meeting
This workshop is intended to introduce participants to foundational elements of culturally responsive education. The materials will support the development of Culturally Responsive-Sustaining mindsets, practices, and strategies to be implemented in Educational Organizations. As educators grow in their understanding and execution of Culturally Responsive Pedagogy, student engagement, academic performance, behavior, and graduation rates will improve. Culturally Responsive educators provide instructional scaffolds so that learners of all abilities will be able to access content & will feel welcomed in classroom settings. Participants will be able to recognize that “CRT is not a set of ‘best practices’ but a practice that recognizes the mind-body connection involved in learning” (Zaretta Hammond, 2013).
* This course is offered synchronously online via Zoom. Thursday June 16,2022 10 am-12 noon Participants will receive Zoom log-in information 24 hrs. prior to workshop commencement via registered Frontline email.

Click Here to Register

ABLE (Achieving A Better Life Experience) Accounts Basics
2022-06-21 18:00 - 19:00 | Zoom Meeting
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.

Click Here to Register

Family Forum: Preparing for the Transition of Young Adults Going to College
2022-07-14 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom Meeting
Join us for a discussion on how things will be different from high school for young adults with disabilities who plan to pursue a college degree. Participants can ask any questions they may have including the process for accessing accommodations, the disability documentation needed, possible types of college-related services available through Adult Career and Continuing Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR), as well as things to consider when selecting or visiting 2&4 year colleges and universities.

Click Here to Register

Self-Direction and the OPWDD 5.07 Plan Understanding What's at Stake
2022-07-25 18:30 - 20:30 | WIHD Auditorium, Cedarwood Hall Auditorium, Valhalla, NY, 10595, United States
The Community Support Network at WIHD, In the Drivers Seat (of Rochester), the NY Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation, and Supporting Our Youth & Adults (SOYAN, Long Island) are hosting a virtual educational session on the OPWDD 5.07 draft plan. This session will focus on components of the draft plan related to self-direction and be targeted to all stakeholders, including family members and self-advocates. The goal is to share information offered by experts with knowledge and context in order to promote quality feedback during the public comment period for the draft plan. ​It is critical that your experience and voice be shared! ​
OPWDD will also be hosting in-person feedback hearings across the state, including a Hudson Valley session here at WIHD on Wednesday August 3, 2022 at 3:30 pm.
You can register at this link.
See the flyer for the 8/3/22 event and other information here
See the 5.07 plan here
Opportunity to respond in writing here

Testing Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
2022-08-09 12:00 - 14:00 | Zoom Meeting
This training was developed to promote the understanding and appropriate use of test accommodations for students with disabilities. It is intended to provide information related to the decision-making process and types of test accommodations, as well as the documentation of appropriate accommodations on the individualized education program (IEP).

Click Here to Register

Culturally Responsive Teaching Workshop- "Family Engagement: Communication & Culture" (Virtual)
2022-08-11 09:00 - 11:00 | Zoom Meeting
This workshop is designed to introduce educators to concepts of communication and culture that impact the ways educators and educational organizations (EOs) interact with families. Participants will be introduced to The Culturally Responsive Sustaining-Education framework and include an opportunity for educators to review meaningful and equitable training resources/tools to support effective family engagement and communication. Participants will receive Zoom log-in information 24 hrs. prior to workshop commencement via registered Frontline email.

Click Here to Register

Family Forum: Post-School Planning for Young Adults Not Going to College
2022-08-11 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom Meeting
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.

Click Here to Register

Judy Heumann from the Crip Camp!
2022-08-17 18:00 - 19:00 | Zoom Meeting
Come meet Judy Heumann International Disability Rights Advocate.

Click Here to Register

Transition Preschool Special Education to Kindergarten (CPSE to CSE)
2022-08-18 14:00 - 15:00 | Zoom Meeting
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).

Presented by the Hudson Valley School-Age FACE Center, Lower Hudson Early Childhood FACE Center

Zoom Registration here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMvdO-rrzwiEtUBOhvv3I9Zo-MYDawL8po7

Planificación de la transición de la educación especial preescolar al jardín de infantes (CPSE a CSE)

Jueves, 18 Augusto @ 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. EDT

Este evento será en inglés.
Para ver los próximos eventos ofrecidos en español, ingrese aquí y únase a nuestro grupo de Facebook para familias de habla hispana. Para más información puede escribir un correo electrónico a cbueti@wihd.org

Early Childhood Family Forum: Getting Young Learners Ready for Back to School
2022-08-23 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom Meeting
Join us for a lunchtime discussion about preparing your young children for back to school. We will discuss what to expect, tips and tricks, our calendar of events and trainings for the school year, and there will be plenty of time for Q and A!
Click Here To Register

Virtual Parent Member Training
2022-08-24 09:00 - 14:00 | Zoom Meeting
Four-hour parent member certification for parents/families with children with IEPs
Note: this is a four-hour training with an hour break: 9 am to 11 am and 12pm to 2 pm. You must attend both sessions to be certified as a Parent Member.
This workshop (through Zoom) will provide an overview and best practices approach to the CPSE/CSE process to educate parents and Parent Members and assist them to develop techniques and strategies to become effective members of the IEP team in their respective roles. This training is open to anyone interested in learning about the special education process, or even as a refresher course on CPSE/CSE! 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.
Click Here to Register

Announcements, News and Resources from the NYS Education Department and US Department of Education
2022-09-15 18:30 - 19:30 | Zoom Meeting
This virtual presentation will provide participants with a brief summer update on recent laws, policies and announcements affecting students with disabilities, families, school personnel, and community service providers.
Join members of the Mid-Hudson Special Education Task Force as we review important notices that have been distributed on topics such as discipline, safety, the special education due process system, disability classification, over-age students returning to school, competitive integrated employment, performance data and behavioral interventions. Resources will be provided to expand upon the guidance presented.
Zoom Registration here

Hudson Valley School-Age FACE Center, Mid-Hudson Special Education Task Force (SETF)

Understanding the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Process for Parents of Students with a Disability
2022-09-16 09:00 - 11:00 | Zoom Meeting
The purpose of this training is to gain a foundational 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 as well as transition
planning. Join us as we explore how to develop
collaborative relationships between families and
educators to support the IEP process.

Understanding the IEP Process for Parents of Students with a Disability

Register here by Wednesday, September 14, 2022
Lower Hudson Regional Partnership Center (LHRPC)

Positive Solutions for Families
2022-09-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Zoom Meeting
Positive Solutions for Families
Positive Solutions for Families is a seven-session, monthly workshop series that will give parents and family 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.
Seven sessions, Third Friday of the Month, from 10-12. 9/16, 10/21, 11/18, 12/16, 1/20, 2/17, 3/17
Zoom Registration here
Mid-Hudson Early Childhood FACE Center, Mid-Hudson Regional Partnership Center (MHRPC)

Hear Our Voices” - Self Advocacy Group Meeting Voting Rights and How to Vote
2022-09-21 18:00 - 19:00 | Zoom Meeting
Come meet Tina Fitzgerald for some discussion tips for
Voting Rights and How to Vote!

Tina Fitzgerald studied Special Education at SUNY Geneseo and Social Work at Syracuse University. She had a long career as an advocate and Medicaid Service Coordinator. Tina has worked with the Board of Elections for 20 years as a inspector and a voting machine specialist. She is a very active community advocate taking up issues around community involvement and participation for all.
Zoom Registration
For more information contact: Brendan Klein bklein@wihd.org or
Mariela Adams madams@wihd.org Claire Poiln cpolin@wihd.org
Please feel free to share this announcement with other self-advocates who may wish to join and their house staff or family members.

Cancelled - Special Education Mediation for Families
2022-09-22 18:00 - 19:30 | Zoom Meeting
This event has been cancelled.
Special Education Mediation for Families
This training is for parents and families to learn about Special Education Mediation and how to use mediation to resolve issues and conflicts regarding the education and experience of a student with a disability.
The training will provide information about Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): The Basics, Resolving Disputes Under IDEA and IDEA Special Education Basic Mediation Procedures and other important topics.

Mid-Hudson Early Childhood FACE Center, Lower Hudson Early Childhood FACE Center, Lower Hudson Regional Partnership Center (LHRPC)

Virtual Parent Member Training
2022-09-27 09:00 - 14:00 | Zoom Meeting
Four-hour parent member certification for parents/families with children with IEPs
Note: this is a four-hour training with an hour break: 9 am to 11 am and 12pm to 2 pm. You must attend both sessions to be certified as a Parent Member.
This workshop (through Zoom) will provide an overview and best practices approach to the CPSE/CSE process to educate parents and Parent Members and assist them to develop techniques and strategies to become effective members of the IEP team in their respective roles. This training is open to anyone interested in learning about the special education process, or even as a refresher course on CPSE/CSE! 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.
Zoom Registration here
Mid-Hudson Early Childhood FACE Center, Mid-Hudson Regional Partnership Center (MHRPC)

Transition Planning for Life After High School: An Introduction to the Process for Families
2022-09-27 18:30 - 20:00 | Zoom Meeting
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.
Register Here:
Hudson Valley School-Age FACE Center, NYSED OSE Partnership

Explicit Vocabulary Instruction for Families (EVI)
2022-09-30 11:30 - 12:30 | Zoom Meeting
How to Support Your Child’s Vocabulary Development in the Home (Disponible En Español)
Will be given in English and Spanish simultaneously in 2 separate breakout rooms. This training focuses on the importance of vocabulary exposure for children in early childhood. We will share ways to increase your child’s language in the home with tips from the Little Talks program out of Lehigh University which includes the following 3 stages: 1) praising child through words and actions, 2) following the child’s lead, and 3) engaging the child in vocabulary-rich activities: Slides and additional materials will be shared following attendance at the session. The training with be 1 hour including Q&A time.
Cómo Apoyar el Desarrollo Vocabulario de su Hijo en el Hogar
Se impartirá en inglés y español simultáneamente en 2 diferentes salas de Zoom. Esta capacitación se centra en la importancia de la exposición al vocabulario para los niños en la primera infancia. Compartiremos formas de aumentar el lenguaje de su hijo en el hogar con consejos del programa Little Talks de la Universidad de Lehigh, que incluye la siguiente tres etapas: 1) elogiar al niño a través de palabras y acciones, 2) seguir el ejemplo del niño e 3) involucrar al niño en actividades ricas en vocabulario. Se compartirán diapositivas y materiales adicionales después de la asistencia a la sesión. La capacitación será una hora, incluyendo el tiempo de preguntas y respuestas.
Zoom Registration Here

Hudson Valley School-Age FACE Center, Lower Hudson Early Childhood FACE Center, Lower Hudson Regional Partnership Center (LHRPC)

“Hear Our Voices” - Self Advocacy Group Meeting Meet Annie from Shames JCC!
2022-10-05 18:00 - 19:00 | Zoom Meeting
Come meet Annie Bridson from Shames JCC on the Hudson, she is going to talk about what programs are at JCC for people with disabilities.

Annie Bridson

Director of Supportive Services, Shames JCC on the Hudson
Annie has been working within the supportive services field for over 10 years. Throughout that time, she has worked with many populations, with a large focus of her work focused on supporting individuals with varying disabilities.. In her position at the JCC, Annie’s goal is to bring new programs to the JCC that foster a sense of inclusivity, community, understanding, and support

Zoom Registration link:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0rdumvrjouEtN-vTId7FI4BX11GVITqtyF

Diploma and Credential Options for Students with Disabilities
2022-10-12 12:00 - 13:30 | Zoom Meeting
Participants will learn about self-determination skills and its relation to students determining an individualized pathway to graduation from multiple options. Credit and diploma requirements, the appeal eligibility criteria for all students, and safety-net options for students with disabilities will be reviewed. Learn how earning a Career Development and Occupational Studies (CDOS) Commencement Credential is beneficial in a number of ways and understand the guidelines for the Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential which is awarded to students participating in the New York State Alternate Assessment (NYSAA) testing program.
Register here:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEtdO2qrDstHtc0tEjgzwH7SpQNWwX0QAVf
Hudson Valley School-Age FACE Center

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Basics
2022-10-12 18:00 - 19:00 | Zoom Meeting
Are you considering applying for 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 Registration Link

FBA/BIP (Functional Behavior Assessment and Behavior Intervention Plan) for Families//Evaluación Funcional de la Conducta (FBA) y Plan de Intervención Conductual (BIP) para Familias
2022-10-18 14:00 - 15:00 | Zoom Meeting
This learning opportunity for families will provide an overview of Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) and Behavioral Intervention Plans (BIP) for students needing intensive behavioral interventions and supports and describes the role of parents, families, guardians, and caregivers in supporting students throughout this process.

/Esta oportunidad de aprendizaje para las familias proporcionará una visión general de las Evaluaciones Funcionales del Comportamiento (FBA) y los Planes de Intervención del Comportamiento (BIP) para los estudiantes que necesitan intervenciones y apoyos intensivos del comportamiento y describe el papel de los padres, las familias, los tutores y los guardianes en el apoyo a los estudiantes a través de este proceso.
Register Here/Ingrese Aquí para Registrarse: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIpdOirrDMsG9xnVqPS7kwnPizRDE5XDSgf

Hudson Valley School-Age FACE Center, Lower Hudson Early Childhood FACE Center, Lower Hudson Regional Partnership Center (LHRPC)
