HOV Holiday Party with The Prospect Band
2021-12-16 18:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom Meeting
The Prospect Band is a five piece band featuring lead vocalist Thomas D, lead guitarist, and backing vocalist Ryan Wenke, bassist Max Shapiro, organist Rachel Wise and Jeff Bonistalli on the drums.

Click Here to Register

Hear Our Voices - Tips and Ideas on working with DSP staff
2022-01-12 18:00 - 19:00
Hiring, managing and keeping staff on your team is an important part of your self-advocacy journey. Come learn from Nichole Hastings from LifePlan.
Discussion tips for hiring staff.
• Understanding Your Disability
• Understanding your goals/action plan
• Communication method/emergency contact info
• Expectations/rules they need to follow
• Diet/Exercise/Special Needs
Click Here to Register

2022 CSN Transition Institute
2022-01-19 - 2022-01-21
Wednesday, January 19th, 2022-Friday, January 21st, 2022
TheCommunity Support Networkis pleased once again to offer our annual conference on post-secondary transition covering topics ranging from employment options, inclusive college programs, social and recreational programs, systems navigation, self-advocacy,and policy issues with several breakout tracks to choose from.
This year’s threads include:

For Self-Advocates: Sessions focused on issues for individuals with disabilities
Self Help: Strategies and ideas to cope with stress and wellness ideas
Self Determination: Strategies to promote responsibility and independence
Inclusive Higher Education: Information and promising practices in college programs for students with I/DD
Financial Planning and Systems Navigation: Information regarding benefits systems and financial planning
For School Administrators: Best practices to build capacity for inclusive transition supports and services. Learn from experts and each other.
Introduction to Everything: Beginners guide for families just starting transition planning
Living and Working: Promising practices around Housing, Employment, and Recreation

Visit our website here (where you can see the agenda, register, get zoom links, and other information)

ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) Account Basics
2022-01-24 18:00 - 19:00
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.

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Virtual Parent Member Training
2022-01-26 16:00 - 18:00, 2022-02-02 16:00 - 18:00
Four-hour parent member certification for parents/families with children with IEPs
Note: this is a four-hour training over two-days (two consecutive Wednesdays, 1/26/22 and 2/2/22 from 4-6 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. We offer this training four times per year, the next Parent Member Training will be offered April 2022.
Please email Bilingual Educator Saira Ayala if you are interested in taking this training in Spanish, saayala@wihd.org. We will schedule a Spanish option in Spring 2022 if there is sufficient interest.
Click Here to Register

Transition Planning from Preschool Special Education to Kindergarten (CPSE to CSE) (Disponible en Español)
2022-01-27 19:00 - 20:30
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).
This workshop will be held via ZOOM:
1. Registered participants will receive access to a self-guided training package on Monday, January 24th. This will include a multi-part training webinar. If you need the videos and materials in Spanish please email saayala@WIHD.org.
2. Participants will listen to each video at their own pace (approximately 60 minutes)
3. Participants will receive handouts that they can access and save or print as well as helpful resources
4. The presenters will host a Live Q&A Session via Zoom (link will be provided) on Thursday, January 27th, 7-8:30 pm. This workshop will be repeated on the following upcoming date: Tuesday, February 22, 1:00-2:30 pm
**Our Bilingual Educator will be present to answer questions for Spanish-speaking families**
Planificación para Transición de Educación Especial PreEscolar a Kindergarten (CPSE a CSE)
Este taller apoyará a los padres mientras se preparan para la transición de su hijo de la educación especial preescolar al kindergarten. Los temas cubiertos incluyen: Entender las diferencias entre el Comité para la Educación Especial Preescolar (CPSE) y el Comité para la Educación Especial (CSE), entender el proceso de transición de CPSE a CSE, aprender cómo ser un miembro activo del equipo de transición, entender el propósito de un Programa de Educación Individualizado (IEP).
Este taller se llevará a cabo a través de ZOOM.
1. Los participantes inscritos tendrán acceso a un paquete de formación autoguiado el lunes 24 de enero. Esto incluirá un seminario web de capacitación de varias partes.
2. Los participantes escucharán cada video a su propio ritmo (aproximadamente 60 minutos)
3. Los participantes recibirán folletos a los que pueden acceder y guardar o imprimir, así como recursos útiles.
4. Los presentadores organizarán. una sesión de preguntas y respuestas en vivo a través de Zoom (se proporcionará el enlace) el jueves 27 de enero, de 7 a 8:30 pm. Este taller se repetirá en la siguiente fecha próxima: martes 22 de febrero, 1:00-2:30 pm **Nuestra educadora bilingüe estará presente para responder preguntas para familias en español.**
Click Here to Register/Ingrese Aquí para Registrarse

Explicit Vocabulary Instruction for Families
2022-02-01 16:00 - 17:30
Come to this session for parents and caregivers to learn how to support your child’s development of new vocabulary, the importance of vocabulary instruction and ways to incorporate vocabulary instruction at home for your children who are in Pre-K through grade 6. This workshop is also offered Thursday, January 27th, 7:00-8:30 pm

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Positive Solutions for Families - Session 4
2022-02-08 10:00 - 12:00
Positive Solutions for Families is a four session 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.
Click Here to Register

Life Skills Working Group for Parents & Caregivers of Teens & Young Adults with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities -Focus on Employment
2022-02-08 19:00 - 20:15
Session 3: Employment. Join Ability Beyond to hear about the skills our loved ones with challenges need for a successful work life, and what we can do to support them in the development and mastery of those skills
Life skills, or daily living skills, are abilities that our young adults 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 our series of sessions where parents and caregivers learn concrete tools and approaches to helping their loved ones develop these skills. For each session, we will focus on one or two life skill areas. Participants will use what they learn in each session to help implement these tools in their teen/young adults’ lives. These are interactive sessions where participants learn together and get the opportunity to receive and give feedback on results achieved during follow up sessions. Session 3 focuses on Employment life skills.

Click Here to Register

TRANSITION Workshop Series
2022-02-09 19:00 - 20:30
Self-Determination
• Learn about the skills that allow individuals to make choices and plan their lives
• Explore the many aspects of self determination, and their importance to the transition planning process
• Discover ways that individuals with disabilities can have a voice in planning their life after high school, and ensure that families, schools, and agencies are effectively supporting them
This workshop will be held virtually via Zoom from 7:00-8:30pm.
You must RSVP in order to get the link to participate.
Contact Dawn Kitz at dkitz@rboces.org or (845) 624-5833 to register.
Event Flyer

FBA/BIP (Functional Behavior Assessment and Behavior Intervention Plan) for Families
2022-02-11 10:00 - 11:00
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.
Evaluación Funcional de la Conducta (FBA) y Plan de Intervención Conductual (BIP) para Familias
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.
Click Here to Register/Ingrese Aquí para Registrarse

Specially Designed Instruction for Families
2022-02-14 10:00 - 11:00
This workshop will help participants develop an understanding of Specially Designed Instruction in order to increase knowledge of parents and other family members as engaged meaningful partners in the special education process and the education of their child.

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New York State Alternate Assessment (NYSAA): Essential Information for Families of Students with Disabilities
2022-02-15 18:00 - 19:30
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.

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Self-Advocacy Conversations with Claire and Brendan
2022-02-16 18:00 - 19:00
Open Self-Advocacy Conversations with Claire and Brendan

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Transition Thought Exchange - Project SEARCH
2022-02-17 10:00 - 11:30
Project SEARCH- a collaborative WIHD/CSN, New York Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital and Ability Beyond
A discussion for district administrators of special education and transition coordinators about Project SEARCH, providing high leverage inclusive transition supports and services leading to competitive employment. This month’s discussion will provide information about eligibility and the application process for interns in the WIHD/CSN Project SEARCH opening September 2022 at New York Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital.
Download Project SEARCH Application (pdf)
Click Here to Register

Annual Review: Parent Q + A
2022-02-22 12:00 - 13:30
Parents are integral partners in the special education process. Join this conversation as we explore how parents can effectively prepare for the annual review and be an effective member of the CSE. Learn about planning strategies, approaching differences of opinion, and keeping the focus on your child.

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Transition Planning from Preschool Special Education to Kindergarten (CPSE to CSE)(Disponible en Español)
2022-02-22 13:00 - 14:30
Planificación para Transición de Educación Especial PreEscolar a Kindergarten (CPSE a CSE)
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). *Please specify if you prefer Spanish-language materials and Spanish translation for the session.
Este taller apoyará a los padres mientras se preparan para la transición de su hijo de la educación especial preescolar al kindergarten. Los temas cubiertos incluyen: Entender las diferencias entre el Comité para la Educación Especial Preescolar (CPSE) y el Comité para la Educación Especial (CSE), entender el proceso de transición de CPSE a CSE, aprender cómo ser un miembro activo del equipo de transición, entender el propósito de un Programa de Educación Individualizado (IEP). Este taller se llevará a cabo a través de ZOOM. *Por favor, especifique si prefiere materiales en español y traducción al español para la sesión.*
Click Here to Register/Ingrese Aquí para Registrarse

Diploma and Credential Options for Students with Disabilities
2022-03-02 12:00 - 13:30
The goals of this training are to ensure participants will recognize and identify: The definition of self-determination and its relation to determining individualized diploma and graduation options, the credit requirements for graduation in NYS, The Multiple Pathways to Graduation, 4 + 1 Option requirements for all students, the appeal eligibility criteria for all students, the safety net option for students with disabilities and also the exiting credentials available in NYS and the requirements for each.

Click Here To Register

Understanding the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Process for Parents of School-Age Students with a Disability
2022-03-08 12:00 - 14:00
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.

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Diploma and Credential Options for Students with Disabilities
2022-03-15 18:00 - 19:30
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 and the appeal eligibility criteria for all students will be reviewed as well as the safety-net options for students with disabilities. Find out how earning a Career Development and Occupational Studies (CDOS) Commencement Credential is beneficial in a number of ways along with the guidelines for awarding a Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential.

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Life Skills Working Group for Parents & Caregivers of Teens & Young Adults with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities: Focus on Transportation and Community Access
2022-03-15 19:00 - 20:15
Session 4: Transportation and Community Access. How do we help our young people with intellectual or developmental challenges to navigate the community, whether via public transport, Para Transit services, or by learning to drive? Anna Masopust, travel skills development specialist from Westchester County’s Office for People with Disabilities will share tips on what we as parents/caregivers can do to support them in the development and mastery of travel related skills.
Life skills, or daily living skills, are abilities that our young adults 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 our series of sessions where parents and caregivers learn concrete tools and approaches to helping their loved ones develop these skills. For each session, we will focus on one or two life skill areas. Participants will use what they learn in each session to help implement these tools in their teen/young adults’ lives. These are interactive sessions where participants learn together and get the opportunity to receive and give feedback on results achieved during follow up sessions. Session 4 focuses on Transportation related life skills. Hear what you as caregiver can do to support independent travel.

Click Here to Register

How to Develop Healthy Relationships
2022-03-16 18:00 - 19:00
Kathy O’Connell, Radiant Abilities, LLC specializes in helping people with disabilities confidently date & find love.

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Understanding the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Process for Parents of Preschoolers (Disponible en Español)
2022-03-23 16:00 - 17:30
The presentation is developed to 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.
Goals of the Training:
1. Understand the Committee for Preschool Special Education (CPSE) process and your role within the process.
2. Identify the different components of the Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
3. Develop relationships and practices that build home-school collaboration and support the student.
Comprender el proceso del Programa de Educación Individualizada (IEP) para padres de niños en edad preescolar
La presentación se desarrolla para proporcionar a las familias / padres y cuidadores una visión general del proceso para desarrollar un Programa de Educación Individual (IEP) utilizando un enfoque colaborativo. La capacitación proporciona una revisión de las áreas del IEP y la información que un padre, familia y / o cuidador puede compartir con el Comité de Educación Especial Preescolar (CPSE) con respecto al desempeño de su hijo y las necesidades relacionadas con la discapacidad.
Objetivos de la Capacitación:
1.Comprenda el proceso del Comité de Educación Especial Preescolar (CPSE) y su papel dentro del proceso.
2.Identificar los diferentes componentes del Plan De Educación Individualizado (IEP).
3.Desarrollar relaciones y prácticas que construyan la colaboración entre el hogar y la escuela y apoyen al estudiante.
Click Here to Register/Ingrese aquí para registrarte

Shifting the Mindset-Rethinking the IEP Process
2022-03-30 12:00 - 13:00
Interactive dialogue for parents/caregivers, educators, and professionals with Naomi Brickel, an expert on family and youth engagement, centered around shifting the mindset in special education, person-centeredness, and strength-based engagement.
A Conversation on:
• Equal partners in the IEP process
• Individual as part of the conversation
• A parent and professional’s perspective engaging and understanding the IEP process

Click Here to Register

Transition Preschool Special Education to Kindergarten (CPSE to CSE) (Disponible en Español)
2022-03-31 18:00 - 19:00
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). *Please specify if you prefer Spanish-language materials and Spanish translation for the session.
Planificación para Transición de Educación Especial PreEscolar a Kindergarten (CPSE a CSE)
Este taller apoyará a los padres mientras se preparan para la transición de su hijo de la educación especial preescolar al kindergarten. Los temas cubiertos incluyen: Entender las diferencias entre el Comité para la Educación Especial Preescolar (CPSE) y el Comité para la Educación Especial (CSE), entender el proceso de transición de CPSE a CSE, aprender cómo ser un miembro activo del equipo de transición, entender el propósito de un Programa de Educación Individualizado (IEP). Este taller se llevará a cabo a través de ZOOM. *Por favor, especifique si prefiere materiales en español y traducción al español para la sesión.*
Click Here to Register/Ingresa Aquí Para Registrar

Understanding the IEP for Families
2022-04-06 17:00 - 18:00

Virtual Resource & Transition Fair
2022-04-07 16:00 - 18:00
Supports and resources for NOW and into the future for families and students with an IEP or 504 Plan

Explore Putnam County resources for education, recreation, training and employment, advocacy, and much more!
Meet representatives from a variety of agencies and service providers.
Join break out sessions for detailed information on diverse topics.

The mission of the Putnam Transition Consortium is to improve transition plans and post-secondary outcomes for Putnam County youth and young adults through communication and education of all transition stakeholders, including students, families. schools, and community agencies.
Green Chimneys serves to help young people to maximize their full potential by providing residential, educational, clinical and recreational services, in a safe and supportive environment that nurtures connections with their families, the community, animals and nature.

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How to Support Your Child’s Vocabulary Development in the Home (Disponible En Español)
2022-04-20 13:00 - 14:30
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 1.5 hours 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 y media, incluyendo el tiempo de preguntas y respuestas.

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Hear Our Voices - What You Can Get Approve With SD Budget
2022-04-20 18:00 - 19:00
Self-direction budget
What you can get approve with SD budget.

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