Discussion with the self-advocates about the Crip Camp movie!
2022-06-15 18:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | 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, 2022-10-21 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)

ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) Account Basics
2022-10-19 18:00 - 19:00
ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) Account Basics
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.
Zoom registration link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIlcuyqqzkvGtEWA6sxP-VDxtB_nbT3UEWl

Hear Our Voices- Self Advocates Meeting - Panel on Employment
2022-10-19 18:00 - 19:00 | Zoom
Are you job hunting?

Topic: Panel on Employment.
The speakers are Marissa Borzykowski from Spectrum Design and Valerie Jensen from Prospector Theatre to discuss employment.
Marissa Borzykowski is a dynamic Nonprofit Manager with 10+ years overseeing and leading person-centered programming, operations, administration and social services. Marissa has a BA in psychology from Clark University and a Master’s in Social Work from Columbia University. She began her career as a Mental Health Clinician at the Institute for Family’s Health East Harlem site, where she obtained her SIFI (Seminar in Field Instruction) from Columbia University and was promoted to Associate Regional Director of Psychosocial Services.
Valerie Jensen is a social entrepreneur, dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with disabilities. Her award-winning work as an executive, filmmaker, author, speaker, and advocate is fueled by her belief in the power of sparkle.

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

Families Advocating for Students
2022-10-25 19:00 - 20:30 | Zoom Meeting
Families Advocating for Students
Hosted by the Community Support Network in Collaboration with Union Baptist Church
Please join us for this workshop as we consider how best to advocate for our children in school, by exploring the following:
How to help your child adjust to in person school
Recognizing and responding to your child’s needs
Navigating IEPs, 504s and building supports
See flyer here: Families Advocating for Children
ZOOM Registration Link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIsdu6uqjkoH9QZ_09pB4vixYkPKqtAprrv

Parents as Partners: Effective Communication within Special Education
2022-10-26 19:00 - 20:00
This presentation will offer parents a review of basic communication skills that can be useful during meetings and other discussions about their child’s education program. Building confidence in the ability to communicate clearly and effectively will assist parents in becoming meaningful partners within the special education process.
See flyer here: Parents as Partners 20221026
Presented by the Community Support Network in collaboration with the Harrison Central School District
Join Zoom Meeting. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84857830988

Understanding the IEP for Families
2022-10-28 10:00 - 11:30
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.
Hudson Valley School-Age FACE Center
Zoom registration Link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0rc-Gsrz0oH9R7ts82IA_gcQpn7zodWP2_
