Westchester Institute for Human Development

Preparing for Your Child's Annual Review Meeting
2024-12-20 10:00 - 11:15 (America/New_York) | Zoom
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 Committee on Special Education. Learn about planning strategies, approaching differences of opinion, and keeping the focus on your child.
Zoom Link: Click Here

CPSE to CSE for Parents
2025-01-07 10:00 - 11:00
This workshop will help participants to understand the transition process, to be an active member of the transition team, to understand the difference between services in CPSE and CSE, and to understand the purpose of an IEP. Participants will also have a better understanding of what to expect as their children move on to kindergarten..
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

Monthly Decision Making Series Workshop #1: Supported Decision-Making (SDM), Guardianship, and other Alternatives
2025-01-07 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-02-04 12:00 - 13:00
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

Monthly Decision Making Series Workshop #2: Digging in to Supported Decision-Making
2025-01-08 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-02-05 12:00 - 13:00
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 #2: Digging in to Supported Decision-Making
This workshop is intended for individuals who have already attended our monthly Supported Decision Making, Guardianship, and other Alternatives workshop, and want to know more about SDM. We will review Article 82, the NY State supported decision making law, and will answer SDM-specific questions.
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

Diploma and Credential Options for Students with Disabilities
2025-01-08 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, 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.
Zoom Link: Click Here

Monthly Decision Making Series Workshop #3: Guardianship Workshop
2025-01-09 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-02-06 12:00 - 13:00
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 #3: Guardianship Workshop
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. Since guardianship is considered the most restrictive form of decision support, it is recommended that you also attend the Digging in to Supported Decision-Making workshop before signing up for this one. We will review the process of putting together a petition for guardianship and the documentation requirements.
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

Special Education 101: Virtual Training of the Parent Member
2025-01-09 16:00 - 18:00
NOTE: THIS IS A FOUR HOUR TRAINING BEING HELD OVER TWO DATES, JANUARY 9 AND JANUARY 16, FROM 4PM-6PM.
FOUR HOURS MUST BE COMPLETED TO RECEIVE CERTIFICATION.
We offer our 4-hour Virtual Parent Member Training four times per year, via Zoom. Participants will learn about the entire Committee for Special Education (CSE) process, and those eligible can join committee meetings as a volunteer Parent Member. This is wonderful opportunity to build community in your district, support other parents, and learn more about the CSE process to support your own child! While this training is open to anyone who would like to learn more about special education, 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. January sessions are 4-6 pm over 2 dates, January 9 and January 16. Four hours must be completed to receive certification.
Click here to register

Family Forum: Preparing for Your Child’s Annual Review
2025-01-14 12:00 - 13:00
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.
Zoom Link: Click Here

Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) Services and Eligibility
2025-01-14 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-02-11 12:00 - 13:00
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

CPSE to CSE Transition for Parents/Planificación para Transición de Educación Especial PreEscolar a Kindergarten (CPSE a CSE)
2025-01-14 18:00 - 19:00
The transition from preschool to kindergarten can be a time of excitement but it can also be a source of anxiety. Transitions are made easier when families and providers understand the process. This workshop will help participants to understand the transition process, to be an active member of the transition team, to understand the difference between services in CPSE and CSE, and to understand the purpose of an IEP. Parents will come away from this workshop with a better understanding of what to expect as their children move on to kindergarten.
*This training will be given in English and Spanish*
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.*
Presented by: Lower Hudson Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Center, NYSED OSE Partnership, and Greenburgh Central School District
Click Here to Register/Ingresa Aquí Para Registrar

Relationship Skills Group: Self-Advocates at the Community Support Network
2025-01-14 18:00 - 19:00
Monthly Relationship Skills Group: Self-Advocates at the Community Support Network
Click Here for Registration

OPWDD Self-Direction
2025-01-15 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-02-12 12:00 - 13:00
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 person with the disability does not already have it.
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

Disability Conversations: “Hear Our Voices” Self Advocacy Group Meeting
2025-01-15 18:00 - 19:00
“Hear Our Voices” Self Advocacy Group Monthly Meeting
Click Here for Registration

Positive Behavior Solutions for Families (series)
2025-01-21 12:00 - 14:00
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 12-2pm
Oct 15 Making the Connection & Keeping it Positive
Nov 19 Behavior Has Meaning & the Power of Routine
Dec 17 Teach Me What to Do & Responding with Purpose
Jan 21 Putting It All Together with a Plan
*Attending all four sessions is encouraged but optional. Resources and tools will be provided before each session.
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

Future Planning Series: How Do We Pass The Torch? Transition Planning in Preparation for Aging Series Workshop 4 - Care Support
2025-01-21 18:00 - 19:30
This 6- 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.
Workshop 4:
Ensuring that your loved one’s care operates smoothly is an important part of future planning. This includes management of staff, benefits, career, recreational activities, and, if applicable, property and physical assets. Allison Kleinman, CEO of Future Centered Care will share about care support services offered by her organization.
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

New York State Alternate Assessment (NYSAA): Essential Information for Families of Students with Disabilities
2025-01-23 12:30 - 14:00
This training is to educate families, especially those with a child in elementary school, 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 entails including eligibility and the decision-making process, as well as the effect on post-secondary planning and graduation/exit options.
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

Communication Matters: A Fresh Take in 2025
2025-01-23 18:00 - 19:30
Effective communication is more essential than ever in these challenging times, particularly when planning programming for students with learning or emotional needs. Attendees representing the full spectrum of stakeholders in special education will learn and share effective in-person, online and virtual communication strategies. We will watch highlights of a video presenting communication tips, strategies and perspectives. During planned pauses in the video, the moderators will invite attendees to share their insights and perspectives on conflict-reducing strategies. If you are a parent, guardian, teacher, school administrator, psychologist, service provider, attorney, advocate or any special education stakeholder, we encourage you to participate!
Sponsored by: The Lower Hudson Valley Special Education Task Force
Click Here for Flyer and Registration for Communication Matters A Fresh Take in 2025

Family Guide to Transition Planning: Preparing Students with Disabilities for Life After High School
2025-01-24 10:00 - 11:30
The purpose of the Family Guide to Transition Planning: Preparing Students with Disabilities for Life After High School is to assist families in understanding the transition planning process specifically from high school to life after high school. When families are knowledgeable about the transition process and invited to participate by schools, students with disabilities experience improved post-school outcomes in the areas of employment, postsecondary education, and independent living.
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

Annual CSN Transition Institute
2025-01-29 08:00 - 20:00, 2025-01-30 08:00 - 20:00, 2025-01-31 08:00 - 14:00
WIHD’s Community Support Network (CSN) hosts a Transition Institute, an 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. While this event had been in person in years past, last year’s was held virtually, and we have started planning this year’s Institute to also be virtual.
Click here for more information

What is an Individualized Education Program (IEP) For Families of School-Age Students
2025-02-04 12:00 - 13:30
Parents and families are an important part of the Special Education process. Participants will 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, and the transition planning process.
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

What is an Individualized Education Program (IEP) For Families of School-Age Students
2025-02-05 18:00 - 19:30
Parents and families are an important part of the Special Education process. Participants will 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 Individualized Education Program (IEP), and the transition planning process.
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

Family Forum: Preparing for Your Child’s Annual Review
2025-02-11 18:00 - 19:00

Supporting Your Child in Work Based Learning Experiences
2025-02-12 18:00 - 19:30
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). It includes but is not limited to: exploring registered and unregistered program options available to students with disabilities, reviewing the career development process and the NYS framework for Work Based Learning. It also includes determining who the essential partners are, in order to ensure students are receiving an individualized and collaborative experience, and identifying activities and strategies to increase career awareness and development, in the home and community.
Zoom Link: Click Here
