Monthly Decision Making Series Workshop #3: Guardianship Workshop
2024-10-17 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-11-21 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-12-05 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | 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 #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

What Is an Individualized Education Program (IEP)? For Families of School-Age Students
2024-10-17 18:00 - 19:30 | Zoom
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

Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) Services and Eligibility
2024-10-25 10:00 - 11:30, 2024-12-10 12:00 - 13:00 | 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 Workshop 1 - Systems
2024-10-28 18:00 - 19:30 | Zoom
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. 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 documentatio needs to be in place?

Zoom Registration Link: Click here

OPWDD Self-Direction
2024-10-29 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-11-14 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 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

Toma de decisiones con apoyo: una alternativa a la tutela / Supported Decision Making: An Alternative to Guardianship
2024-11-06 09:00 - 10:15 | Zoom
Miércoles 6 de Noviembre del 2024 – 9:00 am a 10:15 am
Wednesday, November 6, 2024 – 9:00 am to 10:15 am
Este taller se impartirá únicamente en español.
This workshop will be given in Spanish only.
La Toma de decisiones con apoyo es una alternativa a la tutela que, a diferencia de esta última, le permite a un individuo con una discapacidad intelectual o del desarrollo (DI/D) preservar su derecho a tomar decisiones por sí mismo mientras recibe apoyo de personas que ha elegido. Acompáñenos a nuestra presentación con Stephanie Avendaño. Stephanie es una mentora con SDMNY, la organización que redacta y gestiona los acuerdos de toma de decisiones con apoyo en el estado de Nueva York.
Supported Decision-Making is an alternative to guardianship which, unlike guardianship, allows an individual with an intellectual or developmental disability (I/DD) to retain their legal decision-making rights while being supported in decision-making by the people they choose. Join us for a presentation by Stephanie Avendaño. Stephanie is a mentor with SDMNY, the organization that drafts and oversees supported decision-making agreements in New York State.
Enlace de Zoom para la registracion: Haga clic aqui
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

Student Involvement in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) For Families
2024-11-07 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

Relationship Skills Group: Self-Advocates at the Community Support Network
2024-11-12 18:00 - 19:00, 2024-12-10 18:00 - 19:00 | Zoom
Monthly Relationship Skills Group: Self-Advocates at the Community Support Network
Click Here for Flyer and Registration

Future Planning Series: How Do We Pass The Torch? Transition Planning in Preparation for Aging Series Workshop 2 - Financial Planning
2024-11-12 18:00 - 19:30 | Zoom
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 2: Financial Planning
James Traylor, President of Rivent Partners & Rivent Partners Disability Planning, will present on financial strategies for families of individuals with special needs. In this session, James will cover the key issues to be considered when planning for financial security over the lifetimes of both caregiver and loved one with a disability.
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

Recreational Fair for Students with OPWDD Eligibility
2024-11-12 18:30 - 19:30 | Scarsdale High School
Please join the Scarsdale and Pelham Public School Districts in Conjunction with Tuckahoe, Eastchester, and Edgemont Schools for The 2024 Recreational Fair!
Click Here for Flyer

Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) Services and Eligibility
2024-11-13 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom

Family Guide to Transition Planning: Preparing Students with Disabilities for Life After High School
2024-11-14 18:00 - 19:30 | Zoom
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

Monthly Decision Making Series Workshop #1: Supported Decision-Making (SDM), Guardianship, and other Alternatives
2024-11-19 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-12-03 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

Positive Behavior Solutions for Families (series)
2024-11-19 12:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
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

Resource and Transition Fair
2024-11-19 16:00 - 19:00 | Brewster High School
– 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.
Putnam Transition Fair: Click Here for Flyer and Registration

Monthly Decision Making Series Workshop #2: Digging in to Supported Decision-Making
2024-11-20 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-12-04 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 #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

New York State Alternate Assessment (NYSAA): Essential Information for Families of Students with Disabilities
2024-11-20 18:00 - 19:30 | 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.
Zoom Link (see note below): Click Here to Join
**Please note that this event will require you to enter the Zoom Meeting ID and Passcode as follows:
Zoom Meeting ID: 946 8129 7890
Zoom Passcode: [REDACTED]

New York State Alternate Assessment (NYSAA): Essential Information for Families of Students with Disabilities
2024-11-22 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.
Zoom Link: Click Here

New York State Alternate Assessment (NYSAA): Essential Information for Families of Students with Disabilities
2024-12-05 12:00 - 13:30 | Zoom
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 Link: Click Here

Future Planning Series: How Do We Pass The Torch? Transition Planning in Preparation for Aging Series Workshop 3 - Estate Planning
2024-12-10 18:00 - 19:30 | Zoom
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 3: Estate Planning
Estate planning is the process of determining how an individual’s assets will be preserved, managed, and distributed after death or in the event they become incapacitated. This is particularly important for families who have children with special needs. Amy O’Hara, Partner Littman Krooks LLP, will present on the legal aspects of planning to ensure that your loved one’s needs are met.
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

Explicit Vocabulary Instruction for Parents
2024-12-11 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Parents and caretakers will be able to explain the importance of vocabulary instruction for their child in the elementary grades. Participants will also be able to describe ways to incorporate explicit instruction and vocabulary instruction in the home. Zoom links and additional materials will be shared following registration.
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

OPWDD Self-Direction
2024-12-12 13:30 - 14:30 | 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 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
(Please note: This event is being held on Thursday, Dec. 12. The session on Dec. 11 had to be canceled.)

Have you wondered about BOCES? Do you have questions about their educational supports and services?
2024-12-16 18:00 - 19:00 | Zoom
The Lower Hudson Special Education Task Force is pleased to present a Zoom webinar on: Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) of New York State. Have you wondered about BOCES? Do you have questions about their educational supports and services?
Click Here for Flyer and Registration
