Monthly Decision Making Series Workshop #1: Supported Decision-Making (SDM), Guardianship, and other Alternatives
2024-08-20 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-09-17 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-10-15 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 #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
2024-08-21 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-09-18 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-10-16 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

Family Forum: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Basics
2024-08-21 12:00 - 13:15
Are you considering applying for Supplemental Security Income (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: Click Here

Transition Preschool Special Education to Kindergarten (CPSE to CSE)
2024-08-22 12:00 - 13:00
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).
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

CANCELED!!! Monthly Decision Making Series Workshop #3: Guardianship Workshop
2024-08-22 12:00 - 13:00
CANCELED: We apologize that this event has been canceled. We will be posting a new date on our calendar.
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.

Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) Services and Eligibility
2024-08-27 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-10-25 10:00 - 11:30
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

Family Forum: BACK TO SCHOOL 2024 - Tips, Troubleshooting and Q & A
2024-08-27 12:00 - 13:00
Come to this workshop to receive tips on helping your kids transition back to school and troubleshoot special education issues with services and placement. We will be taking questions on all things back to school. You can also share any helpful strategies that work for your family.
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

OPWDD Self-Direction
2024-08-28 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-10-29 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

ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) Accounts Basics
2024-08-29 12:00 - 13:15
Would you like to learn more about Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) accounts?
Come to this workshop to find out how this financial tool can help individuals with disabilities save while receiving benefits. 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: Click Here

Monthly Decision Making Series Workshop #3: Guardianship Workshop
2024-09-19 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-10-17 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 TASK FORCE WEBINAR: Special Education Legal Updates 2024
2024-09-20 10:00 - 12:00
Back by popular demand, participants will receive an update on new and updated special education laws, regulations, state and federal guidance, and trending topics or issues. Significant proposed changes to NYS graduation measures, updated guidance on behavioral support, discipline and manifestation determination, new procedural safeguards, and new reporting obligations are just the start of some of the changes in store for the 2024-2025 school year. The presenter will share a legal update on new or revised guidance from the US Department of Education including the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Programs (OSERS), and New York State Department of Education (NYSED) and how they may impact access to or delivery of special education for the 2024-2025 school year. The presentation will offer a summary update and brief analysis of relevant changes or updates and how they may impact identification, evaluation, eligibility, implementation, and procedural rights and protections related to special education programs and services for students with disabilities.
Click Here for Flyer and Registration

DATE CHANGE! PLEASE SEE BELOW - Specially Designed Instruction: A Guide for Families and Caregivers
2024-09-24 12:00 - 13:00
DATE CHANGE: We apologize that this event has been changed to Thursday, September 26, 2024. The registration link can be found on our 9/26/24 calendar.
Participants will:
• understand the development and use of Specially Designed Instruction for students with disabilities.
• understand that there is both federal and state regulation around Specially Designed Instruction.
• examine what Specially Designed Instruction might look like in the classroom and in the home.
• understand their value as engaged meaningful partners in the special education process and education of their child.

Presented by: Lower Hudson Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Center, Mid-Hudson Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Center, NYSED OSE Partnership

EI (Early Intervention) to CPSE (Preschool Special Education) for Families
2024-09-25 11:30 - 12:30
This presentation will guide parents through the process of transitioning their child from Early Intervention to the Committee on Preschool Special Education.
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

Specially Designed Instruction: A Guide for Families and Caregivers
2024-09-26 12:00 - 13:00
Participants will:
• understand the development and use of Specially Designed Instruction for students with disabilities.
• understand that there is both federal and state regulation around Specially Designed Instruction.
• examine what Specially Designed Instruction might look like in the classroom and in the home.
• understand their value as engaged meaningful partners in the special education process and education of their child.
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

Student Involvement in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) for Families
2024-09-30 12:00 - 13:30
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

Special Education 101: Training of the Parent Member
2024-10-08 09:00 - 14:00
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 in two parts, 9-11 am and 12-2 pm with a one-hour break for lunch. Four hours must be completed to receive certification.
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

Relationship Skills Group: Self-Advocates at the Community Support Network
2024-10-08 18:00 - 19:00
Monthly Relationship Skills Group: Self-Advocates at the Community Support Network
Click Here for Flyer and Registration

Positive Behavior Solutions for Families (series)
2024-10-15 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 12-2pmOct 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

What is an Individualized Education Program (IEP) For Families of Preschool Students
2024-10-16 11:00 - 12:30
Overview of the process for developing an IEP at the preschool level for families. The training provides a review of components of the preschool IEP and the information that families can share with the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) regarding their child’s performance and disability related needs.
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

Explicit Vocabulary Instruction for Families
2024-10-16 18:00 - 19:00
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.
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: 983 7581 5018
Zoom Passcode: [REDACTED]

Disability Conversations: “Hear Our Voices” Self Advocacy Group Meeting
2024-10-16 18:00 - 19:00
“Hear Our Voices” Self Advocacy Group Monthly Meeting – This month’s topic: Employment
Click Here for Flyer and Registration

What Is an Individualized Education Program (IEP)? For Families of School-Age Students
2024-10-17 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 IEP, and the transition planning process.
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
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
