Monthly Decision Making Series Workshop #1: Supported Decision-Making (SDM), Guardianship, and other Alternatives
2025-07-08 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

Agency 101 - Connecting Individuals with Disabilities to Adult Services
2025-07-08 12:00 - 13:30
Identifying State and community-based agencies that may be able to provide services to young adults with disabilities is a critical component of transition planning for life after high school. This session will offer a broad overview of several core disability service systems in order to understand the different eligibility criteria that must be met to qualify for a variety of supports. The referral and application process as well as the types of services available for each will be reviewed. Families may have to access more than one service provider depending on the type of disability and services they need for their children and young adults with a learning disability, physical disability, visual and/or hearing impairment, intellectual/developmental disability, mental health disorder or any combination of disabilities.
*The session will not include the identification of local organizations or details of the specific programs they may offer. Resources will be provided.
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

Monthly Decision Making Series Workshop #2: Digging in to Supported Decision-Making
2025-07-09 12:00 - 13:15
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

Monthly Decision Making Series Workshop #3: Guardianship Workshop
2025-07-10 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

Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) Services and Eligibility
2025-07-15 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-09-24 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: Click Here

School's Out: Making Summer Count - Summer Strategies for Families
2025-07-15 12:00 - 13:00
Join us for FUN IDEAS and strategies to get you through the summer.
We will cover summer activities, regression, maintaining skills during the summer and preparation for Back to School. In this session you will learn big principles and little practices that you can try with your child to aid with LITERACY, ART, MATH, communication and how to make it all fun!
Zoom Registration: Click Here

Special Education 101: Virtual Training of the Parent Member
2025-07-16 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.
Click here to register

How to Foster and Support Self-Determination in All Students
2025-07-16 12:00 - 13:30
Self-Determination is a research-based predictor of post-school success in the areas of education, employment, and independent living. The purpose of this training is to foster and support the development of self-determination skills for students of all ages utilizing a collaborative school and family approach. It provides participants with foundational concepts, resources, and strategies to implement and incorporate practices that promote the development of self-determination throughout a student’s day and across all ages.
Zoom Registration: Click Here

Self-Direction: An Overview
2025-07-23 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-09-25 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: Click Here

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Basics
2025-07-23 12:00 - 13:00
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

Explicit Vocabulary Instruction for Parents
2025-08-05 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-10-14 12:00 - 13:30
Participants will be able to explain the importance of vocabulary instruction for their children in the elementary grades and describe ways to incorporate explicit instruction and vocabulary instruction in the home.
Zoom Registration: Click Here

What Is an Individualized Education Program (IEP)? For Families of School-Age Students
2025-08-05 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

ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) Basics
2025-08-06 12:00 - 13:00
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: Click Here

Introducing Elementary Students to the World of Work: Career Development Across the Lifespan
2025-08-21 09:00 - 11:00
Please join us for Introducing Elementary Students to the World of Work, a session focused on the importance of starting career development early for students with disabilities. We will explore and expand elementary-level activities that support self-awareness, career identity, and exploration. The session will also emphasize the value of collaboration among schools, families, and community partners, and provide resources and strategies to ensure meaningful and lasting career development experiences for elementary-aged students with disabilities.
Zoom Registration: Click Here

Family Guide to Transition Planning: Preparing Students with Disabilities for Life after High School
2025-08-26 12:00 - 13:30
The purpose of this training 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: Click Here

Hear Our Voices! Relationship Skills Group
2025-09-09 18:00 - 19:00
Join us each month to learn and practice social skills in a safe space for young adults with disabilities. Start your journey to build healthy friendships and become a part of your community!
Click Here for Zoom Registration

EI (Early Intervention) to CPSE (Committee on Preschool Special Education) for Families
2025-09-11 11:00 - 12:00
This presentation will guide parents through the process of transitioning their child from Early Intervention to the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE).
Zoom Registration: Click Here

Monthly Decision Making Series Workshop #1: Supported Decision-Making (SDM), Guardianship, and other Alternatives
2025-09-16 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.
**Please note that we will not be offering Workshop #2 this month. It will resume shortly.**
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: Click Here

What is an Individualized Education Program (IEP) For Families of Preschool Students
2025-09-16 13:00 - 14:30
This training will provide families an overview of the process for developing an IEP at the preschool level. We will review 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: Click Here

Monthly Decision Making Series Workshop #3: Guardianship Workshop
2025-09-17 12:30 - 13:30
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.
**Please note that we will not be offering Workshop #2 this month. It will resume shortly.**
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: Click Here

Hear Our Voices! Disability Conversations Group
2025-09-17 18:00 - 19:00
Join our team each month for a conversation on different topics about living your best life with a disability.
Click Here for Zoom Registration

Specially Designed Instruction: A Guide for Families and Caregivers
2025-09-18 12:00 - 13:00
**PLEASE NOTE THE DATE CHANGE. THIS EVENT WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18. THANK YOU!**
Participants will:
• understand the concepts of SDI.
• understand that there is both federal and state regulation around SDI.
• examine what SDI 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 Click Here

Student Involvement in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) for Families
2025-09-23 18:00 - 19:30
The purpose of this training is to promote and encourage student and family involvement in the IEP development process and Committee on Special Education (CSE) meetings. Concepts and resources that enhance involvement in student pre-meeting preparation, during the meeting participation and post-meeting activities, will be shared.
Zoom Registration: Click Here

Pre Employment Transition Services (Pre ETS)
2025-10-01 12:00 - 13:00
COME JOIN US OVER YOUR LUNCH HOUR TO LEARN ABOUT PRE EMPLOYMENT TRANSITION SERVICES OFFERED THROUGH ACCES VR!
Click Here for Flyer and Registration

Readers with Disabilities Book Club
2025-10-06 18:00 - 19:00
An inclusive book club for adults of ALL READING LEVELS. Read anything you like and join us each month for a fun discussion about all things books and disability literature.
Zoom Registration: Click Here

Grupo de familias con hijos en Educacion Especial/Spanish Speaking Special Education Group
2025-10-06 18:00 - 19:00
Aprenda de los Aprenda de los expertos en Español
Temas a tratar:
Salud familiar, Educacion Especial, Comunicacion con el personal del colegio, Comunicacion con medicos, como conseguir ayuda para sus hijos.
Click Here for Flyer and Zoom Registration

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Basics
2025-10-14 18:00 - 19:00
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: Click Here
