Bright and Struggling: Twice Exceptional (2E) Students
2023-03-14 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Please join the Lower Hudson Special Education Task Force (LHSETF) for an evening of discussion and learning on how to best support twice exceptional (2e) students at home and at school. Have you ever wondered if the student you have is both gifted and has learning differences? Have you heard the term 2e/twice exceptional and are interested in learning more? In 2e individuals, disabilities can mask giftedness, giftedness can mask disabilities or it can happen that neither giftedness nor disabilities are recognized. The free webinar on Tuesday, 3/14 from 7-8:30pm will feature three experts in the field of 2e and cover the educator, clinical and parent perspectives. The evening will kick off by defining 2e and its importance, will then address ways to support 2e individuals social-emotionally and will end with a panel discussion and Q&A. We invite you to an engaging evening filled with robust content, dynamic discussion and thoughtful takeaways. We hope to see you there!
Click here for flyer and registration

Positive Solutions for Families
2023-03-17 10:00 - 12:00 | Zoom Meeting
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), NYSED OSE Partnership

Positive Behavior Solutions for Families
2023-03-21 10:00 - 12:00, 2023-04-18 10:00 - 12:00, 2023-05-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Positive Behavior Solutions for Families is a four-session, monthly workshop series that will give parents, families and 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.
Four sessions, Third Tuesday of the Month, from 10am-12pm:
March 21
April 18
May 16
June 20
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here
Presented by: Lower Hudson Early Childhood FACE Center, Lower Hudson Regional Partnership Center (LHRPC), NYSED OSE Partnership

Agency 101 - Connecting Individuals with Disabilities to Adult Agencies
2023-03-21 12:00 - 13:30 | Zoom
Identifying the agencies who will be working with students and their families post-high school is a critical component of transition planning. Join us as we explore self-determination and its impact on postsecondary success. We will discuss adult service agencies and the different types of programs they provide.

Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

Hudson Valley School-Age FACE Center, NYSED OSE Partnership

ABLE (Achieving A Better Life Experience) Account Basics
2023-03-22 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
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. Additionally, the new updates made to the program will be shared. Potential ABLE participants and their families are invited.
Presented by WIHD CSN Adult Benefits Navigation Specialists
Click Here for Zoom Registration Link

Transition Linkages Fair
2023-03-28 16:30 - 19:30 | Westchester County Center, 198 Central Avenue, White Plains, NY, 10606
BACK IN PERSON An Event for Parents, Educators & Advocates to
Learn More About Adult Services & Transition Planning
Click here for flyer and registration

Family Forum: Post-School Planning for Young Adults Not Going to College
2023-04-04 18:00 - 19:00 | Zoom
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.
Presented by: Community Support Network
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

Specially Designed Instruction: A Guide for Families and Caregivers about Special Education
2023-04-11 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
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.
Presented by: Hudson Valley School-Age FACE Center, Lower Hudson Early Childhood FACE Center, NYSED OSE Partnership
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

FAMILY FORUM: POST-SCHOOL PLANNING FOR YOUNG ADULTS GOING TO COLLEGE
2023-04-11 18:00 - 19:00 | Zoom
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.
Presented by: Community Support Network
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

Family Forum: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Basics
2023-04-14 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom
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: Click Here
Presented by: Community Support Network

Transition Planning for Families from Preschool Special Education to Kindergarten
2023-04-17 10:00 - 11:30 | Zoom
This training will help prepare you for your child’s move from preschool special education to kindergarten. This workshop will be held via Zoom. Participants will receive a folder full of helpful resources and there will be plenty of time for questions!
Participants will:

understand the differences between Committee for Preschool Special Education (CPSE) and Committee for Special Education (CSE),
understand the transition process from CPSE to CSE,
learn how to be an active member of the transition team,
understand the purpose of an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

If you need access to the materials in Spanish, please email Christina Bueti, our bilingual educator, Cbueti@WIHD.org.
Please note this training will be offered on Feb 13, March 14, and April 17. You may register for the date that works best for your schedule.

Click Here for Zoom Registration Link
Presented by Mid-Hudson Early Childhood FACE Center, Lower Hudson Early Childhood FACE Center, NYSED OSE Partnership

Testing Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
2023-04-19 09:00 - 11:00 | Zoom
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 available, as well as the documentation of appropriate accommodations on the individualized education program (IEP).
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here
Presented by: Hudson Valley School-Age FACE Center, NYSED OSE Partnership

Virtual Parent Member Training, Part 1 of 2
2023-04-20 16:00 - 18:00 | Zoom
This four-hour parent member certification is for parents/families with children with IEPs. This training is open to anyone interested in learning about the special education process, or even as a refresher course on CPSE/CSE!
This workshop (through Zoom), will provide an overview and best practices approach to the CPSE/CSE process. It will​ educate parents and Parent Members and assist them in developing techniques and strategies to become effective members of the IEP team in their respective roles. 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, with April sessions from 4-6pm over 2 dates, April 20 and April 27. Four hours must be completed to receive certification.
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

Mid-Hudson Early Childhood FACE Center, Mid-Hudson Regional Partnership Center (MHRPC), NYSED OSE Partnership

Supported Decision Making
2023-04-24 19:00 - 20:30 | Zoom
The Lower Hudson Special Education Task Force is pleased to present a Zoom webinar on Supported Decision Making
What is Supported Decision-Making (SDM)?
Supported decision-making is a process in which people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) build their own decision-making skills and develop a structure of support of trusted persons in their lives while retaining all their legal and civil rights. SDM has increasingly become recognized as a preferable and less restrictive alternative to guardianship.
Presented by: The Lower Hudson Special Education Task Force
Flyer and Registration: Click Here

Supported Decision Making: The Legal Perspective
2023-04-25 10:30 - 12:00 | Zoom
Join us for a virtual panel discussion on Supported Decision Making (SDM). Hear from Westchester County Surrogate’s Court (which grants guardianship petitions in the county) and SDMNY (the organization which oversees facilitation of SDM projects in NY state).

What is Supported Decision Making, and what is the significance of New York’s Supported Decision-Making Act, signed by Governor Kathy Hochul in the summer of 2022?
How does Supported Decision Making differ from guardianship?
What does Westchester Surrogate’s Court consider when recommending SDM after a guardianship petition is filed?

Panelists include:

Joy Beane, Court Attorney Referee, Westchester County Surrogate’s Court
Kristin Booth Glen, Professor and Dean Emerita at the City University of New York School of Law and Former Director of Supported Decision-Making New York (SDMNY)
Jody Keltz, Supervising Court Attorney, Westchester County Surrogate’s Court
Judge Brandon R. Sall, Surrogate, Westchester County

Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

Virtual Parent Member Training, Part 2 of 2
2023-04-27 16:00 - 18:00 | Zoom

Virtual Resource and Transition Fair
2023-04-27 16:00 - 18:00 | Zoom
An Event for Parents, Educators & Advocates to Learn More About Adult Services & Transition Planning

Click Here for Flyer and Registration

FREE RESOURCE and TRANSITION FAIR
2023-04-28 09:00 - 14:00 | Palisades Center Community Rooms, 1000 Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack, NY, 10994, United States
SUPPORTS AND INFORMATION FOR NOW AND IN THE FUTURE:
For students of all ages with an IEP or 504 Plan, families, & professionals.
(School Groups are Welcome)
Click Here for Flyer and Registration

Culturally Responsive Workshop: Creating Welcoming and Affirming Learning Environments
2023-04-28 09:00 - 15:00 | Dutchess BOCES, 5 Boces Road, Poughkeepsie, NY, 12601, United States
Creating Welcoming and Affirming Learning Environments is one of four high leverage principles identified in the Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education (CRSE) Framework. When students feel like they belong at school, they have fewer absences, fewer disciplinary infractions, higher graduation rates, as well as increased engagement, self-esteem, and attitudes. Students with disabilities and students of different cultural backgrounds are less likely to feel like they have a positive relationship with their teacher and that their identities and abilities are valued and affirmed in school. Expected Outcomes: By the end of this training, participants will:
● Understand how a welcoming and affirming learning environment improves student outcomes
● Better understand their own identities and how those identities shape their relationships and experiences
● Develop strategies for creating a welcoming and affirming learning environment
● Identify 2-3 next steps for ongoing professional learning
* This is workshop will be in person at Dutchess BOCES @ Salt Point Turnpike Campus located at: 5 BOCES Road, Pougkeepsie, NY 12601
For information and registration: Click Here

WIHD Annual Spring Gala
2023-05-04 18:00 - 21:00 | Scarsale Golf Club, 1 Club Way, Hartsdale
Tickets for the WIHD Annual Spring Gala are now on sale! Please visit wihd.org/gala.

Parent and Family Engagement within the Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) & Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP) Process
2023-05-08 12:00 - 13:30 | Zoom
Families, Caregivers, and Guardians will understand the definition of an FBA/BIP, when it is needed, and how it is conducted/developed and the role they play as part of the various teams. Participants will also understand how the FBA/BIP process is part of the Committee for Preschool Special Education (CPSE) /Committee for Special Education (CSE) process, as well as the guidance regarding the New York State (NYS) Regulations of the Commissioner of Education, Part 200. Professionals will explore how to engage families within the FBA/BIP process, when/how to include them as part of the team, and how they can provide critical information to support the development and implementation of an FBA/BIP.
Presented by: Lower Hudson Early Childhood FACE Center, Mid-Hudson Regional Partnership Center (MHRPC), Lower Hudson Regional Partnership Center (LHRPC), NYSED OSE Partnership
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

Addressing Cyberbullying
2023-05-11 18:30 - 20:00 | Zoom
This virtual presentation will provide participants with a better understanding of how parents and professionals can protect students with disabilities from cyberbullying which can involve sending mean, vulgar, or threatening messages or images through the use of technology such as computers and cell phones. Questions will be answered on what should be done if you suspect cyberbullying and suggestions will be offered on how to prevent online cruelty and the harassment of vulnerable youth through social media.
For further information, please contact: Nancy Nowak at Disability Rights New York: Nancy.Nowak@drny.org or 516.238.1261
Presented by: Mid-Hudson Special Education Task Force
Click Here for Flyer and Registration

Diploma and Credential Options for Students with Disabilities
2023-05-17 18:00 - 19:30 | Zoom
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.
Presented by: Hudson Valley School-Age FACE Center, NYSED OSE Partnership
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

New York State Alternate Assessment (NYSAA): Essential Information for Families of Students with Disabilities
2023-05-18 12:00 - 13:30 | 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 Registration Link: Click Here
Presented by: Hudson Valley School-Age FACE Center, Lower Hudson Regional Partnership Center (LHRPC), NYSED OSE Partnership

Planificación de la transición de la educación especial preescolar al jardín de infantes (CPSE a CSE)
2023-05-18 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
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.*
Presentado por el Centro FACE de la Primera Infancia de Lower Hudson y Mid Hudson

Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) Services and Eligibility
2023-05-19 10:00 - 11:30 | 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.
Presented by: Community Support Network
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

Mental Health Awareness Month: Ending the Silence for Families and Staff
2023-05-24 19:00 - 20:30 | Zoom
May is Mental Health Awareness Month! The rates of anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions continue to increase for young people, including those identified with additional special education needs. This compelling presentation will educate parents, school staff and caregivers about the warning signs of mental health conditions, about what steps to take if your child or a student is showing symptoms of a mental health condition and how school districts and parents can work together to help students.
Click Here for Flyer and Registration

Agency 101 – Connecting Individuals with Disabilities to Adult Agencies
2023-06-01 12:00 - 13:30 | Zoom
Identifying the agencies who will be working with students and their families post-high school is a critical component of transition planning. Join us as we explore self-determination and its impact on postsecondary success. We will discuss adult service agencies and the different types of programs they provide.
Presented by: Hudson Valley School-Age FACE Center
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here
