OPWDD Self-Direction
2024-11-14 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | 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

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, 2025-01-07 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, 2024-12-17 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, 2025-01-08 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]

Monthly Decision Making Series Workshop #3: Guardianship Workshop
2024-11-21 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-12-05 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-01-09 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 #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

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

Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) Services and Eligibility
2024-12-10 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-01-14 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

Relationship Skills Group: Self-Advocates at the Community Support Network
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 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

Agency 101 - Connecting Individuals with Disabilities to Adult Services
2024-12-17 18:00 - 19:30 | Zoom
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 Link: Click Here

Preparing for Your Child's Annual Review Meeting
2024-12-20 10:00 - 11:15 | 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 | Zoom
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

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

Special Education 101: Virtual Training of the Parent Member
2025-01-09 16:00 - 18:00 | Zoom
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 | 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 CSE. Learn about planning strategies, approaching differences of opinion, and keeping the focus on your child.
Zoom Link: Click Here
