Agency 101: Connecting Individuals with Disabilities to Adult Services
2026-01-13 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | Zoom
An Overview of Services to Support Students with Disabilities into Adulthood:
“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 New York State (NYS) 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.”
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Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) Services and Eligibility
2026-01-14 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.
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Developing Life-skills Workshop 2: Developing Life-skills
2026-01-14 18:00 - 19:15 | Zoom
Life-skills, or daily living skills, are abilities that our loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities need to achieve their highest level of independence. These include skills related to managing money, personal hygiene, medication management, taking care of living spaces, safety, laundry, cooking, transportation, and shopping. Please join us for a workshop for caregivers and self-advocates about supporting life-skills learning for children, teens and young adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Workshop 2 will cover the process of teaching and reinforcing life-skills. We ask that you come to the workshop with at least one idea for a life-skill that you and your loved one might want to work on.
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Self-Direction: An Overview
2026-01-15 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-02-27 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.
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Explicit Vocabulary Instruction for Parents
2026-01-15 18:30 - 19:30 | Zoom
Participants will be able to explain why vocabulary instruction is important for elementary-aged children and identify practical ways to incorporate both explicit instruction and vocabulary building activities at home.
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Supported Decision-Making (SDM), Guardianship, and other Alternatives
2026-01-20 12:00 - 13:15, 2026-02-26 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
In this workshop we will present instruments and methods used to support loved ones with disabilities in making choices as they approach the age of adulthood.
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.
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Guardianship Workshop
2026-01-21 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-02-26 13:30 - 14:30 | Zoom
Applying for Guardianship: Requirements and Process
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. We will review the process of putting together a petition for guardianship and the documentation requirements.
Zoom Registration: Click Here

Special Education 101: Training of the Parent Member
2026-01-22 16:00 - 18:00 | Zoom
Note: This is a four-hour training. January sessions are 4-6 pm over 2 dates, January 22 and January 29. Four hours must be completed to receive certification.
Virtual 4 hour training done in two parts. 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 22 and January 29. Four hours must be completed to receive certification.
Zoom Registration: Click here

Preparing for Your Child's Annual Review
2026-01-22 18:00 - 19:00 | 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 Committee on Special Education (CSE). Learn about planning strategies, approaching differences of opinion, and keeping the focus on your child.
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Understanding Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) for Families and Caregivers
2026-01-27 12:00 - 13:30 | Zoom
Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) means children who receive special education should be in the same classrooms as other children as much as possible. LRE isn’t a place — it’s a principle that guides a child’s education program. Each child’s LRE may look different since each child is unique. Join this training for an overview of how best to ensure your child is receiving the necessary support and resources in their Least Restrictive Environment.
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Grupo de familias con hijos en Educacion Especial/Spanish Speaking Special Education Group
2026-02-02 18:00 - 19:00 | Zoom
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.
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CPSE to CSE: Transition from Preschool Special Education to Kindergarten
2026-02-03 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-02-05 18:00 - 19:00 | Zoom
In this workshop, participants will gain valuable insight into the kindergarten transition, including how to be an effective member of the transition team, the differences between CPSE and CSE services, and the purpose of an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Parents and caregivers will leave with a clearer understanding of what to expect as their child takes this important next step.
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Supporting Your Child in Work Based Learning Experiences
2026-02-05 12:30 - 14:00 | Zoom
The purpose of Supporting Your Child in Work-Based Learning (WBL) Experiences is to provide families and guardians with the foundational knowledge of what high-quality WBL looks like in New York State (NYS) including but not limited to: exploring registered and unregistered program options available to students with disabilities, reviewing the career development process and the NYS framework for WBL, determining who the essential partners are in order to ensure students are receiving an individualized and collaborative experience, and identifying activities and strategies to increase career awareness and development in the home and community.
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Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Basics
2026-02-05 18:00 - 19:15 | Zoom
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 Link: Click Here to Join

Positive Solutions for Families (Series)
2026-02-10 12:00 - 13:30 | Zoom
Positive Solutions for Families
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 12-1:30pm
Dates:
Nov 18 Making the Connection & Keeping it Positive
Dec 16 Behavior Has Meaning & the Power of Routine
Jan 13 Teach Me What to Do & Responding with Purpose
Feb 10 Putting It All Together with a Plan
*Attending all four sessions is encouraged but optional. Resources and tools will be provided before each session.
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Hear Our Voices! Relationship Skills Group
2026-02-10 18:00 - 19:00 | Zoom
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!
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Student Involvement in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) for Families
2026-02-10 18:00 - 19:30 | Zoom
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.
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Westchester Institute of Human Development Clinician Services
2026-02-12 18:00 - 19:00 | Zoom
Have you ever wondered what services are provided at Westchester Institute of Human Development?
Izel Steinmann Obermeyer, PhD, the Chief Clinical Officer at WIHD will share information about all the clinical services provided at WIHD. She will discuss medical, dental, behavioral health and allied health services in more detail. Join this session to learn more about the comprehensive model of services at the Westchester Institute for Human Development: your one stop shop for the integration of most of your health care needs.
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Hear Our Voices! Disability Conversations Group
2026-02-18 18:00 - 19:00 | Zoom
Join our team each month for a conversation on different topics about living your best life with a disability.
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Future Planning Series: Understanding Housing Options for Individuals with Disabilities (Workshop 4)
2026-02-19 18:00 - 19:30 | Zoom
This 7- workshop series, held once a month, aims to provide caregivers with the directions for creating a transition plan for supporting their loved ones, as caregivers go through the aging process and beyond.
At the end of the workshop series, the caregiver will have a blueprint that can be used for the transfer of knowledge to new caregivers. This blueprint includes the systems, people and processes needed to successfully support their loved one so that they live life to the fullest. Individual workshops will cover people and staffing, financial planning, housing, and estate planning. All sessions will be from 6:00pm-7:30pm.
Understanding Housing Options for Individuals with Disabilities: Housing Options for our loved ones with disabilities are complex and difficult to understand. Come hear a first person’s account in understanding options, key concepts and resources in New York State’s residential system. Presenter: Mariela Adams, M.S.
Zoom Registration: Click Here

CANCELLED!! Special Education 101: Training of the Parent Member
2026-02-24 09:00 - 14:00 | Pearl River School District, 135 W. Crooked Hill Road, Pearl River, NY
Please note this training has been cancelled. It will be rescheduled at a date TBD. Please contact CSN@WIHD.ORG for questions.
We offer our 4-hour Parent Member Training two times per year. 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 certificate.

The Benefits of Using Special Education Mediation for Dispute Resolution
2026-02-25 12:30 - 13:30 | Zoom
Special education mediation is a free, voluntary service available to parents, guardians, and school districts across New York State. When challenges arise, mediation offers a constructive, collaborative path forward. This presentation explores how mediation supports effective communication, shared problem-solving, and timely resolution of special education disputes—helping families and districts keep the focus where it belongs: on meeting the needs of the child. Participants will also be introduced to additional dispute resolution resources available through SEDRC.
Note: SEDRC is a program of the New York State Education Department, Office of Special Education, managed and administered by the New York State Dispute Resolution Association.
Zoom Registration: Click Here

College Acceptance Achieved: Empowering Students with Disabilities to Plan What Comes Next
2026-02-25 18:00 - 19:30 | Zoom
Join us for an informative webinar on navigating the transition to college for students with disabilities. This session is designed for students with disabilities, parents, school staff, and college disability services professionals. Our expert panel includes a former college counselor and disability specialist, school psychologist, and a parent attorney who will share practical steps for accessing accommodations in college. They will also discuss strategies to strengthen self-advocacy skills and how to help students secure the support they need for success in college.

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Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) Services and Eligibility
2026-02-27 10:00 - 23:15

What Is an Individualized Education Program (IEP)? For Families of School-Age Students
2026-03-09 12:00 - 13:30 | 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.
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Readers with Disabilities Book Club
2026-03-09 18:00 - 19:00 | Zoom
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.
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