Grupo de familias con hijos en Educacion Especial/Spanish Speaking Special Education Group
2026-05-04 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-06-01 18:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | 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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Readers with Disabilities Book Club
2026-05-04 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.
Zoom Registration: Click Here

What Is an Individualized Education Program (IEP)? For Families of School-Age Students
2026-05-05 12:00 - 13:30 | Zoom
“What is an IEP? For Families of School-Age Students” 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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Future Planning Series Workshop #7: Wrap Up
2026-05-07 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.
Workshop #7: Wrap Up
In our final workshop of the series, we will summarize the learnings of the six prior workshops and will review the legal and financial documents that were referenced. We will also revisit the “Dream Team” concept. Participants will be encouraged to share where they are in the planning process.
Zoom Registration: Click Here

New York State Alternate Assessment (NYSAA): Essential Information for Families of Students with Disabilities
2026-05-12 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
The purpose of this training is to educate families of students with disabilities on the essential information of NYSAA, including what NYSAA is, what the test entails, and how it will affect a student’s postsecondary planning. Additionally, the training will review all state assessment options, the eligibility and decision-making process, and graduation/student exit options.
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Hear Our Voices! Relationship Skills Group
2026-05-12 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!
Zoom Registration: Click Here

Positive Solutions for Families (series)
2026-05-13 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-06-10 10:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Join us for a four-session workshop series for parents, families, and caregivers. 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 Wednesday from 10am-12pm
Dates:
March 11 Making the Connection & Keeping it Positive
April 15 Behavior Has Meaning & the Power of Routine
May 13 Teach Me What to Do & Responding with Purpose
June 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.
Zoom Registration: Click Here

Explicit Vocabulary Instruction for Parents
2026-05-14 12:00 - 13:00 | 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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Diploma and Credential Options for Students with Disabilities
2026-05-14 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.
Please note the new date. This was previously scheduled for 4/29.
Zoom Registration: Click Here

Special Education 101: Training of the Parent Member
2026-05-18 09:00 - 14:00 | Rockland BOCES, 65 Parrott Road, Building # 10, West Nyack, NY, United States
Please note this training will be held in person at: Rockland BOCES, 65 Parrott Rd, West Nyack, NY 10994.
This in person training is intended to assist parents and family members, in understanding the special education process through education laws and regulation. In addition you will receive a better understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the various members of the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) and Committee on Special Education (CSE), particularly that of the Parent Member. You will also learn the techniques and strategies that are necessary to become an active participant in CPSE and CSE meetings. With this training you will be able to join, if eligible, committee meetings as a volunteer Parent Member. This is wonderful opportunity to help you support your own child, build community in your district and support other parents. 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.
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Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) Services and Eligibility
2026-05-19 14:30 - 15:30, 2026-06-09 13:30 - 14:30 | 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.
Zoom Registration: Click Here

Self-Direction: An Overview
2026-05-20 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-06-10 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.
Zoom Registration: Click Here

Supported Decision-Making (SDM), Guardianship, and other Alternatives
2026-05-27 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.
Zoom Registration: Click Here

What You Need to Know about Therapeutic/Emotional Support Programs and Services in Public Schools
2026-05-27 18:00 - 19:30 | Zoom
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental health conditions continue to affect many students and impact their education. According to the CDC, nearly 1 in 5 children ages 3 to 17 (21%) will have been diagnosed with a mental, emotional, or behavioral health condition in their educational career.
Some school districts offer therapeutic or emotional support programs to serve students with emotional needs. These programs often allow students specialized counseling, a “home base” within the school setting, flexibility, and support. As these programs do not have a set definition and can mean different things in different school districts, it is important to understand a range of available options.
This session is designed for all stakeholders, including parents, teachers, school psychologists, advocates, and CSE chairs. Our panel features professionals who administer therapeutic support programs in public school districts.

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Monthly Decision Making Series: Guardianship Workshop
2026-05-28 12:00 - 13:00 | 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

Guardianship Workshop
2026-05-29 10:00 - 11:15, 2026-06-30 14:00 - 15:00 | Zoom

Cutting The Cord: Moving from Advocate to Coach
2026-06-02 12:00 - 13:15 | Zoom
As our children mature into adulthood, it is important for us to give them opportunities to soar and have agency over their lives. How do we move from being our child’s advocate to their coach?
Please attend this workshop to learn strategies in letting go.
Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

Tools for Supporting Mental Health in Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
2026-06-03 13:30 - 14:45 | Zoom
We are pleased to present a summer series on promoting good mental health for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, through our partnership with YAI NYSTART/CSIDD. NYSTART/CSIDD is an OPWDD certified program which provides crisis prevention and response services to the Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) community. Join us for three engaging sessions on addressing mental health for children and adults with IDD.
Wed June 3 @ 1:30 -2:45 pm
Positive Psychology – Caregivers will learn practical, strengths-based strategies to promote resilience, well-being, and a more positive daily experience for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Wed July 1 @1:30 -2:45 pm
Executive Functioning – Join us for an insightful session on understanding how executive functioning – the mental skills that help us plan, organize, manage time, regulate emotions and control impulses- impacts mental health
Wed August 5 @1:30 -2:45 pm
Calming Techniques – This workshop will equip caregivers of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities with effective strategies to support emotional regulation and reduce stress in everyday situations.
Zoom Registration: Click Here

Working While Receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits
2026-06-04 18:00 - 19:15 | Zoom
This workshop will offer a basic understanding of how working impacts benefits. Learn how to keep track of your earning, reporting your earning and how Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE) can be used. Additionally, how to continue to receive your Medicaid benefit if you earn too much income and your cash benefit is discontinued.
Zoom Registration: Click Here

Agency 101-An Overview of Services to Support Students with Disabilities into Adulthood
2026-06-09 12:00 - 13:30 | Zoom
This session will provide an overview of the primary State and community agency providers available in New York state (NYS) and the services each agency offers. Participants, including students and families, will gain knowledge of available resources, appropriate referral options, and related processes. The goal is to increase appropriate referrals, as these supports are shown to correlate with improved outcomes for students with disabilities.
Zoom Registration: Click Here

An Introduction to Transition Planning
2026-06-11 12:00 - 13:30 | Zoom
The purpose of this training is to provide participants with a high-level understanding of student- centered transition planning, including its purpose and significance in supporting students with disabilities as they prepare for life after high school. The training covers relevant New York State (NYS) regulations and federal requirements, highlights where transition is addressed within the Individualized Education Program (IEP), and explores the role and types of transition assessments. Additionally, the training will cover multiple graduation pathways, diploma, and credential options. Families will learn strategies to meaningfully engage in the process. The training also introduces the range of agencies and services available to support successful post- school outcomes.
Zoom Registration: Click Here

EI (Early Intervention) to CPSE (Committee on Preschool Special Education) for Families
2026-06-17 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
This presentation will guide families through the process of transitioning their child from Early Intervention (EI) to the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE).
Zoom Registration: Click Here

Supporting Children Through Trauma and Big Emotions
2026-06-18 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual

Office for People with Development Disabilities (OPWDD) Future Planning Forum
2026-06-22 17:00 - 19:00 | WIHD, 20 Plaza West, Valhalla, NY, 10595, United States
This summer, OPWDD will be holding forums across New York State to share updates about their work and hear from you. This year is especially exciting as it will officially kick off their work on the next five-year OPWDD Strategic Plan. This year, forums will be more interactive and give you more opportunities to share your thoughts with OPWDD. At each forum, they will give you a chance to share your thoughts on:
Navigating the OPWDD system
What High Quality Services Mean to You
Planning for the future of OPWDD
You can come in-person or join us online. You can find event details and sign up using the links below.
Click Here for Event Details
Click Here to Register

Supported Decision-Making (SDM), Guardianship, and other Alternatives
2026-06-30 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.
Zoom Registration: Click Here
