Strategies for Supporting Students with Special Needs and Countering Isolation During Hybrid and Remote Learning
2020-09-24 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom Meeting
The Lower Hudson Valley Special Education Task Force presents a Zoom Webinar featuring Peter Faustino, PsyD. Dr. Faustino is a school psychologist at Scarsdale High School
and has a private practice with the Developmental Assessment and Intervention Center (DAIC) specializing in adolescent behavior, anxiety disorders and autism. He is also on the Board of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), and serves as a member of NASP’s Government and Professional Relations Committee advocating for children’s mental health at the state and national level. This will be a Zoom Webinar and Q&A.

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ACCES-VR INFORMATION SESSION
2020-09-24 13:00 - 14:30 | Zoom Meeting
ACCES-VR assists individuals with disabilities to achieve and maintain employment and to support independent living through training, education, rehabilitation, and career development..
Come to this presentation to learn about the services available, the eligibility requirements and how best to benefit from the supports to enable employment. Bring your questions and get answers from Debra Ehrenberg, Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, ACCES-VR
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COLLEGE – A GREAT Option For Students with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities!
2020-09-29 15:30 - 17:00 | Zoom Meeting
Listen to a diverse panel of students, parents and faculty discuss the many
advantages to post-secondary education on a college campus for students with
intellectual and developmental disabilities. Families and professionals supporting
students with I/DD should be including college as a viable and even preferred option
for post-secondary learning. COME JOIN THE CONVERSATION AND ASK YOUR
QUESTIONS!
Featured Panelists include:
BRIDGES Program, SUNY Orange, Middletown, NY
• Patricia Bassey, Director, BRIDGES Program
• Anna Hersher, BRIDGES Career Instructor
• Sherrie Wingler – BRIDGES Parent/ former Advisory Board member
Impact U, Concordia College, Bronxville, NY
• Eleanor Evangelista, Director, Impact U
• Elizabeth Geiling, Psychologist/Professor/Advisor, Impact U
• Paul Evangelista, Student, Impact U
• Akelah Geary, Student/Peer Neighbor, Impact U
Please forward your questions for panelists ahead of time to Stephanie Bellantoni at sbellantoni@wihd.org
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Positive Behavior Solutions for Families*
2020-10-01 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom Meeting
*este evento será traducido en español
This six series parent training will provide information for families on how to promote children’s social and emotional skills, understand their problem behavior, and use positive approaches to help children learn appropriate behavior. The trainings are designed to give parents key strategies that may be used with all children under 5 years old. (Sessions are not designed to offer parents specific advice for their child’s individual issues).
In the last session, parents will be offered a routine guide that offers advice for supporting their children across common family routines.
Topics will include:
Making Connections – Relationships, Quality Time and Encouragement
Making It Happen – Play, Friendships and Positive Behavior
Why Do They Do What They Do? – Behavior, Expectations and Rules
Teach Me What to Do – Emotional Vocabulary, Anger and Disappointment, Problem Solving
Facing the Challenge Part 1 – Strategies to Promote Positive Behavior
Facing the Challenge Part 2 – Challenging Behavior and Everyday Routines
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En Español

“What’s Next?” Parent Q&A Series-Session 2
2020-10-07 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom Meeting
Virtual Transition Planning and Services
Focus: Education & Training
Join us for a brief discussion facilitated by CSN staff, on how families of youth with disabilities can address transition planning for life after high school with their school teams, while students are being educated through remote learning.
This session will provide suggestions for virtual transition activities to help students meet their measurable post secondary goals for education and training, as well as an opportunity to share additional ideas. Participants are encouraged to come with questions and leave with answers to “what’s next” in their young adults’ transition to adulthood.
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CANCELLED Family Engagement: Communication and Culture
2020-10-13 13:00 - 14:30 | Zoom Meeting
This course aims to ensure that educators are mindful with how they communicate with parents, guardians, and families to ensure that educational sites are culturally responsive and welcoming.
Participants will complete the self-guided course on Schoology prior to participation in an online, interactive synchronous Zoom session.
Registration will be open from Thursday, September 10, 2020 through Wednesday, September 30, 2020. On October 1, 2020, all registered participants will be emailed instructions to access the Schoology workshop content, which will need to be completed by October 8, 2020. On October 9, 2020, all participants who completed the Schoology session will be emailed a link for the Zoom sessions (you can choose the one that works best with your schedule).
Click Here to Register
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Hear Our Voices Self Advocacy Group: Self Advocacy in Relationships
2020-10-14 18:00 - 19:00 | Zoom Meeting
During this zoom meeting, we will talk about:
· Being in a couple – what is healthy? What is unhealthy?
· Speaking up in relationships / problem-solving
· Breaking up – being respectful and dealing with emotions
The meeting discussion leader will be Stephanie Bellantoni, Assistant Director of Community Support Network at WIHD.

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Family Engagement: Communication and Culture
2020-10-15 09:00 - 10:30 | Zoom Meeting

"How to Support Your Child’s Vocabulary” (Explicit Vocabulary Instruction for Parents)
2020-10-20 10:00 - 12:00 | Zoom Meeting
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.

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Home Schooling; Home Instruction... What’s the Difference?
2020-10-20 18:30 - 20:00 | Webinar
From this presentation, you will learn the meaning of a few common terms that have become more prevalent since our children’s education has been provided thorough virtual learning platforms, as well as the basic components of home-schooling and home instruction, which are often confused or misunderstood by many. Participants will leave with a better understanding of the differences, in order to improve school-family collaboration and meet the needs of our students with disabilities. When we use the correct phrases to discuss new alternate modes of instructional delivery, district-specific practices, concerns and committee decisions, we all benefit. Sponsored by: The Mid-Hudson Special Education Task Force
REGISTER online by 10/19/20 Click Here to Register
Questions? Contact Renee/rfbadvocacy@gmail.com or Joyce/845-891-1305
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“What’s Next?” Parent Q&A Series Virtual Transition Planning and Services
2020-10-21 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom Meeting
Social and Recreational Activities
Join us for a series of brief discussions facilitated by CSN staff, on how families of youth with disabilities can address transition planning for life after high school with their school teams, while students are being educated through remote learning.
Each session will focus on key transition components of the IEP, ideas for transition activities and tips to help parents be engaged in the transition planning process. Participants are encouraged to come with questions and leave with answers.
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Family Engagement: Communication and Culture Online Workshop
2020-10-22 16:00 - 19:00 | Zoom Meeting
This webinar is designed to introduce educators to concepts of communication and culture that impact the ways educators and educational organizations (EOs) interact with families. Some of the key ideas that will be discussed in the two-part webinar:
● Examine the role of communication in schooling and how culture influences the way we communicate in our respective roles (administrators, teachers, etc.).
● Explore the concept of culture & connect with the idea of Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education.
● Explore strategies for effective collaboration between families, caregivers, and schools to support students in the special education process.

This workshop will consist of a live check-in via Zoom at 4 PM (30 minutes) and a live check-out via Zoom at 6:30 PM (30 minutes). Registered participants will receive all relevant links 24 hours before the day of the workshop. ***If they do not hear from us within 24-hours prior to the workshop, check your spam folder or contact the facilitator at Dagmar.Luciano@DCBOCES.ORG The workshop will be self-paced (asynchronous) on Google Classrooms. Participants will view and complete all assignments at their own pace and submit all work by 9 pm. Participants will receive 4 CTLE credits when all assignments are submitted, and they attend both mandatory live Zoom sessions. This training must have a minimum of 5 participants. Under-enrollment may result in postponement or cancellation.
Thursday, September 24, 2020 4 – 7 pm
Thursday, October 22, 2020 4 – 7 pm

“What’s Next?” Parent Q&A Series-Session 3
2020-11-04 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom Meeting
Virtual Transition Planning and Services-Focus: Employment
Join us for a brief discussion, on how families of youth with disabilities can address transition planning for life after high school with their school teams, while students are being educated through remote learning. This session will provide suggestions for virtual transition activities to help students meet their measurable postsecondary goals for employment, as well as an opportunity to share additional ideas. Participants are encouraged to come with questions and leave with answers to “what’s next” in their young adults’ transition to adulthood.

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Positive Behavior Solutions for Families
2020-11-05 10:00 - 11:30 | Zoom Meeting
This six series parent training will provide information for families on how to promote children’s social and emotional skills, understand their problem behavior, and use positive approaches to help children learn appropriate behavior. The trainings are designed to give parents key strategies that may be used with all children under 5 years old. (Sessions are not designed to offer parents specific advice for their child’s individual issues).
In the last session, parents will be offered a routine guide that offers advice for supporting their children across common family routines.
Topics will include:
Making Connections – Relationships, Quality Time and Encouragement
Making It Happen – Play, Friendships and Positive Behavior
Why Do They Do What They Do? – Behavior, Expectations and Rules
Teach Me What to Do – Emotional Vocabulary, Anger and Disappointment, Problem Solving
Facing the Challenge Part 1 – Strategies to Promote Positive Behavior
Facing the Challenge Part 2 – Challenging Behavior and Everyday Routines
Haga Click Aqui En Español
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Transition from Early Intervention to Preschool Special Education
2020-11-10 13:00 - 14:30 | Zoom Meeting
This workshop is for parents of children turning 3 this school year and/or aging out of Early Intervention. Come learn about important timelines, your role, and how to prepare for your meeting with the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) in your district.

Zoom Registration
Event Details

TRANSITION PLANNING FOR LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL: An Introduction to the Process for Families
2020-11-10 17:00 - 19:00 | Zoom Meeting
This free workshop will provide parents of students with disabilities with information on the school to post-school transition planning process. Families are essential partners with the school district and collaboration with the Committee on Special Education (CSE) team is extremely important to fully understand considerations for successful career development and transition to adulthood. The workshop will help parents to think about their children today, their children in the future and the support required to help them achieve long-term goals after high school.
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AN OVERVIEW OF SELF DIRECTION
2020-11-12 16:00 - 17:00 | Zoom Meeting
Are you considering Self Direction for your family member and aren’t sure where to start, or if it is right for you?
Attend an information session that will answer your questions about the requirements for eligibility, the application process, and things to consider.
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Zoom Registration

Family Engagement: Communication and Culture Online Workshop
2020-11-12 16:00 - 19:00 | Zoom Meeting
This webinar is designed to introduce educators to concepts of communication and culture that impact the ways educators and educational organizations (EOs) interact with families. Some of the key ideas that will be discussed in the two-part webinar:
● Examine the role of communication in schooling and how culture influences the way we communicate in our respective roles (administrators, teachers, etc.).
● Explore the concept of culture & connect with the idea of Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education.
● Explore strategies for effective collaboration between families, caregivers, and schools to support students in the special education process.
This workshop will consist of a live check-in via Zoom at 4 PM (30 minutes) and a live check-out via Zoom at 6:30 PM (30 minutes). Registered participants will receive all relevant links 24 hours before the day of the workshop. ***If they do not hear from us within 24-hours prior to the workshop, check your spam folder or contact the facilitator at Dagmar.Luciano@DCBOCES.ORG The workshop will be self-paced (asynchronous) on Google Classrooms. Participants will view and complete all assignments at their own pace and submit all work by 9 pm. Participants will receive 4 CTLE credits when all assignments are submitted, and they attend both mandatory live Zoom sessions. This training must have a minimum of 5 participants. Under-enrollment may result in postponement or cancellation.
Thursday, November 12, 2020. 4 – 7 pm
Monday, December 21, 2020. 4 – 7 pm
Note: This course will be self-guided, with exercises to be completed in google classroom. There will be a 4 pm check-in (about 30 minutes), and Q and A and share out at 6:30 pm, and final assignments will be handed in by 9 pm for credit.

Sign up via My Learning Plan

“How to Support Your Child’s Vocabulary” (Explicit Vocabulary Instruction for Parents)
2020-11-17 15:30 - 17:30 | Zoom Meeting
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.
Also offered with Spanish translation/captions
Tuesday, November 17, 2020 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Tuesday, December 15, 2020 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Tuesday, January 19, 2020 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
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Hear Our Voices Self Advocacy Meeting - Disabilities in the Media
2020-11-17 18:00 - 19:00 | Zoom Meeting
Our next zoom meeting will be on November 17th, at 6pm to 7pm topic Disability in the Media.

Here is the link to register,
During this zoom meeting, we will talk about:

How do you feel about the way individuals with disabilities are shown in television shows? movies? reality TV?
Join us as we watch some clips from television and the movies, and talk about whether characters with disabilities are shown in a way that we feel good about? In a way that makes us feel uncomfortable?What are your thoughts – WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Please come and join the discussion!
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For more information contact: Stephanie Bellantoni (sbellantoni@wihd.org) or Brendan Klein (Bklein@wihd.org)
Please feel free to share this announcement with other self-advocates who may wish to join and their house staff or family members.
New members are always welcome to join!
Event Details

INCLUSIVE COLLEGE PROGRAMS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
2020-11-18 16:00 - 17:30 | Zoom Meeting
Focus: Student Centered Planning for College Students with I/DD
How will my child’s inclusive college or transition program identify what courses or components of the college experience to incorporate into my child’s day, in order to promote optimal employment opportunities and independent living after college? Listen to college administrators and staff, parents and faculty discuss how they approach program development at the college level for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
COME JOIN THE CONVERSATION AND ASK YOUR QUESTIONS!
Featured Panelists include:

Kelly Glover, Program Director, Vocational Independence Program (VIP) at College of Mt. Saint Vincent, Riverdale, NY
Jan Goings, Program Director, Transition and Access Program (TAP) at University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH

Zoom Registration
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NYS Diploma and Credential Options for Students with Disabilities Overview
2020-11-19 14:30 - 15:30 | Webinar
Join us for this one-hour online overview of graduation and exiting credential options for students with disabilities including: 4+1 Pathway, the appeals process, local diploma options, safety net options, the Superintendent Determination, the Career Development and Occupational Studies (CDOS) Commencement Credential and the Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential. Multiple graduation pathways allow for individual students’ strengths, preferences and interests to be considered and is the basis of quality transition programming and planning. Identification of a Pathway is integral for developing a student’s Course of Study and improving student outcomes
Presented by: Mid-Hudson Regional Partnership Center and Hudson Valley School-Age Family And Community Engagement (FACE) Center NYSED OSE Partnership
Registration Link. Register on Dutchess BOCES My Learning Plan/Frontline(CTLE credit available):
https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=10281&I=3640433
Need more information? Send an Email to kimberly.cannon@dcboces.org

Parent Member Training
2020-11-23 09:00 - 14:30 | Zoom Meeting
This virtual workshop will provide an overview and best practices approach to the CPSE/CSE process. Parents and Parent Members will learn to develop techniques and strategies to become effective members of the IEP team in their respective roles. This training is open to anyone interested in learning about the special education process, or even as a refresher course on CPSE/CSE! Any parent or guardian 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.
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En Español

Navigating Adult Services
2020-11-30 17:00 - 18:30 | Zoom Meeting
Participants will receive resources to aid in the promotion of self-determination with students throughout the transition planning process; recognize various adult service agencies and the different types of services available in NYS as well as the eligibility, referral and application process for each.
Registration Link
Event Details

How to Support Your Child’s Vocabulary
2020-12-01 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom Meeting
Come to this session for parents and caretakers to learn how to support your child’s development of new vocabulary, the importance of vocabulary instruction and ways to incorporate vocabulary instruction at home for your children in Pre-K through grade 6.
Registration link below, and additional materials will be shared following registration.
Event Flyer
Register here

Virtual Cooking Class
2020-12-02 18:45 - 19:45
Join us virtually to cook Spaghetti Marinara with
Firehouse Chef AJ Fusco!

Date: Wednesday, December 2nd
Time: 6:45pm (this will be an hour long event)
Register: While this event is free of charge, registration is required: https://one.bidpal.net/virtualcookingwiththefireh…/welcome

Click below to learn about Chef AJ Fusco, winner of Food Network’s Guy’s Grocery Games!!
http://www.forkandhoseco.com/

Event questions? Please email CLopane@wihd.org

“What’s Next?” Parent Q&A Series-Virtual Transition Planning and Services-Focus: Independent Living Skills
2020-12-02 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom Meeting
Join us for a brief discussion facilitated by CSN staff, on how families of youth with disabilities can address transition planning for life after high school with their school teams, while students are being educated through remote learning.

This session will provide suggestions for virtual transition activities to help students meet their measurable postsecondary goals for independent living, as well as an opportunity to share additional ideas. Participants are encouraged to come with questions and leave with answers to “what’s next” in their young adults’ transition to adulthood.
Event Flyer

Positive Behavior Solutions for Families
2020-12-03 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom Meeting
This six series parent training will provide information for families on how to promote children’s social and emotional skills, understand their problem behavior, and use positive approaches to help children learn appropriate behavior. The trainings are designed to give parents key strategies that may be used with all children under 5 years old. (Sessions are not designed to offer parents specific advice for their child’s individual issues).
In the last session, parents will be offered a routine guide that offers advice for supporting their children across common family routines.
Topics will include:
Making Connections – Relationships, Quality Time and Encouragement
Making It Happen – Play, Friendships and Positive Behavior
Why Do They Do What They Do? – Behavior, Expectations and Rules
Teach Me What to Do – Emotional Vocabulary, Anger and Disappointment, Problem Solving
Facing the Challenge Part 1 – Strategies to Promote Positive Behavior
Facing the Challenge Part 2 – Challenging Behavior and Everyday Routines

SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME (SSI) BASICS
2020-12-08 17:00 - 18:00 | Zoom Meeting
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.

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Guardianship - TRANSITION Workshop Series
2020-12-09 19:00 - 20:30 | Zoom Meeting
Guardianship
• What is guardianship?
• What are the different types of guardianship?
• What is supported decision-making?
NOTE: This is NOT a “HOW-TO” workshop going over the application process and forms. It is for informational purposes only.
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This workshop will be held virtually via Zoom. You must RSVP to Dawn Kitz at dkitz@rboces.org in order to get the link to participate or at (845) 624-5833 for information.
