Westchester Institute for Human Development

Early Childhood Inclusion Institute
2017-10-27 08:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Westchester Institute for Human Development, Cedarwood Hall (20 Plaza West), 1st Floor Boardroom , Valhalla, NY, NY, 10595, United States
Inclusion in Preschool Settings:
Obstacles, Solutions, and Benefits

Please join us for a morning conference that will highlight best practices and social considerations in the implementation of high quality inclusive preschool programs.

Keynote Speaker: Alissa Rausch, EdD is faculty in the Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education program at University of Colorado Denver. Her work at the university has blossomed from 15 years of practice as an early childhood educator working in inclusive preschool classrooms serving young children and their families. Her current work centers on supporting preservice and inservice practitioners to build their capacity to act as agents of social change and implement quality inclusive practices for young children in the field of early childhood

Sponsored by the Lower Hudson Early Childhood Direction Center and the Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center!
Space is Limited . . .Register Today!

Transition Planning for Life after High School
2017-10-26 18:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | NY
Date: October 26, 2017
Time: 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: Rhinebeck High School Library, Rhinebeck, NY
Presenter: Joyce Hawk, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center
Parents will learn how planning for a child’s transition to adulthood is incorporated into the IEP at age 15 and how transition activities to reach future goals can be provided to the student.
For more information, contact:
Ms. Emily Davidson
Director of Special Education Services, RCSD
(845) 871-5570, ext. 5551

Planning for Life After High School, Transition Planning, & NYS Diploma and Exiting Options
2017-10-23 16:00 - 17:30 (America/New_York) | NY
Location: Mt. Pleasant Cottage School
Date: October 23, 2017
Time: 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Educational programs to which our children are exposed pave the way for their opportunities following the K-12 years. This presentation will address the expanding high school credential and exiting options for students with disabilities, and the importance of identifying post-secondary goals so that appropriate transition supports and services can be put into place. The discussion will include post-secondary measurable goals, high school transition service needs, and the coordinated set of transition activities. For information contact mlee@mpcsny.org.

"Swim Team" - Film Showing and Panel Discussion, Ossining Documentary and Discussion Series
2017-10-19 18:30 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Home
Date: Thursday, October 19, 2017 at 6:30 pm
Location: Ossining Library’s Budarz Theatre, 53 Croton Avenue, Ossining, NY
“Swim Team” – Film Showing and Panel Discussion
Ossining Documentary and Discussion Series
The Ossining Documentary and Discussion Series identifies films that are meaningful to their community, and brings people together for the film and a panel discussion. In the movie Swim Team, director Lara Stolman (whose documentaries have appeared on major news channels and websites) presents the story of parents in a New Jersey community who take matters into their own hands when they feel their own community has given up on their son who is on the autism spectrum. They form a competitive swim team, recruiting diverse teens on the spectrum and training them with high expectations. The film tracks this family’s commitment to inclusion, independence and success for their son. To view a trailer visit http://www.swimteamthefilm.com/filmmakers.php.
To track this event and its developing panelists, which will include Stephanie Bellantoni from Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center, visit https://ossiningdocumentaries.org/.

Parent Engagement in the Special Education Process: Collaborating with your School District to Promote Better Outcomes
2017-10-19 09:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | NY
Date: October 19, 2017 @ 9:00 am
Location: Milton Elementary School – 12 Hewlett Avenue, Rye, NY
Presenter: Stephanie Bellantoni, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center
Sponsored by Rye RAISE (Rye All Inclusive Special Education) Parent Group
Parents are key members of the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) and Committee on Special Education (CSE). While professionals from several disciplines may participate in a CPSE or CSE meeting, sharing their various expertise in their respective fields, the parent is an expert on his or her own child. This presentation highlights effective means of communication throughout the school year, and in the CPSE and CSE meetings themselves. We will provide you with tools to help you to fully participate in the development of your child’s special education plan. Click here for Event Flyer.

Understanding Your Child's IEP
2017-10-18 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | NY
Date: October 18, 2017
Location: Rebecca Turner Middle School, Mt. Vernon, New York
Presenter: Stephanie Bellantoni, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center
What is the purpose of the IEP? What are the various components of the IEP, and what information is intended to be covered within each of those sections? Including a review of the New York State IEP form itself, this program will support parents in gaining a better understanding of how to navigate the IEP, where certain kinds of information would appropriately be covered, and how to follow along during discussions at CSE meetings. Having a better understanding of this critical document will enable parents to be more astute in assessing their child’s education program (is it effective? is it appropriate?), in light of the student’s progress and development from year to year. Click here for Event Flyer.

Transition Planning (Middle School and Beyond) for English Language Learners Who Have IEPs
2017-10-17 09:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Session 1 – PNW BOCES – School Services Building*, 200 BOCES Drive, School Services Bldg., Yorktown Heights, NY, 10598, United States
Location:
Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES
Speakers: Kathleen “Kit” Casey, Transition Specialist, Lower Hudson Regional Special
Education Technical Assistance and Support Center (RSE-TASC) and Lulu Bencosme, Bilingual Specialist, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center, Westchester Institute for Human Development (WIHD)
Join us as we explore cultural competency in school and its impact on planning for the future. We will discuss family involvement and how to develop accessible environments. Diploma and certificate options will be reviewed as well as strategies for connecting with community services and programs. Transition planning tools and resources, available in multiple languages, will be shared.
There is no charge for this workshop. Lunch is on your own.
Click here for Event Flyer

Disabilities in the Entertainment World - How Actors with Disabilities in Movies, TV and Theater are Impacting on Public Awareness
2017-10-16 18:30 - 20:00 UTC | Westchester Institute for Human Development, Cedarwood Hall (20 Plaza West), 1st Floor Boardroom , Valhalla, NY, NY, 10595, United States
Hear Our Voices: Self Advocacy Group at WIHD
Topic: Disabilities in the Entertainment World
How Actors with Disabilities in Movies, TV and Theater are Impacting on Public Awareness
Discussion Leader: Emily Pearl Kingsley, Emmy Award Winning Writer
Monday, October 16, 2017
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Please email mlevitz@wihd.org with any questions.

A Workshop for Parents: Transitioning from EI to CPSE (in English and in Spanish)
2017-10-13 09:30 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Westchester Institute for Human Development, Cedarwood Hall (20 Plaza West), 1st Floor Boardroom , Valhalla, NY, NY, 10595, United States
Date: October 13, 2017
Location: Westchester Institute for Human Development, Valhalla, NY
Sponsored by Lower Hudson Early Childhood Direction Center
For details email jlowe@wihd.org.

Pathways to Graduation: Understanding Diploma Requirements, Options, Scoring and Commencement Credentials
2017-10-12 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | NY
Date: October 12, 2017
Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: Taconic Resources for Independence, Poughkeepsie, NY
Presenter: Joyce Hawk, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center
Learn about the credits, assessments and test scores required in order for any student to graduate with a Regents or local diploma. Attendees will be informed of the appeals process to determine if a student may graduate with a diploma using a lower score and as well as additional scoring options for students with disabilities. Click here for event flyer.
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Sponsored by the Mid-Hudson Special Education Task Force.
Registration is required by Tuesday 10/10/17.
Go to https://goo.gl/forms/de2DpWNTldcDuFkz1
For more information call (845) 331-0541 x18

A Workshop for Parents: Transitioning from EI to CPSE (in English and in Spanish)
2017-10-10 17:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | NY
Date: October 10, 2017
Location: Westchester Institute for Human Development, Valhalla, NY
Sponsored by Lower Hudson Early Childhood Direction Center
For further information email jlowe@wihd.org.

Navigating the Special Education Process . . . Do I Need An Attorney? . . . Or Can I Handle This Myself?
2017-09-27 10:30 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | NY
Date: September 27, 2017
Location: Barnum Financial Group, 565 Taxter Road – 6th floor – Suite 625, Elmsford, New York
Presenters: Stephanie Bellantoni, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center
Marna Solarsh, Esq., Special Education Attorney, Scarsdale, NY
This workshop will explore navigation of the Special Education process in NYS, measures for collaborating with your school district and being an effective member of your child’s Committee on Special Education (CSE), and identifying when you may need to seek assistance from an advocate or attorney. There will also be an introduction by Christina M. Maurillo, LUTCF, CLU®, ChFC®, MBA. Questions, contact Christina M. Maurillo, at 914-372-2981 or cmaurillo@barnumfg.com.

Talking To Our Children About Their Learning Differences - Promoting Self-Awareness and Self-Determination
2017-09-20 17:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | Roosevelt High School, Yonkers, NY, 631 Tuckahoe Road, Yonkers, NY, 10710, United States
Date: September 20, 2017
Time: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Location: Roosevelt High School, Yonkers, NY
Presenter: Stephanie Bellantoni, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center
This presentation will help parents prepare to talk with their children about their learning differences, in a way that is positive and encouraging. A student’s ability to understand his/her differences is the first step toward self-awareness, and more importantly self-advocacy. The workshop will explore tools to support students in expressing themselves as a member of their CSE, so as to develop a quality IEP that respects and accommodates unique individual needs. Click here for event flyer and registration.

Understanding Your Child's IEP
2017-09-13 09:30 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | NY
Date: September 13, 2017
Location: Chappaqua School District
Presenter: Stephanie Bellantoni, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center
What is an IEP, and how is it different from a 504 Plan? What is the purpose of the IEP, as opposed to a 504 Plan? What are the various components of the IEP, and what information is intended to be covered within each of those sections? Including a review of the New York State IEP form itself, this program will support parents in gaining a better understanding of how to navigate the IEP, where certain kinds of information would appropriately be covered, how to effectively communicate with teachers and service providers, and how to be an effective CSE member overall. Having a better understanding of this critical document will enable parents to be more astute in assessing their child’s education program (is it effective? is it appropriate?), in light of the student’s progress and development from year to year.
Click here for Event Flyer. Questions contact chappaquaptaspecialeducation@gmail.com

Preparing for Interviews for Jobs and Other Opportunities
2017-09-11 18:30 - 20:00 UTC | Westchester Institute for Human Development, Cedarwood Hall (20 Plaza West), 1st Floor Boardroom , Valhalla, NY, NY, 10595, United States
Hear Our Voices: Self Advocacy Group at WIHD
Topic: Preparing for Interviews for Jobs and Other Opportunities
Discussion Leader: Mitchell Levitz, Community Support Network
Monday, September 11, 2017
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Click here for Event Flyer
Please email mlevitz@wihd.org with any questions.

Effective Inclusion of Students with Disabilities in Religious Instruction
2017-08-27 13:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | NY
Date: Sunday, August 27, 2017
Location: Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, White Plains, NY
Presenter: Stephanie Bellantoni, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center
This workshop will explore various measures you can take to effectively include students with disabilities into your religious instruction class. Discussion will include strategies for communicating with students, families and teacher assistants about necessary measures in providing students with learning differences with a meaningful experience in religious instruction. Questions contact Stephanie Bellantoni at sbellantoni@wihd.org.

Middle School Special Educators: Transition Planning and Beyond
2017-07-20 09:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | PNW BOCES – School Services Building, 200 BOCES Drive, School Services Bldg., Yorktown Heights, NY, 10598, United States
Date: July 20, 2017
Time: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Presenters: Kit Casey, Transition Specialist, Lower Hudson RSE-TASC and Stephanie Bellantoni, Outreach Coordinator, HVSEPC
This workshop was specially designed for middle school educators and others help prepare students and their families for transition planning, starting at age 12. Join us as we learn about regulations guiding transition practices as well as programs and opportunities available to middle school students and those entering high school. Click here for Event Flyer.

Let's Do This! Collaborate With Your Teaching Team to Support Independence and Ambitious Achievement for Your Child
2017-07-18 19:30 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | Gigi’s Playhouse, 720 Saw Mill River Road, Ardsley, NY, 10502, United States
Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2017
Presenter: Stephanie Bellantoni, HVSEPC
This workshop will explore ways to reinforce IEP goals over the summer, document your child’s progress, schedule and prepare for a PRE-start of school meeting with the teaching team, and review strategies for effective teambuilding with your child’s CSE. LET’S START THIS YEAR OFF RIGHT! Click here for Event Flyer.

Transitioning from Special Education to Adult Services
2017-06-26 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Mental Health Association in Orange County, Inc., 73 James P. Kelly Way, Middletown, NY, 10940, United States
Date: June 26, 2017
Time: 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Location: Mental Health Association in Orange County Inc.
An overview of the different adult service systems which must be accessed by families in order to receive continued support services or programming for young adults as they prepare to exit from high school seeking employment opportunities, independence in their community and continued learning. Suggestions will be provided for parents to consider as they prepare for the many changes that can be expected as their child transitions from special education to adulthood. RSVP to Mahlon Groom at mgroom@mhaorangeny.com or (845) 342-2400 x1253.

Transition Planning in the IEP, Adult Services and Guardianship
2017-06-22 17:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | Roosevelt High School, Yonkers, NY, 631 Tuckahoe Road, Yonkers, NY, 10710, United States
***Cancelled – – as of June 20, 2017
Date: Thursday, June 22, 2017
Time: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Location: Roosevelt High School, Yonkers, NY
Presenters: Stephanie Bellantoni, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center
Baturu Mboge, Independent Consultant/Broker
Marilyn Vitale, Guardianship Specialist
This is an important presentation for parents of children of all ages. It is never too soon to think about transition to life after high school, since the decisions we make and the educational programs to which our children are exposed pave the way for their opportunities following the K-12 years. The presentation will address the expanding high school credential and exiting options for students with disabilities. The discussion will cover the various sections of the IEP addressing transition needs and services, various factors that come into play for transition planning, and introduction to adult services after high school.

Lower Hudson Special Education Task Force Sponsors: A Tale of Two Attorneys: Endrew F. and More
2017-06-14 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Mahopac Public Library, 668 US-6, Mahopac, NY, 10541, United States
Date: Wednesday, June 14, 2017
Time: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: The Mahopac Library, 668 Route Six Mahopac, NY 10541
Moderator: Julie Passman, Esq.
Speakers: Stephanie M. Roebuck, Esq. an attorney who advises school districts and Marion M. Walsh, Esq. an attorney for students with disabilities and their parents. Listen to two New York Westchester area attorneys answer YOUR questions and discuss the new Endrew F. Supreme Courtdecision (where the Court ruled against a bare minimum standard for an appropriate education and decided that the IDEA requires schools to offer an IEP “appropriately ambitious” in light of the child’s circumstances). For more information please call: 845.228.7457 x1108
Click here for Event Flyer.

ECDC Early Childhood Professionals Meeting
2017-06-06 09:30 - 23:30 (America/New_York) | Westchester Institute for Human Development, Cedarwood Hall (20 Plaza West), 1st Floor Boardroom , Valhalla, NY, NY, 10595, United States
Date: June 6, 2017
Time: 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Location: Westchester Institute for Human Development, Valhalla, NY
This is a meeting for all the EI and CPSE stakeholders in the tri-county region that includes Westchester, Rockland, and Putnam counties, to come together in a collegial atmosphere, to discuss topics of common concern in serving young children with special needs and their families. Are you ready for next year? Part 200 has been changed to require that each preschool provider adopt and implement 3 new program standards (curriculum aligned with the Pre-K Foundation for the Common Core, a program-wide system of positive behavior supports, and regular progress monitoring of student achievement data). This facilitated session will offer you an opportunity to assess what you have in place and what steps you need to take to be ready for September. Regional Associates from the NYSED Special Education Quality Assurance office will be in attendance to review the amended Regulations as well as to discuss their findings from program reapproval reviews.
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RSVP to Janet Lowe at (914) 493-2902 or jlowe@wihd.org by June 1st please!
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Click here for WIHD driving directions and campus map. Parking lot #16 is the visitor’s parking lot to use off “Hospital Oval West”.
Please prepare for a $4-6 fee (cash only) to exit the parking lot.

Looking Our Best: Fashion and Good Hygeine Tips
2017-06-05 18:30 - 20:00 UTC | Westchester Institute for Human Development, Cedarwood Hall (20 Plaza West), 1st Floor Boardroom , Valhalla, NY, NY, 10595, United States
Hear Our Voices: Self Advocacy Group at WIHD
Topic: Looking Our Best: Fashion and Good Hygeine Tips
Discussion Leader: Sandy Mislow, MA Special Education and LEND Trainee
Monday, June 5, 2017
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Please email mlevitz@wihd.org with any questions.

Transition Institute 2017 - Transition Planning for English Language Learners (ELLs) and Students from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds
2017-06-02 09:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Westchester Institute for Human Development, Cedarwood Hall (20 Plaza West), 1st Floor Boardroom , Valhalla, NY, NY, 10595, United States
Date: Friday, June 2, 2017
Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Westchester Institute for Human Development, Cedarwood Hall
Opening Address: Angelica M. Infante-Green, Deputy Commissioner of the New York State Education Department’s Office of Instructional Support, who spearheaded the release of the nationally-recognized Blueprint for English Language Learners’ Success.
Keynote Speaker: Tracey Nix Ph.D., Director of the Institute for Urban Education, University of Wisconsin, will present The Posture of Cultural Reciprocity as a tool for increasing collaborative transition planning between educators and families from diverse backgrounds. Participants will challenge their cultural awareness and biases, identify how culture impacts transition planning and learn how to facilitate culturally responsive transition plans.
Click here for Event Flyer.

Lower Hudson Special Education Task Force Sponsors: Sex Education and Students with Disabilities
2017-05-24 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Mahopac Library, 668 Route 6, Mahopac, NY, 10541, United States
Date: Wednesday, May 24, 2017
Time: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: The Mahopac Library, 668 Route Six Mahopac, NY 10541
Moderated by: Anastasia L. Holoboff, Esq., Staff Attorney, Disability Rights NY and Nanette Saturn, Educational Advocate, Barger & Gaines
Learning about the birds and the bees is necessary for all students! Join the Lower Hudson Special Education Taskforce for a discussion about an important subject that does not get enough attention – sex education and students with disabilities. Claire Volain from Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic will explain the importance of educating students with disabilities about comprehensive sex education along with techniques and subjects that both parents and schools should be covering with their students. For more information please call: 845.228.7457 x1108
Click here for Event Flyer.

Orange/Ulster BOCES PTO Parents' Prom Social/Transition Workshop Event
2017-05-19 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Emanuel Axelrod Education Center, 53 Gibson Road, Goshen, 10924, United States
Date: May 19, 2017
Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: Emanuel Axelrod Education Center, Multipurpose Room (Elementary side)
Do you need some help planning for the future of your child? While your child is at the OUBOCES prom, we will connect you with a variety of local agencies that can assist and guide you with the help you need! For more information contact Carla Karnavezos at carla.karnavezos@ouboces.org or 845-291-0200, ext. 7.

ABLE Accounts and Policy Update for Self Advocates and Families
2017-05-15 18:00 - 19:30 UTC | Westchester Institute for Human Development, Cedarwood Hall (20 Plaza West), 1st Floor Boardroom , Valhalla, NY, NY, 10595, United States
Hear Our Voices: Self Advocacy Group at WIHD
Topic: Things to Know About Setting Up an ABLE Account, and Policy Update
Discussion Leader: Sara Weir, President of the National Down Syndrome Society
Monday, May 15, 2017
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Please email mlevitz@wihd.org with any questions.

Fourth Annual "Educating English Language Learners in Early Childhood-Birth through Age 8: Building Culturally Responsive Settings for All Children"
2017-05-06 08:30 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | SUNY New Paltz – Student Union Building, 1 Hawk Drive, New Paltz, NY, United States
Saturday, May 6, 2017
8:30 am – 2:30 pm
SUNY New Paltz
KEYNOTE SPEAKER – Tatyana Kleyn, PhD
Associate Professor & Director, Programs in Bilingual Education and TESOL, City College of NY (CUNY)
For more information contact Kathleen Lowell, Assistant Director, Hudson Valley Regional Bilingual Education/Resource Network (RBE-RN) at Southern Westchester BOCES at (914)345-8500×3184 or klowell@swboces.org.

CPSE/CSE Parent Member Training
2017-05-05 09:00 - 14:00 UTC | WIHD, 20 Plaza West, Valhalla, NY, 10595, United States
Presented by: Laurie Levine, Regional Special Educational Training Specialist
Naomi Brickel, Director, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center
This workshop will provide an overview and best practices approach to the CPSE/CSE process to educate parents and Parent Members and assist them to develop techniques and strategies to become effective members of the IEP team in their respective roles. Click here for Event Flyer.

START National Training Institute
2017-04-30 - 2017-05-02 | Doral Arrowwood Conference Center, Rye Brook, NY
The annual START National Training Institute (SNTI) is provided by the Center for START Services, a non-profit, national initiative based at the University of New Hampshire Institute on Disability/University Center for Excellence in Disability (UCED). The SNTI was founded in 2016 to provide a forum where START network partners from around the country learn about research findings, along with best practices and innovations associated with START programs, to improve local capacity, service outcomes, and life experiences for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD) and behavioral health needs and their families.
The 2017 SNTI will commence on Sunday, April 30th with an evening opening session and conclude on the afternoon of Tuesday, May 2nd. Monday and Tuesday mornings will include keynote presentations and panel discussions. Attendees will have the opportunity to create a tailored learning experience by selecting afternoon Breakout Sessions from five content strands:

Strand A: Positive Approaches & Cultural Competency

Strand B: Children & Families

Strand C: Networking & Capacity Building

Strand D: Psychiatry & Primary Health

Strand E: Health & Well-Being

Click here for a registration brochure
Click here to register
For more information, please visit: http://www.centerforstartservices.org/2017-SNTI
