Westchester Institute for Human Development

CANCELLED – Talking to Our Children About Learning Differences – Promoting Self Awareness and Self Determination
2019-12-05 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York)
CANCELLED

Location: Katonah Lewisboro

OT, PT, Speech… Understanding the Purpose & Delivery of Related Services
2019-12-04 18:30 - 20:30 | Oak Grove Elementary School, 40 Kerr Rd, Poughkeepsie, NY
OT, PT, Speech… Understanding the Purpose & Delivery of Related Services
Location: Oak Grove Elementary School, 40 Kerr Rd., Poughkeepsie

This FREE workshop will provide information on the basic procedures for the recommendation of different types of related services; how the focus of services can change from preschool through school-age grade levels; types of accommodations/modifications; what happens when a related service session is missed; and tips on how families can provide information and advocate effectively for their children.
REGISTER online by 12/2/19
https://forms.gle/YU6o3bvjuG19GMHY7
For more information email: rfbadvocacy@gmail.com or call 845-891-1305
Event Flyer

Student Self-Advocacy: Empowering Students to Take the Lead in Their CSE and 504 Meetings
2019-12-03 18:00 - 20:00 | WIHD Auditorium, Cedarwood Hall Auditorium, Valhalla, NY, 10595, United States
Location: Westchester Institute for Human Development 20 Hospital Oval W Valhalla, NY 10595
The Lower Hudson Special Education Task Force is proud to present
We welcome students, families, school staff, attorneys, advocates and anyone who supports students with disabilities to join us for a program which will explore strategies to equip students with disabilities to take an active role in the development of their educational programs and plans.
Students are critical members of Committees on Special Education (CSE) and Section 504 Committees, and their voices are valuable. All students, regardless of age or disability, can play an important role in the development of their own Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan. This program will address: student self-determination; how parents can speak to their children about their disabilities; and barriers and solutions to self-directed IEPs/504 Plans (including the use of an interactive tool to help students prepare for their meetings). We will show video clips featuring students who planned and led self-directed IEP/504 meetings and have a facilitated discussion among attendees.
(Registration opens at 5:30 p.m.)
WHERE: Note: There is a fee for parking
Click HERE to RSVP
If you have problems registering, please call: 845.228.7457 x1108 or email jbaumann@putnamils.org
Sponsored by: The Lower Hudson Valley Special Education Task Force
www.wilc.org www.putnamils.org www.parenttip.org
Event Flyer

Fall Fun Fest: Celebrating Abilities
2019-10-06 10:00 - 13:00 | Westchester Institute for Human Development, Cedarwood Hall (20 Plaza West), 1st Floor Boardroom , Valhalla, NY, NY, 10595, United States
Join us as we raise funds for our vital services and programs, and celebrate the entirety of the WIHD family.
Refreshments • Events • Entertainment
On the Oval / Cedarwood Hall / Valhalla, NY
Rain or Shine
There are THREE ways to participate in this year’s event.
We hope you will consider participating in one, two or all three ways!
(REGISTER, DONATE, SPONSOR)
REGISTER TO STROLL OR ROLL
Join us “on the oval” in front of Cedarwood Hall to Stroll or Roll! For each lap you complete, you will receive a ticket towards a drawing for a prize. The more laps you stroll or roll, the more chances you have to win!
To register, please visit: https://bit.ly/2lvVNJ1
*Registration must be completed by September 16th to guarantee your t-shirt size.
You may register in two ways:

Individual/Family Stroll or Roll Registration

Individual registration ($35)
Family registration ($100) includes two adults and children under 18.

Stroll or Roll Registration with $100 Fundraising Commitment
Free registration for the commitment to raise $100 for WIHD.

*You may also register at the event on October 6th.

DONATE
You can also make a donation to WIHD or donate to a team! We have five teams this year, representing each of the 4 floors at WIHD, and the WIHD Board of Directors. To make a donation, please visit the “Make a Donation or Donate to a Team” tab on the registration homepage, or visit: https://bit.ly/2ktpvhw.
If you have a friend or family member at WIHD, and would like to donate to their team, please ask them their floor number and be sure to click on that team name to donate!

SPONSOR
You can also sponsor the Fall Fun Fest! If you or your company are interesting in sponsoring this years event, please visit https://bit.ly/2YkfENT for the different levels or sponsorship!

Thank you to our wonderful sponsors!

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Autism Directory Service, Inc.

RJC Wealth Management

Be sure to add this event to your calendar! We can’t wait to see you there.

Transition Planning for Life after High School
2019-02-26 09:30 - 23:30 | PEARLS Hawthorne School, 350 Hawthorne Avenue, Yonkers, 10705, United States
Location: PEARLS Hawthorne School, 350 Hawthorne Avenue, Yonkers, NY
Speaker: Stephanie Bellantoni, Outreach Coordinator, Community Support Network at WIHD
This presentation will give parents an overview of how planning for their child’s transition to adulthood is incorporated into the IEP at age 15. Parents will learn how future goals will be identified and how needed transition activities to reach those goals can be provided to the student. The importance of parent involvement and the student’s participation in the transition planning process will be discussed. Click here for Event Flyer.

Preparing for the Annual Review
2019-02-13 19:00 - 20:30 | Nyack Middle School, 98 South Highland Avenue, Nyack, 10960, United States
Location: Nyack Middle School, Nyack, NY
Presenter: Stephanie Bellantoni, Outreach Coordinator, Community Support Network at WIHD
This presentation will provide parents with a broad understanding of what is typically discussed during a child’s annual review meeting with the Committee on Special Education (CSE), which reviews the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) and its effectiveness, resulting in recommendations for the upcoming school year. Specific tips on how to be better prepared to effectively participate in this discussion will be provided. Problem-solving strategies to address concerns will also be suggested to help parents work with their school team to achieve positive outcomes. For more information contactseptsanyack@gmail.com.

CANCELLED - Introducing the Community Support Network at Westchester Institute for Human Development
2018-11-08 19:30 - 20:30 | Blind Brook Middle School High School, 840 King Street, Rye Brook, NY, 10573, United States
CANCELLED
Location: Ridge Street School, 390 N Ridge Street, Rye Brook, NY (Room 33)
Speaker: Stephanie Bellantoni, Outreach Coordinator, Community Support Network at WIHD
Come learn about the Community Support Network at WIHD, where you can seek support to navigate the various systems of education and support available to individuals with disabilities in New York State across the lifespan. Discussion will include special education, OPWDD eligibility, community opportunities, guardianship and more! Click here for Event Flyer.

Introducing the Community Support Network at Westchester Institute for Human Development
2018-11-08 09:00 - 10:00 | Bruno M. Ponterio Ridge Street School, 390 N Ridge St, Rye Brook, NY, 10573, United States
Location: Ridge Street School, 390 N Ridge Street, Rye Brook, NY (Room 33)
Speaker: Stephanie Bellantoni, Outreach Coordinator, Community Support Network at WIHD
Come learn about the Community Support Network at WIHD, where you can seek support to navigate the various systems of education and support available to individuals with disabilities in New York State across the lifespan. Discussion will include special education, OPWDD eligibility, community opportunities, guardianship and more! Click here for Event Flyer.

Transitioning from Special Education Services to Adult Services
2018-10-29 18:00 - 19:30 | MInisink Valley Middle School, 2320 US 6, Middletown, NY, 10940, United States
Location: Minisink Valley Middle School Library, 2320 US6, Middletown, NY 10940
Presenter: Joyce Hawk, Outreach Coordinator, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center
This presentation will give an overview of the different adult service systems which must be accessed by families in order to receive continued support services or programming once school ends and as youth 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 programs and services to adulthood.
For more information contact Patricia Irwin at (845) 355-5840. Click here for Event Flyer.

Talking To Our Children About Learning Differences – Promoting Self-Awareness And Self-Determination
2018-10-25 11:00 - 12:30 | Hawthorne Country Day School, 5 Bradhurst Avenue, Hawthorne, NY, 10532, United States
Location: Hawthorne Country Day School, 5 Bradhurst Avenue, Hawthorne, NY 10532
Presenter: Stephanie Bellantoni, Community Support Network at WIHD
Comfortable discussion and exploration of issues surrounding talking to your child about their disability or learning differences, with a positive eye toward self-awareness and self-determination.

Supporting Language and Literacy: Preschool to Early Childhood
2018-10-25 08:00 - 15:15 | Westchester Institute for Human Development, Cedarwood Hall (20 Plaza West), 1st Floor Boardroom , Valhalla, NY, NY, 10595, United States
Location: Westchester Institute for Human Development
Speaker: Cheryl Smith Gabig, PhD., CCC-SLP, Chair of the department of Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences and Associate Professor at Lehman College/CUNY
This workshop focuses on both the emergent period of language-literacy connections and the early stages of reading and spelling development in young school-age children. Case studies and practical, clinical application are addressed for both areas of language-literacy development. Click here for Event Brochure.
To register contact Erica Wasserman at HTA of Westchester at (914) 674-0733
Workshop fee is $200 for HTA (Active Providers) ($160 before October 1st) and $250 for Professionals ($225 before October 1st)
This course is offered for .55 ASHA CEUs (Intermediate, Professional area)

WIHD Self-Advocacy Group Meeting: Dealing with Negative Interactions
2018-10-22 19:00 - 20:30 | Westchester Institute for Human Development, Cedarwood Hall (20 Plaza West), 1st Floor Boardroom , Valhalla, NY, NY, 10595, United States
Location: Westchester Institute for Human Development
Discussion Leader: Nicole Turygin Ph.D. Behavioral Psychologist at WIHD
We will explore different types of negative interactions, how certain circumstances can put us at risk for having a negative interaction, and tips for how to manage uncomfortable situations.
Click here for Event Flyer. To register email mlevitz@wihd.org.

Talking To Our Children About Learning Differences - Promoting Self-Awareness And Self-Determination
2018-10-17 19:00 - 20:30 | Nyack Middle School, 98 South Highland Avenue, Nyack, 10960, United States
Location: Nyack Middle School, 98 South Highland Avenue, Nyack, NY, 10960
Presenter: Stephanie Bellantoni, Community Support Network at WIHD
Comfortable discussion and exploration of issues surrounding talking to your child about their disability or learning differences, with a positive eye toward self-awareness and self-determination.
Click here for Event Flyer. To register for event contact septsanyack@gmail.com.

Conozco los Servicios y Recursos del Centro de Apoyo a la Comunidad de WIHD (Introductions to Community Support Network: Special Education Process, Services and Resources)
2018-10-12 10:00 - 11:00 | Carver Center, 400 Westchester Avenue, Port Chester, NY, 10573, United States
Neighbors Link – Mt. Kisco
Location: Carver Center, 400 Westchester Avenue, Port Chester, NY
Presentado por la Senorita Lulu Bencosme MSEd, Especialista Bilingue en Divulgacion e Informacion

Para más información, favor de email Sandra Batista sbatista@fsw.org.

Conozco los Servicios y Recursos del Centro de Apoyo a la Comunidad de WIHD (Introductions to Community Support Network: Special Education Process, Services and Resources)
2018-10-06 08:00 - 13:00 | Manhattanville College, 2900 Purchase Steet, Purchase, NY, 10577, United States
2018 Manhattanville College School of Education
Early Childhood Professional Development Conference
Location: Manhattanville College, 2900 Purchase Street, Purchase, NY
Presentado por la Senorita Lulu Bencosme MSEd, Especialista Bilingue en Divulgacion e Informacion

Para más información, favor de haz clic https://www.mville.edu/events/2018/10/06/early-childhood-professional-development-conference-full-steam-ahead.

Conozco los Servicios y Recursos del Centro de Apoyo a la Comunidad de WIHD (Introductions to Community Support Network: Special Education Process, Services and Resources)
2018-10-05 18:30 - 20:30 | Neighbors Link Mt. Kisco, 27 Columbus Avenue, Mt. Kisco, NY, 10549, United States
Neighbors Link – Mt. Kisco
Location: 27 Columbus Avenue, Mt. Kisco, NY 10549
Presentado por la Senorita Lulu Bencosme MSEd, Especialista Bilingue en Divulgacion e Informacion

Para más información, favor de email a Sandra Batista sbatista@fsw.org

Conozco los Servicios y Recursos del Centro de Apoyo a la Comunidad de WIHD (Introductions to Community Support Network: Special Education Process, Services and Resources)
2018-10-03 18:30 - 20:00, 2018-10-03 08:30 - 10:00 | Southern Westchester BOCES, Rye Lake Campus, 1606 Old Orchard Street, North White Plains, NY, 10604, United States
Southern Westchester BOCES Welcome Back Social for Families
Location: Rye Lake Campus, 1606 Old Orchard Street, North White Plains, NY
Presentado por la Senorita Lulu Bencosme, Especialista Bilingue en Divulgacion e Informacion & Senora Mariela Adams, Coordinadora de Regional de Parent to Parent of NYS

Para más información, favor de email a Trish Banfield pban730@aol.com.

Language and Literacy: Developing Communication Skills in Young Children
2018-10-02 15:30 - 17:30 | Westchester Institute for Human Development, Cedarwood Hall (20 Plaza West), 1st Floor Boardroom , Valhalla, NY, NY, 10595, United States
Location: Westchester Institute for Human Development
Speaker: Barbara Kestenbaum, MS Ed, SAS/SDA Professional Development Specialist, Lower Hudson Early Childhood Direction Center
Join us for a practical session about how children develop language and early literacy skills and learn how to support that development by using some simple strategies during everyday activities such as snack, story time and while they play. Target audience: teachers, TAs, Clinicians, Administrators. Click here for Event Flyer.
To register, call (914) 493-2902 or email jlowe@wihd.org.

Pre-K Foundation for the Common Core
2018-09-26 15:30 - 17:30 | Westchester Institute for Human Development, Cedarwood Hall (20 Plaza West), 1st Floor Boardroom , Valhalla, NY, NY, 10595, United States
Location: Westchester Institute for Human Development
Presenter: Barbara Kestenbaum, MS Ed, SAS/SDA Professional Development Specialist, Lower Hudson Early Childhood Direction Center
This session will provide an overview of the NYS Pre-K Foundations for the Common Core, a document that outlines what preschoolers are expected to accomplish by the time they enter kindergarten. We will dis-cuss how to support students with special needs, and facilitate their learning of these foundational skills, during typical early childhood activities. Target audience: teachers, TAs, Clinicians, Administrators. Click here for Event Flyer.
To register, call (914) 493-2902 or email jlowe@wihd.org.

Conozco los Servicios y Recursos del Centro de Apoyo a la Comunidad de WIHD (Introductions to Community Support Network: Special Education Process, Services and Resources)
2018-09-26 09:00 - 22:30 | Thomas A. Edison School, 132 Rectory Street, Port Chester, NY, 10573, United States
Location: Thomas A. Edison School, 132 Rectory St, Port Chester, NY 10573
Presentado por la Senorita Lulu Bencosme MSEd, Especialista Bilingue en Divulgacion e Informacion

Invitada especial Senora Mariela Adams, Coordinadora de Regional de Parent to Parent of NYS Presentacion “Mindfulness”

Para más información, favor de email a Carmen Parker a cparker@pcschools.lhric.org.

WIHD Self-Advocacy Group Meeting: Selecting Healthy Menu Choices at Restaurants
2018-09-24 19:00 - 20:30 | Westchester Institute for Human Development, Cedarwood Hall (20 Plaza West), 1st Floor Boardroom , Valhalla, NY, NY, 10595, United States
Location: Westchester Institute for Human Development
Discussion Leader: Diane N. Kahn, Certified Health Coach
She will be discussing ways to choose healthy options when we go out for meals. She will be sharing a useful guide for dining out that focuses on heathy eating. This workshop will include suggestions to help us advocate for ourselves in making better choices for healthy eating. By doing so, we can also inspire and educate other individuals with disabilities to do the same by making healthy choices when we go out for meals. Click here for Event Flyer.
For questions and registration, contact Mitchell Levitz at (914) 493-8119 or Email: mlevitz@wihd.org.
Please bring along an interested friend or share this announcement with other self-advocates who may wish to join and their house staff or family members. Feel free to share with appropriate people in your programs. New members always welcome to join!

"Intelligent Lives" - Film Screening and Discussion Panel - FREE EVENT
2018-09-20 17:00 - 20:00 | Westchester Institute for Human Development, 20 South Plaza W, Cedarwood Hall, Valhalla, NY, 10595, United States
(Event is FREE but Registration is required)
Dan Habib – “Intelligent Lives”
Westchester Institute for Human Development, Auditorium, 20 Plaza West, Valhalla, NY
Dan Habib (producer of Including Samuel, Who Cares About Kelsey? & Mr. Connelly Has ALS), shares his latest film Intelligent Lives which serves as “a catalyst to transform the label of intellectual disability from a life sentence of isolation into a life of possibility for the most systematically segregated people in America.” (www.intelligentlives.org). Film narrator and well-known actor Chris Cooper poses the question, “Can any attempt to measure intelligence predict a person’s value, or potential to contribute meaningfully to the world?,” as Intelligent Lives prompts us to consider the limitations of IQ testing, and how systems assess an individual’s worth or potential.
DON’T MISS IT!
Click here for Event Flyer.
To watch a clip and learn more about this film, visit https://intelligentlives.org/.
To Register for Sept. 20th screening visit https://tinyurl.com/intelligentlives

Conozco los Servicios y Recursos del Centro de Apoyo a la Comunidad de WIHD (Introductions to Community Support Network: Special Education Process, Services and Resources)
2018-09-16 15:00 - 16:00 | Greenburgh Public Library, 300 Tarrytown Rd, Elmsford, NY, 10523, United States
Location: Greenburgh Public Library, 300 Tarrytown Road, Greenburgh, NY (Children’s Room)
Presentado por la Senorita Lulu Bencosme MSEd, Especialista Bilingue en Divulgacion e Informacion
Vengan a la biblioteca in domingo al mes para conocer y disfrutar de todos los materiales y recursos que tenemos para las familias Latinas.
Para más información, favor de llamar a 721-8235, o haz clic https://greenburghlibrary.libcal.com/event/4382142.

Special Education 101
2018-09-12 09:30 - 11:00 | Seven Bridges Middle School, 222 Seven Bridges Road, Chappaqua, NY, 10514, United States
Location: Seven Bridges Middle School, Lower Commons, 222 Seven Bridges Road, Chappaqua, NY
Speaker: Stephanie Bellantoni, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center
This presentation will include an overview of special education, eligibility determinations, and the special education process. This discussion will prepare you to be more engaged in your child’s education and school experience, and a more effective member of your child’s decision making team. Click here for Event Flyer .

Section 8 and HUD: How to Access These Federal Housing Programs
2018-07-18 17:30 - 18:30 | Westchester Institute for Human Development, Cedarwood Hall (20 Plaza West), 1st Floor Boardroom , Valhalla, NY, NY, 10595, United States
Location: Westchester Institute for Human Development
Presenter: Rose Noonan, Executive Director of the Housing Action Council, Inc.
Discussion will explore how parents can access Section 8 housing and HUD opportunities in Westchester County.
Event is FREE but registration is required. To register visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/section-8-and-hud-how-to-access-these-federal-housing-programs-tickets-47277740996.

SOS: Supporting Our Students - Supporting and Building Social Competence
2018-07-12 15:30 - 17:30 | Westchester Institute for Human Development, Cedarwood Hall (20 Plaza West), 1st Floor Boardroom , Valhalla, NY, NY, 10595, United States
Location: Westchester Institute for Human Development, Boardroom
Presenter: Barbara Kestenbaum, MS Ed, SAS/SDA, Professional Development Specialist, ECDC
This session will provide an overview of how to support the social-emotional development of preschoolers with disabilities, utilize environmental and social supports to reduce inappropriate behaviors and promote the development of prosocial behaviors and self-regulation.
Target audience: supervisors, teachres, clinical/related service providers.
Click here for Event Flyer. To register call (914) 493-2902 or email jlowe@wihd.org.

Exploring the WJCS POINT Program
2018-07-11 17:30 - 18:30 | Westchester Jewish Community Services (WJCS), 845 North Broadway, White Plains, NY, 10603-2427, United States
Location: Westchester Jewish Community Services, White Plains, NY
Presenters: Barbara Greene, POINT Program Director and Lauren Bassin, POINT Program AED
POINT (Pursuing Our Independence Together) supports young adults, ages 21 and older, with developmental and learning disabilities, including autism spectrum disorders, to live independently in apartments. Participants engage in a variety of vocational, life skills training, and social activities and enjoy the camaraderie of others and the oversight of specialists provided by WJCS & JCCA. Learn more here: http://www.wjcs.com/disabilitiesautism-new/point-pursuing-our-independence-together-program/
Event is FREE but registration is required. LIMITED to 30 people due to room size.
To register visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wjcs-point-program-exploring-a-unique-local-housing-option-tickets-47240654068

Language and Literacy: Developing Communication Skills in Young Children
2018-06-20 15:30 - 17:30 | Westchester Institute for Human Development, Cedarwood Hall (20 Plaza West), 1st Floor Boardroom , Valhalla, NY, NY, 10595, United States
Location: Westchester Institute for Human Development, Boardroom
Speaker: Barbara Kestenbaum, MS Ed, SAS/SDA, Professional Development Specialist ECDC
Join us for a practical session about how children develop language and early literacy skills and learn how to support that development by using some simple strategies during everyday activities such as snack, story time and while they play. Click here for Event Flyer.
Questions and registration call (914) 493-2902 or email jlowe@wihd.org.

WIHD Self Advocacy Group Meeting: Telling our Personal Stories to Teach People about Disabilities
2018-06-18 18:30 - 20:00 | Westchester Institute for Human Development, Cedarwood Hall (20 Plaza West), 1st Floor Boardroom , Valhalla, NY, NY, 10595, United States
Location: Westchester Institute for Human Development
Co-Discussion Leaders: Karen Millman, MS Ed, LEND Family Faculty member and parent
& Mitchell Levitz, Self-Advocacy Coordinator for the Community Support Network at WIHD
We will be discussing different ways to share personal stories in order to make a difference. You will hear some valuable tips and learn new skills to get even better at telling your own stories about growing up and having a disability. There are a lot of opportunities to be able to share your own personal stories and experiences. By doing so, you can also inspire other individuals with disabilities to do the same. We can all have a positive impact on more people gaining a better understanding about disabilities. This includes people in the community, medical and other professionals who provide services, organizations, decision-makers, elected officials and more.
Click here for Event Flyer.
For questions and registration, contact Mitchell Levitz at (914) 493-8119 or Email: mlevitz@wihd.org
Please bring along an interested friend or share this announcement with other self-advocates who may wish to join and their house staff or family members. Feel free to share with appropriate people in your programs. New members always welcome to join!
