Westchester Institute for Human Development

Pathways to Graduation: Understanding Diploma Requirements, Options, Scoring and Commencement Credentials
2018-04-10 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Location: Minisink Valley Middle School (Library), 2320 Route 6, Middletown, NY 10940
Presenter: Joyce Hawk, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center
This presentation will offer parents information about the requirements that need to be met in order for any student to graduate with a Regents or local diploma. The available pathway options to meet these requirements includes the Career Development and Occupational Studies (CDOS) Commencement Credential, which can motivate students to stay in school and develop the skills necessary to succeed in a variety of career paths. Attendees will also be informed of the appeals process to determine if a student may graduate with a diploma using a lower score. Additional scoring options for students with disabilities will be explained, along with the criteria to request a review for graduation-level proficiency of those students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) who cannot meet the graduation standards through the existing options.
(Generally for parents of youth in 8th grade or higher)
For more information contact Patricia Close-Irwin
at pirwin@minisink.com or (845)355-5840
(Snow Date 4/11/18)

Talking To Our Children About Their Learning Differences: Promoting Self-Awareness & Self-Determination
2018-03-28 18:30 - 20:00 | Mahopac Falls Elementary School, 100 Myrtle Avenue, Mahopac, NY, United States
Location: Mahopac Falls School, 100 Myrtle Avenue, Mahopac, NY
Presenter: Stephanie Bellantoni, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center
This presentation will allow participants to discuss freely the issues surrounding a discussion with your child about their disability or learning differences, with a positive eye toward self-awareness and self-determination. 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.

Making Our Voices Heard & Update on Hudson Valley Region SANYS, Inc.
2018-03-19 18:30 - 20:00 | Westchester Institute for Human Development, 20 South Plaza W, Cedarwood Hall, Valhalla, NY, 10595, United States
Location: Westchester Institute for Human Development, 1st Floor Boardroom, 20 Plaza West, Valhalla, NY
Guest Speaker: Chester Finn, a national self-advocacy leader who works for OPWDD and was appointed to the National Council on Disability by President Obama in 2010.
This meeting will help us learn more about how to make our voices heard. We will also have an update on the New York State Self-Advocacy Association of New York State Inc. (SANYS, Inc.) and share our ideas about activities and goals for our state and region. This is a very special meeting for our group and other self-advocates in our area. Click here for Event Flyer.
All meetings are held in the First floor Boardroom at WIHD. For more information, or if you are planning on attending, please contact: Mitchell Levitz, Self-Advocacy Coordinator-WIHD Community Support Network Phone: (914) 493-8119 or Email: mlevitz@wihd.org.
Click here for 2018 Meeting Schedule

A Tale of Two Attorneys: A Supreme Court Decision
2018-03-15 12:00 - 13:30 | Independent Living, Inc., 5 Washington Terrace, Newburgh, NY, 12550, United States
Location: Independent Living, Inc., 5 Washington Terrace, Newburgh, NY 12550
Join us for this free workshop where two area attorneys representing those involved with students with disabilities, will discuss and answer questions regarding the recent Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District Supreme Court decision in which 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. (Please park in Delano Hitch Park on Washington St.- Feel free to bring your lunch). Click here for Event Flyer.
Register online by Tuesday, 3/13/18:
https://goo.gl/forms/ub869GGaA22WTBPq2
For more information contact: Renee Falanga-Brenner 845-565-1162 ext. 244 or rbrenner@myindependentliving.org
Sponsored by the Mid-Hudson Special Education Task Force

Understanding Special Education: An Orientation for Parents
2018-03-14 18:00 - 20:00 | Minisink Valley Intermediate School (library), 2320 Route 6, Middletown, 10940, United States
Location: Minisink Valley Intermediate School (library)
2320 Route 6, Middletown, NY
Presenter: Joyce Hawk, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center
This presentation is specially designed for parents of children who are transitioning to kindergarten and or those new to the special education process. Parents will learn about the various roles of members on the Committee on Special Education team as well as how an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is developed and implemented. Strategies to participate effectively in meetings and resolve concerns will also be reviewed.
For more information contact Debra Wilson at dwilson@minisink.com or (845) 355-5104.

Special Education, Graduation and Credential Options, and Planning for Life After High School
2018-03-14 18:00 - 20:00 | Rebecca Turner Elementary School, 625 S 4th Ave, Mt. Vernon, NY, 10550, United States
EVENT CANCELLED !
Location: Rebecca Turner Elementary School, Mt. Vernon, NY
Presenter: Stephanie Bellantoni, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center
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. Please come join the conversation!

Transitioning from CPSE to Kindergarten (CSE)
2018-03-14 09:30 - 11:30
Location: Croton Harmon UFSD
Snow Date: 03/21/18
Contact Janet Lowe at jlowe@wihd.org or (914) 493-2902 for more information.

Ready, Set, Go to College!
2018-03-13 08:45 - 13:00 | Dutchess Community College James and Betty Hall Theatre / Dutchess Hall, 53 Pendell Road, Poughkeepsie, NY, United States
EVENT MOVED TO SNOW DATE:
Thursday 03/15/18
Location: James and Betty Hall Theatre / Dutchess Hall, Dutchess Community College, 53 Pendell Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Presenter: Joyce Hawk, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center, and others . . .
Students, who intend to pursue a college degree, will learn what they need to know to prepare for their transition to any type of college whether it is 4-year private/state university, a 2-year community college, a technical/career college or any other institution of higher education. This workshop is for high school students with an IEP or 504 Plan; their parents/guardians; school personnel and any others involved in the college planning process.
Click here for Event Flyer.
Contact: Freya Bomba at fbomba@acsdny.org or 845-486-4860 x 31101
Registration is REQUIRED by March 1, 2018
(Snow Date March 15th)

IEP Transition Planning Workshop for Parents
2018-03-09 09:00 - 14:00 | 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
Speakers: Stephanie Bellantoni, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center; Naomi Brickel, Director, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center; and Stephanie Wozniak, Regional Special Education Transition Specialist, Lower Hudson RSE TASC.
This workshop will provide a comprehensive overview of the Special Education IEP process for Transition Planning. It is geared to parents of students with IEPs who are in Middle and High School, or those looking to gain greater understanding of this complex process. This workshop will give you the information you need to know in order to be an effective Special Ed Parent as your child prepares to transition out of school. Click here for Event Flyer.
Space is limited! Register today!
Contact Lucille Rossi at lrossi@wihd.org or (914) 493-7665.

CPSE/CSE Parent Member Training
2018-03-06 09:00 - 14:00 | 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, Valhalla, NY
Presenters: Laurie Levine, Regional Special Education Training Specialist, Lower Hudson RSE-TASC, and Naomi Brickel, Director, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center
This workshop is designed to provide CPSE and CSE Parent Members with a best practices approach to the CPSE/CSE process and their role as a Parent Member that is consistent with State law and regulation. The goals of this training are for Parent Members to have a greater understanding of the role and requirements of a Parent Member and the special education process; and develop techniques and strategies to support the parent and fulfill the Parent Member role in a meeting. Click here for Event Flyer.
To register contact sbellantoni@wihd.org.

How Emotional Intelligence Skill Building Benefits Children with Disabilities
2018-03-01 12:00 - 14:00 | Westchester Independent Living Center, 10 County Center Road, White Plains, NY, 10607, United States
Location: Westchester Independent Living Center (WILC)
Presenter: Dr. Jane Sandbank,
Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence
Join us for this informative workshop for parents, school personnel and community providers which will answer these questions and more:
Why is Emotional Intelligence Important for Your Children and Students?
Emotions Matter and Foster Personal, Social and Academic Improvement
Click here for Event Flyer. Click here to register.
Sponsored by: The Lower Hudson Valley Special Education Task Force.

Summer Programs & Community Resources
2018-02-28 18:00 - 20:00 | Mt. Vernon City School District, 165 North Columbus Avenue, Mt. Vernon, NY, 10550, United States
Location: Mt. Vernon Bd. of Ed., 165 N. Columbus Ave, Mt. Vernon, NY
Speaker: Stephanie Bellantoni, HV Special Ed. Parent Ctr. & others
Join other families in discussing summer options for students with special needs. Event will include information on Mt. Vernon Extended School Year (ESY) program for eligible students, as well as recreational options both in Mt. Vernon and the surrounding region. Finally, Parent Center will support families to communicate effectively with summer camp / summer program staff, to support effective integration of your child into recreational and camp activities, and to optimize the benefit of your child’s IEP over the summer months. Click here for Event Flyer.

Transitioning from CPSE to Kindergarten (CSE) (in English and Spanish)
2018-02-28 18:00 - 20:00
Location: Port Chester-Rye UFSD
Snow Date: 03/05/18
Contact Janet Lowe at jlowe@wihd.org or (914) 493-2902 for more information.

Transitioning from CPSE to Kindergarten (CSE) (in English and Spanish)
2018-02-15 17:30 - 19:30, 2018-02-15 09:00 - 11:00
Location: Ossining UFSD
Snow Date: 03/08/18
Contact Janet Lowe at jlowe@wihd.org or (914) 493-2902 for more information.

Understanding Your Child's IEP
2018-02-14 13:00 - 14:30 | Hawthorne Country Day School, 5 Bradhurst Avenue, Hawthorne, NY, 10532, United States
Location: Hawthorne Country Day School
Presenter: Stephanie Bellantoni, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center
This workshop will include a discussion of the nature and purpose of the IEP, the various components of the IEP, and what information is covered within each of those components in plain language. The IEP form itself will also be reviewed in detail so that parents can have 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.

Special Education, Graduation and Credential Options, and Planning for Life After High School
2018-02-13 17:30 - 19:30 | Roosevelt High School, Yonkers, NY, 631 Tuckahoe Road, Yonkers, NY, 10710, United States
Location: Roosevelt High School Media Center, Yonkers, NY
Presenter: Stephanie Bellantoni, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center
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. Please come join the conversation! Click here for Event Flyer.

Transitioning from CPSE to Kindergarten (CSE)
2018-02-07 18:30 - 20:00
Location: Edgemont UFSD
Snow Date: 02/13/18
Contact Janet Lowe at jlowe@wihd.org or (914) 493-2902 for more information.

Special Education, Graduation and Credential Options, and Planning for Life After High School
2018-02-06 19:00 - 20:30 | White Plains Ed House, Assembly Room, 5 Homeside Lane, White Plains, NY, United States
Location: White Plains City School District – Education House
Presenter: Stephanie Bellantoni, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center
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. Please come join the conversation! Click here for Event Flyer.

Planning for Your Child's Annual Review
2018-01-30 18:30 - 20:30 | Dows Lane Elementary School, 6 Dows Lane, Irvington, NY, 10533, United States
Location: Dows Lane Elementary School, Irvington, NY
Presenter: Stephanie Bellantoni, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center
Parents are integral partners in the special education process. This workshop will start with the purpose of the annual review, how the CSE team maneuvers through the various sections of the IEP in their discussion, and measures parents can take to effectively prepare for the annual review so as to properly engage in the CSE meeting. Discussion will include a review of essential online tools to support your preparation, as well as strategies for approaching differences of opinion and keeping the focus on your child. Click here for Event Flyer.

Transitioning from CPSE to Kindergarten (CSE)
2018-01-26 10:00 - 12:00 | Mahopac Library, 668 Route 6, Mahopac, NY, 10541, United States
Location: Mahopac Library, 3rd Floor Meeting Room
Snow Date: 02/09/18
Sponsored by PARC Preschool
Contact Janet Lowe at jlowe@wihd.org or (914) 493-2902 for more information.

Preparing for Your Child's Annual Review
2018-01-25 09:30 - 11:00 | Hawthorne Country Day School, 5 Bradhurst Avenue, Hawthorne, NY, 10532, United States
Location: Hawthorne Country Day School
Presenter: Stephanie Bellantoni, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center
This workshop will cover the purpose and process of the annual review, and how the CSE team navigates through the IEP, and measures parents can take to effectively prepare for the annual review so as to properly engage in the CSE meeting. Parents will be introduced to essential tools available on the HVSEPC website to support them in their preparation. Click here for Event Flyer.

Parents as Partners: Effective Communication within Special Education
2018-01-24 18:30 - 20:00 | Chancellor Livingston Elementary School, 48 Knollwood Road, Rhinebeck, NY, 12572, United States
** NOTE LOCATION CHANGE!
Wednesday, January 24, 2018
(snow date Thursday, 1/25/18)
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Chancellor Livingston Elementary School
48 Knollwood Rd, Rhinebeck, NY 12572
This presentation will offer parents a review of basic communication skills that can be useful during meetings and other discussions about their child’s education program. Building confidence in the ability to communicate clearly and effectively will assist parents in becoming meaningful partners within the special education process. For more information contact: Ms. Emily Davison, Director of Special Education Services, Rhinebeck Central School District, (845) 871-5570, ext. 5551

Preparing for the Annual Review
2018-01-23 18:30 - 20:00 | Gigi’s Playhouse, 720 Saw Mill River Road, Ardsley, NY, 10502, United States
Location: Gigi’s Playhouse Westchester, Ardsley, NY
Presenter: Stephanie Bellantoni, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center
Parents are integral partners in the special education process. This workshop will start with the purpose of the annual review, how the CSE team maneuvers through the various sections of the IEP in their discussion, and measures parents can take to effectively prepare for the annual review so as to properly engage in the CSE meeting. Discussion will include a review of essential online tools to support your preparation, as well as strategies for approaching differences of opinion and keeping the focus on your child. Click here for Event Flyer.

Transitioning from CPSE to Kindergarten (CSE) (in English and Spanish)
2018-01-23 18:00 - 20:00
Location: Carmel Central School District
Snow Date: 01/30/18
Contact Janet Lowe at jlowe@wihd.org or (914) 493-2902 for more information.

Preparing for Your Child’s Annual Review
2018-01-22 10:00 - 12:00 | Dows Lane Elementary School, 6 Dows Lane, Irvington, NY, 10533, United States

Preparing for Your Child's Annual Review
2018-01-16 19:30 - 21:00 | Blind Brook Middle School High School, 840 King Street, Rye Brook, NY, 10573, United States
Location: Blind Brook Middle School / High School
Presenter: Stephanie Bellantoni, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center
This workshop will cover the purpose and process of the annual review, and how the CSE team navigates through the IEP, and measures parents can take to effectively prepare for the annual review so as to properly engage in the CSE meeting. Parents will be introduced to essential tools available on the HVSEPC website to support them in their preparation. Click here for Event Flyer.

Preparing for Your Child's Annual Review (in English and Spanish)
2018-01-11 18:00 - 20:00 | Park Early Childhood Center, 22 Edward Street, Ossining, NY, 10562, United States
Location: Park Early Childhood Center, Ossining, New York
Presenters: Stephanie Bellantoni, Outreach Coordinator, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center, and Lulu Bencosme, Bilingual Outreach Coordinator, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center
This workshop will cover the purpose and process of the annual review, and how the CSE team navigates through the IEP, and measures parents can take to effectively prepare for the annual review so as to properly engage in the CSE meeting. Parents will be introduced to essential tools available on the HVSEPC website to support them in their preparation. (snow date 1/18/18).
Click here for Event Flyer.

Transition and CSE Meetings for Parents
2018-01-10 19:00 - 20:30 | Rockland BOCES, 65 Parrott Road, Building # 10, West Nyack, NY, United States
Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at 7:00 pm
Location: Rockland BOCES, 65 Parrott Road, West Nyack, NY
Presenters: Stephanie Wozniak, Transition Specialist, Lower Hudson Regional Special Education Technical Assistance Support Center, and Stephanie Bellantoni, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center.
Discussion will include: * How Transition Planning is Reflected in the IEP * Measurable Post-Secondary Goals * Transition Needs – Coordinated Set of Transition Activities * The Parent Role at the CSE – How to Have Meaningful Partnerships in Transition *
Click here for Event Flyer.

Transitioning from CPSE to Kindergarten (CSE)
2018-01-10 18:00 - 19:30
Location: Yorktown Central School District
Snow Date: 01/17/18
Contact Janet Lowe at jlowe@wihd.org or (914) 493-2902 for more information.
