Westchester Institute for Human Development

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 (America/New_York) | 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!

Housing Forum - Self-Directed Funding: Exploring Housing Opportunities
2018-06-13 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
Speaker: Karen Healy, Broker Supervisor for Self-Directed Services, WIHD
This event will include an overview of Self-Direction, followed by a Q&A and discussion on potential new opportunities in housing.
Click here for Event Flyer.

Transition Planning and the IEP - Preparing for Adult Life
2018-05-30 19:00 - 21:00 | George Fischer Middle School, 281 Fair Street, Carmel, NY, United States
EVENT CANCELLED
Location: George Fischer Middle School Library, Carmel, NY
Presenters: Stephanie Bellantoni, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center and
Kathleen May, Benefits Navigation, Westchester Institute for Human Development
Learn how planning for transition to adult life is reflected in the IEP. Become familiar with “Measurable Post-Secondary Goals,” “Transition Needs,” and “Coordinated Set of of Transition Activities.” Understand your role as a parent at the CSE, and explore effective collaboration techniques for transition. Explore adult agencies and potential sources of support. Click here for Event Flyer.
RSVP to Joseph Simoni at jsimoni@carmelschools.org.

May 2018 Parent Housing Forum
2018-05-30 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, Valhalla, NY
Presenter: Maksym Lider, Certified Residential Opportunities Coordinator (OPWDD)
Mr. Maksym Lider of the Hudson Valley OPWDD Certified Residential Opportunity office will discuss: the CRO function and protocol for housing requests, the distinction between a certified and a non-certified residence as well as answer our questions about available residential opportunities in Westchester County – – followed by an interactive Q & A with our elected officials on NYS budget issues and concerns. Click here for Event Flyer.
This event is FREE, but registration is required. Go to our @SEPCTransitionConnections Facebook Group to register. Questions? Email us at CSN@WIHD.org.

WIHD Self Advocacy Group Meeting - Taking Charge of Our Dental Hygiene and Oral Health
2018-05-21 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
Discussion Leader: Patricia Seagriff, DDS, Director of Dental Services at WIHD, and member of the NYS OPWDD Task Force on Special Dentistry
Discussion will include some barriers to dental care specific to individuals with disabilities, and ways to overcome these obstacles. The group will cover good oral hygiene practices, the causes of dental decay and gum disease and how to prevent these infectious diseases. Come share your concerns, and explore how our dental experiences can be more pleasant and successful. Learn to advocate for yourself in having better oral health. Click here for Event Flyer.
If you are planning on attending, please contact Mitchell Levitz at (914) 493-8119 or mlevitz@wihd.org.

Understanding Services Provided through a Section 504 Plan
2018-05-17 19:00 - 20:30 | Beacon High School, 101 Matteawan Road (Rm C-138), Beacon, NY, 12508, United States
Location: Beacon High School (Room C-138), 101 Matteawan Road, Beacon
Presenter: Joyce M. Hawk, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center
This presentation will provide parents with a better understanding of the laws that affect students with disabilities and how services and supports can be provided to ensure students are participating fully in the programs and services offered in the general education curriculum. Differences between a Section 504 Accommodation Plan and an Individualized Education Program (IEP) will be reviewed. Click here for Event Flyer.
Sponsored by Beacon City School District’s IEP/504 Parent Support Group
Questions contact Lionel Lutney, Meeting Facilitator at lionel.lutley@yahoo.co.uk or (845) 559-4337.

Talking to Our Children about Their Learning Differences: Promoting Self-Awareness and Self-Determination
2018-05-16 19:00 - 20:30 | Rockland BOCES, 65 Parrott Road, Building # 10, West Nyack, NY, United States
Location: Rockland BOCES, 65 Parrott Road, West Nyack, NY
Presenter: Stephanie Bellantoni, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center
This presentation will allow participants to discuss freely the issues surrounding a discussion with their child about their disability or learning differences, with a positive eye toward self-awareness and self-determination. We 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.

Talking to Our Children About Their Learning Differences - Promoting Self-Awareness & Self-Determination
2018-05-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Carmel Central School District – District Offices, 81 South Street, Patterson, NY, United States
Location: Carmel CSD – District Office, 81 South Street, Patterson, NY
Presenter: Stephanie Bellantoni, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center
This presentation will allow participants to discuss freely the issues surrounding a dicussion with a child about their learning differences in a positive way, with an 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.

Preparing for Life After High School: Transition Planning in the IEP
2018-05-08 18:30 - 20:00 | Gigi’s Playhouse, 720 Saw Mill River Road, Ardsley, NY, 10502, United States
Location: Gigi’s Playhouse Westchester, Ardsley, New York
Presenter: Stephanie Bellantoni, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center
This workshop will explore how transition is reflected in an IEP (how a student’s “Measurable Post-Secondary Goals,” “Transition Needs,” and “Coordinated Set of Transition Activities” are developed), and how parents can facilitate a meaningful partnership with their school district on transition.
(* Bring your child’s most recent IEP with you!) Click here for Event Flyer.
For information contact tsmith@gigisplayhouse.org.

Developing Measurable Goals, Objectives & Benchmarks: The Building Blocks for Teaching and Learning
2018-05-08 16:00 - 18:00 | TOPS Building, Carmel, NY, 112 Old Route 6, Carmel, NY, 10512, United States
Location: TOPS Building, 112 Old Route 6, Carmel, NY 10512
Presenters: Barbara Kestenbaum, MS, Ed, SDA/SAS, Professional Development Specialist, ECDC
Click here for Event Flyer. To register contact Marianne.larm@putnamcountyny.gov.

New Special Education Regulations and Updates
2018-05-08 11:00 - 13:00 | 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 (Boardroom)
Presenters: Naomi Brickel, Director, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center, and Laurie Levine, Regional Special Educational Training Specialist, Lower Hudson RSE-TASC
This session will provide an overview of recent changes in policy enacted by the NYSED Board of Regents, and any important proposals being considered. It is a must for parents and professionals of students with disabilities in middle and high school. Administrators and SEPTA (or other special education parent leadership) are encouraged to attend together. Click here for Event Flyer.
To register contact sbellantoni@wihd.org.

EVENT CANCELLED - Understanding Special Education - An Introduction for Parents
2018-05-02 09:00 - 14:00 | Westchester Institute for Human Development, Cedarwood Hall (20 Plaza West), 1st Floor Boardroom , Valhalla, NY, NY, 10595, United States
EVENT CANCELLED
CHECK WIHD CALENDAR FOR NEW DATES IN THE FALL!
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Location: Westchester Institute for Human Development
Presenters: Naomi Brickel & Stephanie Bellantoni, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center; Barbara Kestenbaum, Lower Hudson Early Childhood Direction Center; Laurie Levine & Stephanie Wozniak, Lower Hudson Regional Special Education Technical Assistance and Support Center
This workshop will provide a comprehensive overview of the Special Education process. It is geared to parents of students with IEPs who were recently classified, 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 parent of a child with special needs. Click here for Event Flyer.

New CPSE Chairperson Training *BY INVITATION ONLY*
2018-05-01 09:00 - 12:00 | 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
Presenter: Laurie Levine, Regional Special Education Trainer, Lower Hudson Regional Special Education Assistance and Support Center (RSE-TASC)
This is a half-day training ONLY for people who have taken the New CSE Training this year. Topics will include transition from early intervention to CPSE, timelines, the referral and evaluation process, and differences between the CPSE and CSE processes. Click here for Event Flyer.

Putnam Early Education Partnership (PEEP) - Fifth Annual Spring Into Learning Conference for Early Childhood Professionals
2018-04-28 08:30 - 12:00 | George Fischer Middle School, 281 Fair Street, Carmel, NY, United States
Location: George Fischer Middle School, 281 Fair Street, Carmel, NY
Presenter: Dr. Rowena Talusan-Dunn, Phd ATR CAT Clinical Art Therapist, Special Education Art Therapy Teacher
This workshop will provide early childhood participants with: research based information on creativity development and sensory input, hands-on practical experience exploring specific art techniques to promote relaxation and positive coping mechanisms for children, and therapeutic arts for the special needs child. Click here for Event Brochure and Registration.
Fee: $15.00 per participant
