Westchester Institute for Human Development

Understanding Your Child's IEP
2016-12-14 09:00 - 11:00 UTC | White Plains Ed House, Assembly Room, 5 Homeside Lane, White Plains, NY, United States
Presenters: Stephanie Bellantoni & Naomi Brickel, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center
Location: White Plains Education House, 5 Homeside Lane, White Plains, NY
This workshop covers the nature and purpose of the IEP, the various components of the IEP, and a careful analysis of the IEP form itself. Getting a grasp on the significance of the IEP, and understanding the team’s flexibility in creating an individualized program, empowers parents to more effectively engage in the development of a meaningful education plan for their child.

Understanding Your Child's Individualized Education Program (IEP)
2016-12-13 18:00 - 20:00
Location: Cioni Building, Kingston, NY
Presenter: Joyce M. Hawk, Outreach Coordinator, HVSEPC
This presentation will provide a review of the language and type of information that goes in each section of an Individualized Education Program (IEP); who contributes information; how progress is monitored and how a student’s needs of concern to a parent, are considered throughout the process. A tool that can be used to include the student’s voice during the development of the IEP will also be highlighted. For more information contact jhawk@wihd.org.

Hear Our Voices Self Advocacy Group Meeting and Holiday Celebration
2016-12-12 18:00 - 20:00 | Westchester Institute for Human Development, 20 South Plaza W, Cedarwood Hall, Valhalla, NY, 10595, United States
Please join us for WIHD’s self advocacy group meeting and holiday party. Teens and young adults in our area are welcome and encouraged to join our self-advocacy group as new members. This is your chance to connect with the Hudson Valley Region of the Self Advocacy New York State Association (SANYS) and find out about their meetings, trainings, conferences, networking and fun activities; learn useful information to lead a more independent and self-directed life; and become a self-advocacy leader.

More Information & To Register:
Contact Mitchell Levitz, Self Advocacy Coordinator at (914) 493-5207 or email mlevitz@wihd.org
Click here for event flyer

Transition from CPSE to CSE: Going to Kindergarten (In English and Spanish)
2016-12-06 18:00 - 20:00 | Prime Time Preschool, 456 North Street, White Plains, NY, 10605, United States
For more information contact the Early Childhood Direction Center (914) 493-2902, or email speretz@wihd.org

Including Samuel - A documentary by Dan Habib
2016-12-06 12:00 - 14:00 | Dutchess County BOCES, Career & Technical Institute (Room 301), 5 BOCES Road (parking in rear of building), Poughkeepsie, NY, 12601, United States
Location: Dutchess County BOCES, Career and Technical Institute, Poughkeepsie, NY
Discussion Facilitators:
Richard Zipp, Executive Director of Special Education & Student Services, Wappingers Central School District
Mary Jo Whateley, Esq., Of Counsel to Sussman & Watkins, Esqs.
Joyce M. Hawk, Outreach Coordinator, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center
Dan Habib’s award-winning documentary film, chronicles the Habib family’s efforts to include Samuel in every facet of their lives. It is a highly personal, passionately photographed film that captures the cultural and systemic barriers to inclusion. After the screening, a brief discussion outlining the legal responsibility of schools to provide special education services to students in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) will be offered. Click here for event flyer.

CPSE/CSE Parent Member Training
2016-12-02 09:00 - 14:00 | Rockland BOCES, 65 Parrott Road, Building # 10, West Nyack, NY, 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. For event details and registration click cpse – cse-parent-member-flyer-fall-2016.

Ipad Apps for Writing
2016-12-02 09:00 - 12:00 | WIHD Assistive Technology Center, 20 Hospital Oval West, Cedarwood Hall, Room 443, Valhalla, NY, 10595, United States
Many apps are available to support writing. In this hands-on session participants will learn about apps to support the motor aspect of writing as well as the composition of writing. Apps to support scheduling and note taking will also be discussed. This workshop will demonstrate the use of some of the features in these apps, as well as allow hands-on exploration of the apps by participants.
Presenter: Izel Obermeyer, MS, OTR
Workshop Fee: $75
Parking: Included in Workshop Fee
Group Size: Limited to 12
To Register: Email atp@wihd.org OR call 914-493-1317 (note: advanced registration is required)

Starting Early: Understanding How Schools Help Families Prepare for Life after High School
2016-12-01 19:00 - 21:00
Location: Roy C. Ketcham High School Library – Wappingers Falls
Speaker: Joyce M. Hawk, Outreach Coordinator, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center
The transition planning process helps students with disabilities prepare for their transition to post-school living, learning and working. This presentation will explore the importance of parent involvement in thinking about their child’s future which begins with an assessment at age 12 and continues with the provision of transition services by age 15. The direct connection between transition activities and the requirements for earning a CDOS Commencement Credential (a work-readiness certificate) which can be used to meet the requirements for one Regents exam will be highlighted. (Generally for parents of students with disabilities in both middle school and high school). Sponsors: Westchester Independent Living Center’s Parent Training & Information Center, and Arlington CSD Special Education PTA. Click here for flyer and registration

Preparing for the Transition to College
2016-11-17 19:00 - 21:00 | Christian Faith Academy, 25 Golf Club Dr., Poughkeepsie, 1203, United States
Presenter: Joyce M. Hawk
Location: Christian Faith Academy 25 Golf Club Dr. Poughkeepsie, NY 12603
This presentation is designed to assist parents of young adults with an IEP or 504 Plan in understanding the differences that can be expected as students move from high school to a college setting including the laws which govern services at the college level; the process to access academic accommodations, disability documentation requirements; the changing role of parents; and tips on what students can do now to gain the necessary skills needed for a successful college experience. For more information contact Joyce Hawk 845-891-1305 or jhawk@wihd.org

New Special Education Regulations and Updates
2016-11-16 11:00 - 13:00 | Westchester Institute for Human Development, Cedarwood Hall (20 Plaza West), 1st Floor Boardroom , Valhalla, NY, NY, 10595, United States
Presented by: Naomi Brickel, Director, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center
Laurie Levine, Regional Special Educational Training Specialist
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. For event details and registration click Nov 16 Flyer – New Special Education Regulations.

Hear Our Voices Self Advocacy Group Meeting
2016-11-14 18:30 - 20:00 | Westchester Institute for Human Development, 20 South Plaza W, Cedarwood Hall, Valhalla, NY, 10595, United States
Join us for WIHD’s self advocacy group meeting. Teens and young adults in our area are welcome and encouraged to join our self-advocacy group as new members. The topic will be “Building Fitness and Healthy Eating into Your Daily Life”.

More Information & To Register:
Contact Mitchell Levitz, Self-Advocacy Coordinator at (914) 493-5207 or email mlevitz@wihd.org
Click here for event flyer

Communication Matters: Time Tested Strategies to Reduce Conflict & Improve Outcomes for Students with Disabilities
2016-11-14 18:00 - 20:00
To Be Held At: The Arc of Westchester Gleeson – Israel Gateway Center
Sponsored by The Lower Hudson Special Education Task Force
Join us for this free training featuring a video developed through the collaborative efforts of many experienced parents, school administrators and advocates highlighting common communication barriers that may arise during Committee on Special Education (CSE) meetings. Learn proven strategies to promote communication, partnership, creativity, and agreement in Individualized Education Program (IEP) development.
A live facilitated discussion after the video will offer the audience an opportunity to share perspectives and thoughts on the conflict–reducing strategies highlighted by those representing typical CSE team members. Parents, guardians, general education and special education teachers, school administrators and psychologists, service providers and advocates are all encouraged to attend and participate in an honest and productive discussion resulting in improved outcomes for students with disabilities.

Low Tech PODD AAC
2016-11-04 09:00 - 12:00 | WIHD Assistive Technology Center, 20 Hospital Oval West, Cedarwood Hall, Room 443, Valhalla, NY, 10595, United States
Children who are nonspeaking or have limited speech, in addition to other challenges, often struggle to interact and communicate. This may include children who have physical disabilities, multiple disabilities, sensory processing challenges, autism, and/or a range of cognitive limitations and learning difficulties.
This introductory workshop will demonstrate the use of the Pragmatic Organization Dynamic Display (PODD) approach developed by Gayle Porter (Melbourne, Australia). Generic templates for multi-page “light tech” communication books have been carefully designed to support genuine communication for a variety of functions throughout the day. These templates may be customized for a range of access methods and other individual needs. Learn strategies for creating multi-modal language learning environments that provide receptive models and expressive opportunities for language development. Although the vocabulary within the PODD Communication Book Direct Access Templates CD is better suited to children, it can be adjusted for a person of any age.
Presenter: Laurie Pyburn, MS, CCC-SLP, LMSW
Workshop Fee: $75
Parking: Included in Workshop Fee
Group Size: Limited to 12
To Register: Email atp@wihd.org OR call 914-493-1317 (note: advanced registration is required)

Communication Matters: Time-Tested Strategies by Parents and Schools to Reduce Conflict & Improve Outcomes for Students with Disabilities
2016-11-01 19:00 - 21:00 | Elting Memorial Library, New Paltz, NY, United States
This event will take place at the Elting Memorial Library in New Paltz, New York.
Sponsored by the Mid-Hudson Regional Affiliate of the NYS Special Education Task Force

This free training features a video production developed through the collaborative efforts of many experienced parents, advocates and school administrators, who talk about common communication barriers that may arise during Committee on Special Education (CSE) meetings along with proven strategies to promote collaboration, creativity and agreement in Individualized Education Program (IEP) development.
Attendees will hear what both parents and school personnel each wish the other knew, in order to work with them in the most effective way. Recommendations will be provided for those who may be new to special education as well as for those who have participated in many CSE meetings. A live facilitated discussion will be conducted with the viewing audience as an opportunity to share perspectives and thoughts on the conflict–reducing strategies highlighted by those representing typical CSE team members. Parents, guardians, general education and special education teachers, school administrators and psychologists, service providers and advocates are all encouraged to attend and participate in an honest and productive discussion resulting in improved outcomes for students with disabilities.
For event details and registration information, CLICK HERE for event flyer.

Referral, Evaluation & Eligibility Determinations: A Look at the First Steps in the Special Education Process
2016-10-26 19:00 - 21:00 | White Plains Ed House, Assembly Room, 5 Homeside Lane, White Plains, NY, United States
Presenters: Stephanie Bellantoni & Naomi Brickel, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center
Location: White Plains Education House, 5 Homeside Lane, White Plains, NY
We will begin our journey looking at some typical concerns parents and teachers may develop, that lead to a closer look at a student’s performance levels and the possibility of a special education program. The discussion will include RtI, Child Find, IEPs as opposed to 504 plans, requests for referrals, evaluations and timelines. Then we delve into factors explored in consideration for special education eligibility. There is an underlying theme of collaboration and communication amongst the CSE members, to support amicable interactions and less adversarial means of resolution. Last we will address a parent’s options in the case of a CSE team’s inability to reach consensus.

Hear Our Voices Self Advocacy Group Meeting
2016-10-24 18:30 - 20:00 | Westchester Institute for Human Development, 20 South Plaza W, Cedarwood Hall, Valhalla, NY, 10595, United States
Join us for WIHD’s self advocacy group meeting. Teens and young adults in our area are welcome and encouraged to join our self-advocacy group as new members. The topic will be “Gaining Employment Opportunities”.

More Information & To Register:
Contact Mitchell Levitz, Self-Advocacy Coordinator at (914) 493-5207 or email mlevitz@wihd.org
Click here for event flyer

Executive Functioning and Assistive Tech
2016-10-21 09:00 - 12:00 | WIHD Assistive Technology Center, 20 Hospital Oval West, Cedarwood Hall, Room 443, Valhalla, NY, 10595, United States
Executive functioning is needed in all parts of life. In this workshop the domains of executive function will be explored and the assessment of those will be discussed. The biggest emphasis will be on the intervention strategies that can be used in the school setting, to assist students with executive function difficulties. Practical resources for immediate implementation will be shared as well.
Presenter: Izel Obermeyer, MS, OTR
Workshop Fee: $75
Parking: Included in Workshop Fee
Group Size: Limited to 20
To Register: Email atp@wihd.org OR call 914-493-1317 (note: advanced registration is required)

Understanding Special Education: An Orientation for Parents
2016-10-20 19:00 - 20:30 | Beacon High School, 101 Matteawan Road (Rm C-138), Beacon, NY, 12508, United States
Presenter: Joyce M. Hawk
Location: Beacon High School Room C-138, 101 Matteawan Road, Beacon
For Parents and Caregivers of students with an Individual Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan. Generally designed for parents of school-age children (ages 5+) who have recently been determined eligible to receive special education programs and services (have an IEP) and are new to the special education process. For more information contact Joyce Hawk 845-891-1305 or jhawk@wihd.org

CPSE/CSE Parent Member Training
2016-10-07 09:00 - 14:00 | Westchester Institute for Human Development, Cedarwood Hall (20 Plaza West), 1st Floor Boardroom , Valhalla, NY, 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. For event details and registration click CPSE – CSE Parent Member Training Flyer Fall 2016.

WIKI
2016-09-23 09:00 - 12:00 | WIHD Assistive Technology Center, 20 Hospital Oval West, Cedarwood Hall, Room 443, Valhalla, NY, 10595, United States
Do you wonder what a WIKI is? This session will explore the use of multi-media for self-advocacy.
The foundation of person-centered-planning and self-directed service planning will form the foundation of this workshop. The WIHD RIX WIKI will be shared and discussed in detail. This Wiki provides a platform that is user-friendly for people with a wide variety of challenges, and allows the client a means of sharing their accomplishments and strengths in a visual format so that decision can be made based on more than a few pieces of paper.
Presenter: Izel Obermeyer, MS, OTR
Workshop Fee: Free
Parking: $6.00 (cash only)
Group Size: Limited to 20
To Register: Email atp@wihd.org OR call 914-493-1317 (note: advanced registration is required)

Understanding Your Child's IEP
2016-09-19 19:00 - 21:00
Presenters: Stephanie Bellantoni, Outreach Coordinator HVSEPC
Naomi Brickel, Director HVSEPC
Location: Gigi’s Playhouse – Westchester, NY, 720 Saw Mill River Road, Ardsley, NY
Come explore the nature and purpose of the IEP. this workshop will include review of the various components of the IEP, and what information is intended to be covered within each of those components in plain language. We will go over the IEP form in detail so that parents can have a better understanding of how to navigate the document, 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. For more information and registration information contact Tracy Smith at tsmith@gigisplayhouse.org.

Hear Our Voices Self Advocacy Group Meeting
2016-09-19 18:30 - 20:00 | Westchester Institute for Human Development, 20 South Plaza W, Cedarwood Hall, Valhalla, NY, 10595, United States
Join us for WIHD’s self advocacy group meeting. Teens and young adults in our area are welcome and encouraged to join our self-advocacy group as new members. The topic will be “Learning More About Community Living”.

More Information & To Register:
Contact Mitchell Levitz, Self-Advocacy Coordinator at (914) 493-5207 or email mlevitz@wihd.org
Click here for event flyer

Understanding Your Child's IEP
2016-09-19 12:00 - 14:00 | Mental Health Association in Orange County, Inc., 73 James P. Kelly Way, Middletown, NY, 10940, United States
Presenter: Joyce M. Hawk, Outreach Coordinator HVSEPC
Location: Mental Health Association in Orange County, 73 James P. Kelly Way, Middletown, NY
This presentation will review the type of information that goes in each section of an Individualized Education Program (IEP); who contributes information; when the IEP is completed or updated; how changes can be made to address concerns; and why it’s essential to ask questions and include the child’s voice during the development of the IEP. For information or to register contact Janet Eckerson, Developmental Disabilities Family Support Supervisor (845) 342-2400×253 or jeckerson@mhaorangeny.com.

Chromebook Fundamentals for Parents and Caregivers
2016-08-12 09:00 - 12:00 | WIHD Assistive Technology Center, 20 Hospital Oval West, Cedarwood Hall, Room 443, Valhalla, NY, 10595, United States
Use of Chromebooks and Google Apps for education is exploding in the classroom. This hands-on course will help you to learn how to navigate the Google Chrome system on your PC, Mac or Chromebook. Many of the free apps used in Google Chrome, such as Google Docs, include standard options and accessibility features that support students who struggle with reading, writing and school related tasks. Learn how to access these features, as well as Chrome extensions, which can provide further assistance when working in the Chrome web browser or Google Docs.
Presenter: Karen VanDen Heuvel, MS, OTR
Workshop Fee: Free
Parking: $6.00 (cash only)
Group Size: Limited to 12
To Register: Email atp@wihd.org OR call 914-493-1317 (note: advanced registration is required)

Fundamentals of AAC
2016-08-05 09:00 - 12:00 | WIHD Assistive Technology Center, 20 Hospital Oval West, Cedarwood Hall, Room 443, Valhalla, NY, 10595, United States
AAC is such a vast field but where do you start? How and when do you know when it is time to introduce or progress to something new? In this hands-on training we will explore a variety of forms of augmentative communication—from no tech and low tech to high tech options. You will learn strategies to assess different individuals and make choices based upon their needs.
Presenter: Elyse Goldshein, MS, CCC-SLP
Workshop Fee: Free
Parking: $6.00 (cash only)
Group Size: Limited to 20
To Register: Email atp@wihd.org OR call 914-493-1317 (note: advanced registration is required)

Hear Our Voices Self Advocacy Group Meeting
2016-06-20 18:30 - 20:00 | Westchester Institute for Human Development, 20 South Plaza W, Cedarwood Hall, Valhalla, NY, 10595, United States
Join us for WIHD’s self advocacy group meeting. Teens and young adults in our area are welcome and encouraged to join our self-advocacy group as new members. The topic will be “Preparing to Vote – How to Understand Candidate’s Views on Issues”.

More Information & To Register:
Contact Mitchell Levitz, Self-Advocacy Coordinator at (914) 493-5207 or email mlevitz@wihd.org
Click here for the event flyer

CHADD of Putnam and Vicinity Monthly Support Session
2016-06-07 18:30 - 19:15 | Four Winds Hospital Conference Center, 800 Cross River Road (Route 35), Katonah, NY, United States
A support session for parents of children with AD/HD held before the CHADD of Putnam and Vicinity general monthly meetings. You will have an opportunity to exchange information and experiences and share feelings in a supportive and confidential environment facilitated by Deborah Saunders, LCSW, Psychotherapist and Medical Social Worker. Please be prompt so that we can make the most of our time together.

Fee:
$5.00 donation requested of nonmembers

More Information:
E-mail putnam-vicinity@chadd.net

AAC Apps for the iPad
2016-06-03 11:00 - 14:00 | WIHD Assistive Technology Center, 20 Hospital Oval West, Cedarwood Hall, Room 443, Valhalla, NY, 10595, United States
Many apps are available for communication on the iPad. During this hands-on training, the class will explore a variety of free and fee-based AAC apps. Topics include determining the most appropriate apps based on feature matching and free resources available online. Therapy apps will be also discussed and reviewed in addition to creating specific goals for both children and adults with complex communication needs.
Presenter: Rebecca Eisenberg, MS, CCC-SLP
Workshop Fee: $100 per person, includes lunch and parking (Checks Payable to WIHD)
Group Size: Limited to 12
To Register: Email atp@wihd.org OR call 914-493-1317 (note: advanced registration is required)

Transition Planning for Families - Preparing for Life after High School
2016-05-17 18:30 - 20:30 | CW
This presentation will provide parents with information on the school to post-school transition planning process. Families are essential partners with the school district and collaboration with the Committee on Special Education (CSE) team is extremely important to fully understand considerations for successful career development and transition to adulthood. The workshop will help parents to think about: your child today, your child in the future and the support required to help your child achieve his/her long-term goals.

Presenter:
Joyce Hawk, Outreach & Information Specialist, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center

More Information:

Planning for your Student’s Transition: Understanding Diploma Requirements, Options and Exiting Credentials
2016-05-17 11:00 - 13:00 | WIHD, Cedarwood Hall, Boardroom, 20 Plaza West, Valhalla, NY, 10595, United States
This presentation will offer parents an overview of the requirements that need to be met in order to graduate with a Regents or local diploma, or other non-diploma exiting credentials available to students with disabilities, as well as a review of the different types of diploma safety-net options available for students with disabilities. Resources will be shared to assist in the transition planning process.
Presenter: Naomi Brickel, Director of HVSEPC, and Stephanie Wozniak, Transition specialist, PNWBOCES
For more information, please see the event flyer here.
