Westchester Institute for Human Development

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Strand A: Positive Approaches & Cultural Competency

Strand B: Children & Families

Strand C: Networking & Capacity Building

Strand D: Psychiatry & Primary Health

Strand E: Health & Well-Being

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

Putnam County Resource & Transition Fair: Supports and Services for Families and Students of all Ages with an IEP or 504 Plan, for Now and in the Future
2017-04-28 15:30 - 18:30 (America/New_York) | Mahopac Public Library, 668 US-6, Mahopac, NY, 10541, United States
Date: Friday, April 28, 2017 (3:30 pm – 6:30 pm)
Location: Mahopac Public Library, 668 US 6, Mahopac
Explore Putnam County Resources for education, recreation, training & employment, advocacy, and much more!
Some Anticipated Vendors:

Ability Beyond CAREERS Green Chimneys Hudson Valley Sp. Educ. Parent Ctr.
PARC PNW BOCES Planned Parenthood Putnam Family & Community Services
RSE-TASC Local Schools Putnam County Youth Bur. Putnam Independent Living Services
Community Based Services
Sponsored by Putnam Independent Living Services and Putnam County Transition Consortium
Click here for Event Flyer.
Click here for Vendor Registration Letter.

Communication Matters: Time-Tested Strategies by Parents and Schools to Reduce Conflict & Improve Outcomes for Students with Disabilities
2017-04-26 18:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Independent Living, Inc., 5 Washington Terrace, Newburgh, NY, 12550, United States
Wednesday, April 26, 2017 (6:30 pm – 8:30 pm)
Location: Independent Living, Inc.
5 Washington Terrace, Newburgh, NY 12550
Avoid common communication barriers and learn strategies to improve partnership and creativity with your CSE team.
Sponsored by the Mid-Hudson Special Education Task Force
Click here for Event Flyer – Communication Matters.

Ready, Set, Go to College
2017-04-26 08:45 - 13:00 UTC | Dutchess Community College James and Betty Hall Theatre / Dutchess Hall, 53 Pendell Road, Poughkeepsie, NY, United States
Location: Dutchess Community College
Presenter: Joyce M. Hawk, Outreach Coordinator, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center
Hosted by: Dutchess Community College Office of Accommodative Services
Sponsored in collaboration with: Dutchess County Transition Network, Dutchess County Counseling Association, Arlington High School, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center, and Taconic Resources for Independence.
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. Students will learn what they need to know to prepare for their transition to any type of college.
Click here for event flyer and registration.

Rockland County Resource & Transition Fair
2017-04-25 16:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Rockland Community College Field House, 145 College Road, Suffern, NY, 10901, United States
Supports & Services for Families & Students of all ages with an IEP or 504 Plan, for Now and in the Future
Date: Tuesday, April 25, 2017 (4:00 pm – 8:00 pm)
Location: Rockland Community College Field House
Sponsored by Rockland Transition Consortium and Rockland BOCES

Click here for Event Flyer.
Click here for Vendor / Service Provider Registration Form.

Rockland County Resource & Transition Fair: Supports and Services for Families and Students of all Ages with an IEP or 504 Plan, for Now and in the Future
2017-04-25 16:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Rockland Community College Field House, 145 College Road, Suffern, NY, 10901, United States
Tuesday, April 25, 2017 (4:00 pm – 8:00 pm)
Location: Rockland Community College Field House
Sponsored by Rockland BOCES and Rockland County Transition Consortium
Click here for event flyer.
Click here for Vendor / Service Provider Registration Form.

A Tale of Two Attorneys: Endrew F. and More
2017-04-25 12:00 - 13:30 (America/New_York) | Keane & Beane, 445 Hamilton Avenue, White Plains, NY, 10601, United States
Tuesday, April 25th, 12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Location: Keane & Beane, 445 Hamilton Ave # 1500, White Plains, NY
Come listen to two New York Westchester area attorneys—Stephanie M. Roebuck, Esq. an attorney who advises school districts and Marion M. Walsh, Esq. an attorney for students with disabilities and their parents, answer YOUR questions and discuss the new Endrew F. Supreme Court decision (where the Court decided that the IDEA requires schools to offer an “individualized education program” reasonably calculated to enable a child to make progress appropriate given the child’s circumstances). For event details and registration see Event Flyer.

Sports and Exercise for Active and Healthy Living
2017-04-24 06:30 - 20:00 UTC | Westchester Institute for Human Development, Cedarwood Hall (20 Plaza West), 1st Floor Boardroom , Valhalla, NY, NY, 10595, United States
Hear Our Voices: Self Advocacy Group at WIHD
Topic: Sports and Exercise for Active and Healthy Living
(Light Dinner and Dialogue with Medical Students)
Discussion Leader: Jessica Park, President of the AADMD Student Chapter at New York Medical College
Monday, April 24, 2017
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Please email mlevitz@wihd.org with any questions.

Transition CPSE to CSE (In English and Spanish)
2017-04-20 18:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York)
Thursday, April 20, 2017
Location: Port Chester-Rye Union Free School District
Contact Suzanne Peretz for more information. (914) 493-2902 or speretz@wihd.org.

Orange-Ulster BOCES Transition Fair
2017-04-20 15:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Axelrod Education Center, 53 Gibson Road, Goshen, NY, United States
Thursday, April 20, 2017
3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Speak with county-wide professionals throughout the evening and hear specialists discuss a variety of topics to assist with your student’s transition to adult life. Sponsored by Orange – Ulster BOCES. RSVP by 3/31/17. Click here for event flyer and registration.

14th Annual Transition Linkages Fair
2017-04-19 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Arc of Westchester, 265 Saw Mill River Road, Hawthorne, NY, 10532, United States
FREE ADMISSION – Light Supper will be served.
Date: April 19, 2017, from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: Arc of Westchester, Hawthorne, NY
For families, educators and students (ages 12-25) with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Join us to learn more about the resources available to help plan your child’s transition into the adult world. Talk with service providers and experts who will be on hand to help you explore options. Click here for event flyer.

New Special Education Regulations and Updates
2017-04-07 11:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | WIHD, Cedarwood Hall, Boardroom, 20 Plaza West, Valhalla, NY, 10595, United States
Speakers: Naomi Brickel, Director, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center
Laurie Levine, Regional Special Education Training Specialist, Lower Hudson RSE-TASC
Location: WIHD, Cedarwood Hall, Valhalla New York
This session will provide an overview of recent changes in federal and NY State special education policy, 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 and Registration.

CDOS Commencement Credential: What it Is, and What it Is Not
2017-04-04 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | North Salem MSHS, 230 June Road, North Salem, NY, 10560, United States
Location: North Salem MSHS, June Road, North Salem
Presenter: Stephanie Bellantoni, Hudson Valley Special Education Parent Center
This workshop will explore the Career Development and Occupational Studies (CDOS) Commencement Credential, which may be obtained by any student working toward a regular high school diploma. This is an optional certificate of work-readiness that students can earn to increase knowledge and experience needed for entry-level employment opportunities. For students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) who may not earn a local or Regents diploma, the CDOS Commencement Credential may be earned as the sole exiting credential. Click here for event flyer and registration.

Transition CPSE to CSE (In English and Spanish)
2017-04-04 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Location: Brewster Central School District
Contact Suzanne Peretz for more information. (914) 493-2902 or speretz@wihd.org.
