The purpose of this training is to introduce families to the language of service delivery systems and to define and clarify information about services and supports. Participants will gain an increased awareness and understanding of eligibility criteria and the eligibility determination process. The training includes an overview of Home and Community Based Services Waiver, and Family Support Services.

Where Do I Begin? The process of pursuing residential placement can be overwhelming. This presentation will help you organize your needs, preferences, and documents to help you navigate the process.

Is Guardianship the Only Option? An overview of Guardianship and the Many Alternatives Let’s face it nothing keeps parents up at night more than thinking about who will care for our child/children when we are no longer able to care for them. This workshop will increase the knowledge of families of individuals with disabilities about the options besides legal guardianship for adults with disabilities. If your adult child does not need full guardianship, there are other options that we will explore in this presentation. We will also discuss guardianship and the legal requirements.

This workshop provides a clear, easy to understand overview of OPWDD Self-Direction services and the steps needed to get started. Learn what Self-Direction is, how it works, and what to expect along the way. Whether you’re just beginning to explore Self-Direction or are ready to learn more, this session will help you better understand your options.

This presentation provides an overview of the parent’s perspective when planning for a child’s developmental evaluation. This webinar will not be looking at specific tests or types of evaluations. Instead, we want to share some tips and potential suggestions that we have learned based on our own personal experiences when our children were evaluated. We hope that this provides you with information and ideas when planning for your own child’s evaluation.

This workshop is where parents, guardians and advocates of children who receive 504, CPSE and CSE special education services take their educational records and organize them into a record-keeping binder. This workshop will assist in being more organized in planning a child’s education, and in the CPSE/CSE process.

Discover how a Health Care Notebook can help you organize medical records effectively. Learn practical tips for using the notebook to support advocacy, save time, reduce stress, and ensure you have critical information ready in case of an emergency.

CORE ADVOCACY AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS FOR FAMILIES OF CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL HEALTHCARE NEEDS

A six‑week virtual series with one 2‑hour evening session each week. Build your skills to work well with medical professionals and educators. Learn how to communicate your experiences clearly to lawmakers and other decision makers to help shape and improve programs.

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Have you dreamed of going on a vacation with your child or adult with special needs? Does your child express a desire to go visit grandparents or a friend? Does he/she want to go on a field trip? Are theme parks or cruises a wish? Does the thought of even planning a trip make you nervous? Whether it’s a day trip or a long vacation, get tips and tricks for planning and implementing a trip with your family member with special needs. Learn how a trip can benefit all of your family members.

Walk in the shoes of siblings who grow up alongside a brother or sister with a disability. Join Parent to Parent of NYS for In Their Shoes: Understanding the Sibling Experience in Families with Disabilities. This interactive workshop explores the joys, challenges, and powerful lifelong impact of the sibling experience. Together, we’ll discuss what siblings wish others understood and share practical ways parents can support all their children: through honest communication, inclusion, and connection.

This presentation explores the intersection of LGBTQIA+ identity and disability, highlighting the unique challenges faced by individuals who navigate both experiences. Participants will identify effective support strategies, deepen their understanding of inclusive advocacy, and gain actionable insights for supporting family members and loved ones within this community.

• Extraordinary parenting responsibilities create extraordinary pressures on parents. At the same time, parenting a child with special needs requires energy, focus, and enthusiasm to be effective in our role. The better off we are emotionally and physically, the better off our families will be. Join us for this webinar on Preventing Parent Burnout and discover positive ways to cope with and effectively manage stress.

This workshop explores the emotions that can come when parenting might look different than you imagined. Topics covered will include grief, changing expectations and adjustment. Families will find understanding, practical ways to cope and reassurance that they are not alone.

The Regulations of the Commissioner of Education Parts 200-201- establish vital guidelines for the education of students with disabilities in New York State. These regulations guarantee that every student has access to a free and appropriate public education that meets their unique needs. It is crucial for both educators and parents to comprehend these legal requirements in order to effectively support a child’s educational journey.

This workshop will describe the purpose of special education, introduce the special education process, and outline the services available to children ages birth to 21. This training is designed for parents, grandparents, guardians, and professionals who are new to the special education process or have limited knowledge The goal of the training is for attendees to learn the basics of the special education system.

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The concept of the Least Restrictive Environment, often abbreviated as LRE, is an essential component of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This federal law mandates that children with disabilities receive their education in a setting that allows them to be included with their non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate. Understanding LRE is crucial for parents navigating the educational system for their children with special needs.

This training will introduce you to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This training is designed to provide you with an understanding of the law, how it applies to educational programs and to students with disabilities. Children who qualify under this law receive services and/ or accommodations in the public-school system without being classified under IDEA their school district’s Committee on Special Education.

This presentation aims to clarify the differences between Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans. It will explore their unique purposes, the eligibility criteria for each, and the specific accommodations and modifications they provide to support students with disabilities. Attendees will gain an understanding of how these plans function within the educational system to ensure all students receive the necessary support to succeed academically.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a federal law, requires certain information to be included in the IEP but doesn’t specify how the IEP should look. Because states and local school systems may include additional information, forms differ from state to state and may vary between school systems within a state. The IEP, Individualized Education Program, is a written document that’s developed for each public-school child who is eligible for special education. The IEP is created through a team effort and reviewed at least once a year. This training will teach you how to read the IEP so you can understand what should and can be in the IEP.

The Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a crucial document designed to help students with disabilities receive tailored educational support. It outlines specific educational goals and the services a child will receive to achieve those goals. Assistive technology, an integral component of many IEPs, is designed to help students overcome barriers and access their education more effectively. Assistive technology refers to tools and devices that support students with disabilities in learning and performing tasks that might otherwise be challenging.

Let’s explore what the CSE team needs to consider when discussing the need for a one-to-one aide. A key question for the IEP team is to consider whether the student with a disability does or does not require one-to-one support to make meaningful progress toward annual goals in the IEP in the least restrictive environment (LRE).

Not everyone starts out as a good advocate. Many parents, guardians, and grandparents have faced challenges in getting their child’s educational needs met. It is essential for them to learn the skills necessary to become effective advocates for their children.

Engaging with the CPSE / CSE /504 through Letter Writing. Letters provide both you and the school with a record of ideas, concerns, and suggestions. Putting your thoughts on paper give you the opportunity to take as long as you need to: state your concerns, think over what you’ve written, make changes, and have someone else read over the letter and make suggestions. Letters also give people the opportunity to go over what’s been suggested or discussed. A lot of confusion and misunderstanding can be avoided by writing down thoughts and ideas. However, writing letters is a skill. Each letter you write will differ according to the situation, the person to whom you are writing, and the issues you are discussing. This training will help you in writing to the professionals involved in your child’s special education.

A new school year means a new grade, new teachers, new goals, and maybe even a new school! In order to help you and your child with special needs be as a successful as can be, we put together this great presentation with helpful back-to-school tips that we hope will make this transition into a new school yar a little easier for you and your child.

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Approaching an IEP (Individualized Education Program) meeting with fear and dread is common for many parents. However, by preparing effectively, you can feel more at ease and become a full participant member in the planning of your child’s special education program. We will go over some strategies to help you prepare for a successful CPSE-CSE or 504 meeting.

The transition from high school to young adulthood is a critical stage for all students and for those with disabilities, it requires thoughtful planning and goal setting. This workshop will guide families through the essential steps of transition planning, a process required for students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Parents of students in ninth grade and beyond are encouraged to attend as we explore key factors such as postsecondary education, career and vocational skills, and independent living. Together, we’ll define what a transition plan is, why it matters, and how it can be used to maximize your child’s future opportunities.

A nurturing group designed for parents of young children with disabilities. Share early intervention resources, parenting tips, and build friendships with families in similar stages of the journey

September 2026, this group transitioned into two age‑specific groups to better support families.

1. Early Childhood Connections: For Families with Children 5 and Younger (Same Link)

2. Growing Together for families with children ages 6 -12 (New Link)

A welcoming group for families of children with developmental and physical disabilities, ages 5 and younger. Parents and caregivers can connect with others who understand the challenges of raising a young child with special needs in a caring, judgement free space.

Enrollment dates prior to September 2026 will still reflect the Under‑12 group and title, as the Zoom link will not update to the new 5‑and‑under name until late September.

A supportive group for families of children with special needs ages 6-12. This group offers a space for parents and caregivers to discuss everyday experiences, exchange ideas, navigate school-age challenges and connect with other families on a similar journey.

Parenting teenagers with developmental or physical disabilities comes with unique challenges and joys. This group provides a supportive community to discuss transition planning, behavioral changes, schooling, and social opportunities.

A group offering support for parents navigating adulthood with their children who have developmental or physical disabilities. Discuss topics like independent living, employment, benefits, and healthcare.

• A welcoming space for Mandarin and Cantonese-speaking parents raising children with developmental disabilities. Share your experiences, ask questions, and receive culturally relevant support in your native language.

Un espacio en español para padres latinos de personas con discapacidades. Conéctate con otros padres para compartir recursos, experiencias y apoyo culturalmente sensible.

A supportive parent group for those raising children with special needs while navigating separation, divorce, co-parenting, and blended family life. Families can share experiences, challenges and discuss practical strategies for supporting their child across multiple households

A virtual community for fathers raising children with disabilities to connect, share fatherhood experiences, and find encouragement. This group acknowledges the important role fathers play and offers tailored support.

A supportive space for parents and caregivers of individuals with neurodivergence or disabilities who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Connect with others who truly understand your journey. Share experiences, find support, and celebrate every identity. This is your community—because you deserve a space that gets it.

Created to support Black, Indigenous, and Parents of Color raising children with disabilities. This group offers culturally affirming discussions, community building, and educational sessions focused on the unique experiences of BIPOC families.

For parents whose child or adult family member currently lives in a residential setting. Share insights, coping strategies, and resources to support your loved one’s well-being and maintain family connections.

A welcoming and supportive space for parents of children with Down Syndrome. Share successes, challenges, and learn about medical, educational, and social resources.

Our NICU Parent Group is designed for parents of babies and toddlers up to age 2 who have experienced a NICU stay. This group offers a space to share challenges, successes, and the wisdom gained throughout your journey. This confidential, supportive space allows parents to connect with families from across the state and learn how others have navigated their child’s NICU experience and the postpartum period.

Connect with other parents, grandparents, and caregivers who truly understand the challenges and triumphs of advocating for a child with special needs. This is a safe space to share experiences, ask questions, discuss challenges, and find hope and humor among individuals who “get it”. You’re not alone in the special education journey!