Fri, March 18, 2022 10:40 a.m.
A series of free virtual workshops designed to inform and educate parents who have children with disabilities and the professionals who work with them will be hosted online by Parent Network of WNY throughout April.
Parent Network of WNY provides one-on-one support and education through resources, free workshops, and support groups to help families of people with disabilities understand their disability and navigate the support service system.
The following workshops are offered free of charge, but require pre-registration online at https://parentnetworkwny.org/events/.
⢠April 4 â Parents with Down Syndrome Support Group (7:00 p.m.): provides a welcoming environment for parents, family members and other caregivers of people with Down syndrome to meet, share experiences, ask questions and receive support .
â˘April 7 â âHow to protect my child through guardianships, wills and trustsâ (6:00 to 8:00 pm): Planning for the future is especially important when you have a disabled child. This workshop gives parents or caregivers an overview of things to think about: guardianship, wills and trusts. The workshop will help them understand the options as they begin to think about plans for their child with special needs.
⢠April 20 â âSpeak up! Skills for Effective Advocacy and How to Prepare for Meetingsâ (7:00-8:30 p.m.; CTLE credits available): This workshop is aimed at parents, caregivers and people with disabilities who attend various meetings with professionals throughout of a school year. The workshop will provide guidance on how to be prepared and organized. Learn to be a strong advocate (someone who speaks out).
⢠April 21 â Chautauqua County Family and Caregiver Support Group (6:30 p.m.): Receive support while connecting with others and speaking out for parents, family members and caregivers of children with special needs.
⢠April 26 â âParent and Family Engagement in the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) and Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP) Processâ (6:00 p.m. â 8:00 p.m., CTLE credits available): understanding the regulation, process and roles of families and school.
⢠April 27 â âBullying and Promoting the Wellbeing of Students with Disabilities and/or Mental Health Problemsâ (6:00-7:30 p.m.): In this workshop, parents, caregivers or educators of children with disabilities learn to recognize the signs of a bullying situation and how to talk to a child. Learn about the supports and services that can be incorporated into the Individualized Education Program (IEP) to promote social growth and well-being.
â˘April 28 â âIntroduction to the pyramid model: the basis for building socio-emotional success at home and at schoolâ (7 p.m.-9 p.m.): participants will be able to describe the relationship between the socio-emotional development of children and challenging behaviors. Participants will have a basic understanding of what the pyramid model is and will be able to assess if they are ready to implement it in their program.