Community Support Network at WIHD
Let Us Help You!
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The help you need is here in one place.
(914) 493-8119
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The time is here for schools and programs to open, both remotely and in-person. Now it is more important than ever, that families stay informed and connected. The Community Support Network is here to assist!
We have many resources available for you:
Website:
Check out our website for resources and information to assist you on innumerable Special Education topics!
You can view details and registration information for free online workshops, trainings, and family support sessions. Check out the WIHD Calendar or our CSN Events Page on Facebook for more information.
Social Media
Please visit us on Facebook. From there you will find various groups (scroll down to the bottom of this email for a listing) where you can watch live interviews, explore family resources, and join the conversation on key issues facing the disability world right now! Don’t miss it."
Be well, stay safe,
Community Support Network
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Virtual IEP Meeting Tip Sheets
Speaking of resources, there are endless resources and learning opportunities online for parents. A good example is the Virtual IEP Meeting Tip Sheets (see pages 5-6 for parent info) available on the website for the Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR). These tip sheets were developed in response to requests from state and local educational agencies and parents about how to hold and participate in virtual IEP meetings. These tips are very helpful for any virtual meetings with your school, as virtual meetings are new for many of us.
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CSN Parent Discussion Forums
As we embark upon what is sure to be an historic year in education, the Community Support Network at WIHD will continue to host Parent Discussion Forums. These have been very well-attended during the spring and summer, and we will continue to offer these on a variety of topics for parents of grade-school and transition age youth.
Join us for a series of brief discussions facilitated by CSN staff, on how families of youth with disabilities can address transition planning for life after high school with their school teams, while students are being educated through remote learning.
Each session will focus on key transition components of the IEP, ideas for transition activities and tips to help parents be engaged in the transition planning process. Participants are encouraged to come with questions and leave with answers. Upcoming sessions are:
Oct 7 - Education/Training
Nov 4 - Employment
Dec 2 - Independent Living
K-12 Parent Discussion Forums are being scheduled as well. Please keep an eye on our calendar of events at www.wihd.org/events for additional sessions and Zoom registration links.
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What's new at CSN
During the months of July and August, our staff here at CSN have been very busy providing parent education and professional development workshops on a wide range of topics. These workshops, some have been during the day, others in the evenings, have been very well attended, and also have been rated high in satisfaction by the participants. Stay tuned for our full schedule (you can always check the WIHD calendar of events for details.
Some examples of recent workshops:
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August 10th was our first workshop on Explicit Vocabulary Instruction, Parents and caretakers will be able to explain the importance of vocabulary instruction for their child in the elementary grades. Participants will also be able to describe ways to incorporate explicit instruction and vocabulary instruction in the home.
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On August 20th, we conducted a workshop entitled "Talking with Your Kids about Sexuality". This is a workshop topic that is frequently requested by parents and this program followed a curriculum that taught parents how to navigate this challenging topic.
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On September 15th, Hear Our Voices (HOV) Self-Advocates group hosted a zoom meeting titled Get ready for the 2020 Elections. Disability specialist, Mitchell Levitz (former WIHD Self-Advocacy Coordinator) led a guided discussion about importance of voting and having your voice heard. Well attended and very informative!
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Help us helps you!
Your help is needed: The WIHD Community Support Network is updating our list of SEPTAs in the Hudson Valley. We try to send out communications to these groups (for benefit of your members). Please help by completing this information form linked here.
So far, we've received the following 10 district's information, thanks to all.
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New Tentative Dates for the January 2021, June 2021, and August 2021 Regents Examination Periods (attachment)
- The new tentative dates for the January, June, and August 2021 Regents Examination periods are being provided at this time to assist schools and districts with developing their local school calendars for the 2020-21 school year.
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Questions may be directed to the Office of State Assessment at 518-474-8220 or emscassessinfo@nysed.gov.
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Office of Special Education Youth Advisory Panel - Regional Openings
- New York State Education Department’s (NYSED) Office of Special Education is seeking nominations for new members for the Youth Advisory Panel from Central New York, Capital District, and Hudson Valley regions.
- The Youth Advisory Panel advises the Office of Special Education on proposed policies related to the education of students with disabilities through facilitated discussions with NYSED staff.
- for students with disabilities currently attending high school who are receiving special education services through an individualized education program (IEP)
- Members are appointed for a two-year term. The Youth Advisory Panel meets three times per year, typically at the Education Building in Albany, New York. Members’ reasonable and necessary expenses for attending meetings are reimbursed. Please note, due to COVID-19, the Youth Advisory Panel will be meeting virtually until further notice.
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Additional information, including the Nomination to Serve on the Youth Advisory Panel form and where to submit completed forms, can be found at NYSED’s Youth Advisory Panel webpage. Questions may be directed to Megan Brown or Deborah Rous, Associates in the Special Education Policy Unit, at (518) 473-2878 or speced@nysed.gov.
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Brendan’s Blog and the GetWIHDit Facebook group for Self-Advocates
Brendan is starting a monthly podcast called TicTacPod. His first topic will be learning more about relationship during quarantine with friends from his social groups. There will many more other hot topics with new guests that will be joining him. If you have an important hot topic that you would like to have Brendan speak about, let him know! Email bklein@wihd.org.
WHO IS READY FOR SUNDAY FOOTBALL GAMES?!
This year, we will be hosting the weekly games on Facebook LIVE for the 2020 season. Bring your favorite snack and join the fun and watch with each other on Sunday afternoons on Facebook. If you would like to join Brendan's Facebook social groups or Hear Our Voices, let him know email: bklein@wihd.org.
Hear Our Voices Self-Advocacy Group
Next meeting will be on October 14th at 6:00 pm. , the topic will be Self-Advocacy in Relationships. Click here for the Zoom registration link.
Voting is very important for Self-Advocates!
See this video I made about the importance of voting here.
- Brendan Klein
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New York State - Special Education Office
Website of the Office of Special Education Office of the New York State Education Department (NYSED). View
New York State - OPWDD
Website of the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). View
New York State - Self Direction Program
Webpage of theNew York State Office for People with Developmental Disablities (OPWDD) on Self Direction, a way to choose a mix of supports and services that allows you to set up services, providers, staff and schedule that work best for you. View
New York State - ACCES-VR
Website of the New York State Education Department, Adult Career and Continuing Education Services - Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR). View
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Community Support Network:
Find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
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Self Direction Parent Forum
Westchester DSP Job Bank
SpEd2AdultTransitionConex
WeWorkHV! Jobs, Internships & Service Opps for People w/Disabilities
WIHD Red de Apoyo Comunitario
Lower Hudson Early Childhood Development Center
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