AN E-NEWSLETTER FROM WIHD FOR THE CSN COMMUNITY | WEEK OF FEBRUARY 24, 2025

The help you need from WIHD's Community Support Network is here in one place. Reach out to (914) 493-8119 or CSN@wihd.org.

>> CLICK HERE << to explore the many learning opportunities on the WIHD Calendar of Events <<

Events Happening This Week

Explicit Vocabulary Instruction for Parents

February 25 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EST

The presentation will discuss fostering vocabulary development at home. Participants will be able to explain the importance of vocabulary instruction for their children in the elementary grades and describe ways to incorporate instruction in the home.

Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

WIHD Calendar

Future Planning Series: How Do We Pass The Torch? Transition Planning in Preparation for Aging Series

Workshop 5 – Exploring NYS Housing Options Outside of OPWDD Certified Residential Facilities

February 25 @ 6:00pm - 7:30 PM EST

This 8- workshop series aims to provide caregivers with the directions for creating a transition plan for who next will be responsible for supporting their loved one. At the end of the workshop series, the caregiver will have the knowledge to create a caregiver transition plan, which will include the systems, people and processes needed to successfully support their loved one so that they live life to the fullest.

Workshop 5: Exploring NYS Housing Options Outside of OPWDD Certified Residential Facilities

Navigating the housing landscape is a priority in planning for the future of our loved ones with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Understanding the array of housing options and how to access them is an important part of the planning process. Join Carol Napierski Vice President of Program Development and Grant Management, New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation, and Seth Greenman, NY Alliance Housing Consultant for a presentation of housing navigation.

Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

WIHD Calendar

Student Involvement in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) for Families

February 26 @ 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm EST

This training is intended to promote and encourage student and family involvement in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) development process and Committee on Special Education (CSE) meetings. Participants will identify ways to build and encourage their child’s self-determination skills in order to meaningfully participate to the greatest extent possible, in their own educational planning and active involvement in annual review meetings. The Student-Directed IEP approach can be utilized at any age from K-12th grade. Tools, resources, and research-based information will be provided.

Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

WIHD Calendar

Diploma and Credential Options for Students with Disabilities

February 26 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm EST

Participants will learn about self-determination skills and its relation to students determining an individualized pathway to graduation from multiple options. Credit and diploma requirements, the appeal eligibility criteria for all students, and safety-net options for students with disabilities will be reviewed. Learn how earning a Career Development and Occupational Studies (CDOS) Commencement Credential is beneficial in a number of ways and understand the guidelines for the Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential which is awarded to students participating in the New York State Alternate Assessment (NYSAA) testing program.

Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

WIHD Calendar

Diploma and Credential Options for Students with Disabilities

February 28 @ 10:00 am - 11:30 am EST

Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

WIHD Calendar

Events Happening Next Week

EI (Early Intervention) to CPSE (Committee on Preschool Special Education) for Families

This presentation will guide parents through the process of transitioning their child from Early Intervention to the Committee on Preschool Special Education.

Zoom Registration Link: Click Here

WIHD Calendar

Employment and You Conference Next Week!

Upcoming Events for Self-Advocates

Disability Conversations:

“Hear Our Voices” Self Advocacy Group Meeting

March 19, 2025 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm EST

Please Join Us! Disability Conversations Group has educational talks about living with disabilities in an accessible way. Different topics and speakers are chosen each month.

Click Here for Zoom Registration