How can parents help? Planning for when school is over and the bus stops coming is a challenge, you may ask yourself questions like: how do we address safety concerns? where do we go for help? These questions are your first step in helping; by asking the questions you can get answers and make the
Category: Community Updates (page 3)
NEW! Family & Caregiver Group Page
Parent Network of WNY offers free family & caregiver groups that provide a welcoming environment for parents and other caregivers of young people with autism or developmental disabilities to meet, share experiences, ask questions, learn about available resources and receive support. We have a dedicated page to these groups that is updated regularly. Come check
Five Things Every Parent Should Know About the “Every Student Succeeds Act”
What is ESSA? The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is a federal law that outlines how states can use federal money to support public schools. In September 2017, New York State submitted its plan for the approximately $1.6 billion New York receives annually under ESSA. Why does it matter? New York State is committed to
HOT TOPIC! Making Transitions Stick – Part 1
Big changes, adventures and opportunities are ahead for your young adult with a disability! There will be change, new experiences, new challenges and most importantly new rewards!! Transitioning to adulthood for young adults with disabilities incorporates four areas of life… live, learn, work and play. School provided(s) foundational skills but we need to be prepared
YP! NY Institute for Self Advocacy
YOUTH POWER! is still accepting applications for the New York Institute for Self-Advocacy (NYISA). NYISA is YP!’s newest initiative; designed to train young adults (21+) with developmental/intellectual disabilities to advocate for themselves and their peers in community, systematic, and policy settings. Graduates from the institute will go on to become part of the Emerging Leaders
Job Opening: Family Support Services Intake and Eligibility Case Manager
The Intake and Eligibility Case Manager is responsible for establishing a professional and supportive relationship for parents who contact Parent Network seeking information and/or assistance on behalf of their child with a developmental disability to obtain OPWDD Eligibility. The Intake and Eligibility Case Manager will conduct an initial screening to determine parent/child needs and the
Moms of Children with Special Needs Retreat
What to Expect on an AMR Retreat Three nights of peace, sleep and friendship with other moms who already understand your challenges! Breakfast daily. Transportation and other meals extra. Total lodging cost only $200 per guest! Private baths. Completely casual, sleep as long as you want. Zero expectations of you. You don’t even have to
Father’s Day Retreat
What to Expect on an #ATLASCLUB Retreat Three nights of peace, sleep and friendship with other dads who already understand your challenges! Breakfast daily – transportation and other meals extra. Total lodging cost only $100 per guest! Private baths. Completely casual, sleep as long as you want. Zero expectations of you. You don’t even have to
Happy Holidays from All of Us at Parent Network!
December is often a time for holiday celebrations, family gatherings, and the promise of new beginnings with a new year around the corner. For many families, the holidays bring a unique stress and opportunities for disappointments. Children with disabilities may have difficulty adjusting to the changes in their routine, the expectations to visit family and
Families of young people with autism struggle with mental health needs
Teenagers and young adults with severe autism are spending weeks or even months in emergency rooms and acute-care hospitals, sometimes sedated, restrained or confined to mesh-tented beds, a Kaiser Health News investigation shows. These young people — who may shout for hours, bang their heads on walls or lash out violently at home — are