Are you a Black, Indigenous, Person of Color (BIPOC) AND a parent or caretaker of a loved one with special needs 21 years old and under? Let’s come together as a group to learn, share our experiences, resources and empower each other in this safe and confidential space.
There are critical issues affecting the autism community currently under discussion in Washington, D.C. To help understand what is at stake – and what autistic advocates and their allies can do to help – Autism Speaks is hosting a free webinar on Tuesday, May 20 at 6 PM EST. You should join us because:
Decisions about research, Medicaid, and education funding are being made—and understanding what’s on the table is the first step to knowing how and where to get involved.
Advocacy isn’t just for lobbyists—it starts with people like you who care deeply and want to make a difference.
You’ll hear directly from autistic advocates, policy experts, and leaders shaping the future of autism services and research—and learn how you can help influence what happens next.
Posted 5-12-25
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Posted 5-9-25
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Self-Direction: An Overview
May 14 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT
Learn about OPWDD’s self-direction services which allows for more choice in OPWDD-funded supports and services. The individual must be eligible for OPWDD services and participating in Care Management services through a Care Coordination Organization (CCO) to be approved for self-direction. Therefore, it is recommended that you first attend a workshop on OPWDD eligibility if the person with the disability does not already have it.
Nassau Suffolk Services for Autism (NSSA) is delighted to once again be hosting a night of family fun at Adventureland!
2245 Broad Hollow Rd, Farmingdale, NY 631-694-6868
Thursday, April 10, 2025
5:30-8:30PM
ADVENTURELAND WILL BE CLOSED
TO THE PUBLIC FOR THIS EVENT
That means individuals with autism, and their families and friends, will have unlimited access to the entire park with little waiting time. Best of all, the park will be filled with people who love, care for and embrace individuals with autism.
Advance purchase of tickets is highly encouraged to help
reduce wait times at check-in on the night of the event.
Tickets are $30 per guest.
ALL GUESTS OVER THE AGE OF 2
MUST PURCHASE A TICKET TO ENTER THE PARK.
Children aged 2 and under do not require a ticket to enter.
Tickets include unlimited access to all attractions.
No outside food or drink will be allowed in the park.
Food will be available for purchase at the Snack Bar.
Please note it is up to the park's discretion if the event is
canceled due to weather. Updates will be posted on NSSA's social media and website www.nssainfo.org.
The Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) Center at Stony Brook University is recruiting! LEND is a MCHB-funded program focused on interdisciplinary training for better care for those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disabilities (ND).
As a trainee you have the opportunity to train with field experts, learn from other disciplines, attend clinical seminars and train with the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science throughout the year.
If you would like to join an information session click HERE!
Virtual Listening Sessions for Families on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Do you have a family member with an intellectual or other developmental disabilities (IDD) who receives supports and services now, has received them in the past, or has been unable to access supports and services? OPWDD wants to hear from all families in New York State across diverse racial, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, and other identity groups. Your thoughts and experiences matter!
Georgetown University National Center for Cultural Competence (NCCC) is conducting listening sessions (on Zoom and by telephone) for families of persons with IDD. The listening sessions are intended to hear about your experiences in accessing supports and services:
based on your family’s cultural beliefs and practices,
in your preferred language, and
that are appropriate and fair for your family member with IDD.
Your experiences and insights are important. NCCC will listen to you and pass this information along to OPWDD. Your name will not be included in any of your comments. Sharing your thoughts and experiences will help OPWDD and its providers improve supports and services for persons with IDD.
To ensure accessibility, the sessions will be offered:
We understand the demands on your time. That's why we're offering sessions during the weekdays and on Saturdays to accommodate your schedules.
We appreciate the time you will devote to participating in a listening session. We will offer participants a $25 electronic gift card (one per family) to honor your time.
Space is limited! Register today and share with other families!
Agency 101 – Connecting Individuals with Disabilities to
Adult Services
December 17 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm EST
Identifying State and community-based agencies that may be able to provide services to young adults with disabilities is a critical component of transition planning for life after high school. This session will offer a broad overview of several core disability service systems in order to understand the different eligibility criteria that must be met to qualify for a variety of supports. The referral and application process as well as the types of services available for each will be reviewed. Families may have to access more than one service provider depending on the type of disability and services they need for their children and young adults with a learning disability, physical disability, visual and/or hearing impairment, intellectual/developmental disability, mental health disorder or any combination of disabilities.
*The session will not include the identification of local organizations or details of the specific programs they may offer. Resources will be provided.
Come join us for this NEW Presentation on Traveling with Your Special Needs Child/Adult.
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.