Wildwood Programs Family and Community Services Announces Free Parent Workshops for more information visit http://www.wildwood.edu/index.html

CHADD/UCB Summer Camp Award Fund 2007
        CHADD and UCB, Inc. announce the continuation of the Summer Camp Award Fund for children with ADHD. The program is open to children of CHADD members only who wish to attend an eligible summer camp. This program is designed to help parents or guardians afford the expenses associated with attendance at specialty summer camps. Four awards, up to $8,000 each, are payable directly to the selected damp for tuition and fees and to the parent or guardian for related expenses. For additional questions, contact camp@CHADD.org.

Parent Resources Room
        Parent to Parent of NYS invites you to our new Parent Resource Room. We have created a Parent Resource Room, with a wide range of books, VHS-Videos and CD's on many different topics, such as special education law, disability information and much more. Many of these items can be checked out. We also have two computers with internet access for researching information. We hope this room will be used to assist parents in researching information that will help their children. So come on in and have a cup of coffee and start learning. The Parent Room will be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.. If a night time appointment is needed, please feel free to call our office at 518-381-4350 and we will try to make arrangements.

It Takes Two to Talk
        A family focused program for parents of children with communication delays. Parents learn strategies to assist in language growth that they can use in everyday activities. For more information, call Diana Kakaty @ 441-3100.

Spirit of Independence Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc.
        The Center is certified by Sunmount DDSO as a medicaid provider agency. Services are provided to individuals from preschool to adult with emotional, mental, physical, mental retardation and developmental disabilities. The Center offers grooming, on ground work and driving. They do not offer riding, but the same methods applied in riding, seat, hand eye coordination, balance, physical exercise, are applied in driving sessions, resulting in positive outcomes and goals. Horses used in the program are Lippitt Morgans, Government Bred Morgans, Norwegian Fjords and a Belgian. Driving horses are a Lippitt Morgan and a Norwegian Fjord. This programs runs from April 1 to November 30. Time slots must be reserved. For additional information, call 518-597-3516 or email porterspirit@cptelco.net.

Autism Training Initiative
        A new training series for educators. Autism Training Initiative provides teachers and other school team members with intense training in the education of students with Autism Spectrum Disorders. For more information, contact CARD at 518-442-5132.

Positive Family Intervention Project
        The Positive Family Intervention Project is a research study that has been designed to evaluate an approach to parent education which has been proven to be effective in improving children's behavior. Parents participating in this study will learn to deal with their children's behavior more positively and effectively. The Positive Family Intervention Project is a collaborative effort involving The Center for Autism and Related Disabilities in Albany, New York, Tampa,
Florida, and the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of South Florida, St. Petersburg. If you are interested in participating in this study, contact Dr. Kristin Christodulu at 518-442-2574.

Common Sense Parenting Trainings
        Common sense parenting trainings through Families United Network at Parson Child and Family Center, 102 Hackett Blvd. For more information on ongoing workshops, support meetings, and trainings, contact Joan Valery at 426-2619 or email Joan at valeryj@parsonscenter.org.

Four Winds Hospital Community and Professional Education Program Calendar
        Educational Programs at Saratoga Campus: http://www.fourwindshospital.com/saratoga/edeventssar.html.

Easter Seals Provides Camp and Recreation Without Barriers for Children and Adults with Disabilities
        For more information visit their website at http://www.easterseals.com/site/PageServer?pagename=ntl_camping_recreation&s_esLocation=serv_cr_

Advocate! The Capital District DDSO Family Support Services Consumer Council Needs You!
        Parents of children with a developmental disability are needed to participate on the Family Support Consumer Council to develop and monitor family support services for the Capital district Developmental Disabilities Services Office's 9-county district.   Meetings take place on the second Monday of each month beginning at 6 p.m. Dinner is provided.
        The Family Support Consumer Council works in partnership with the Capital District DDSO to develop and monitor policies, services and supports to enhance a family's ability to provide in-home care to their family member with a developmental disability. Services range from counseling and training, respite, recreation, to family reimbursement for the purchases of goods and services. For further information, please call Melissa Simmons at 486-1313.

CAPITAL DISTRICT AREA EVENTS

Community Educational Programs
Healthcare & Assistive Technology Center-Center for Disability Services
939 Route 146
Clifton Park, NY
        For more information or to register contact Karen Coleman at (518) 944-2107.

• High Tech Assistive Augmentative Communication, March 11, 2008
  

• Assistive Technology Freeware, April 8, 2008
  

• Treating ADHD, May 13, 2008

Sibshops: A Program Just for Brothers and Sisters of Kids with Special Needs
3/14, 4/11, 5/9, 6/13/2008
AIM SERVICES
3257 Route 9, Saratoga Springs
For children ages 8 -12.  For more information, contact Danielle Wiltsie at 518-587-3208

Understanding the Special Education System
3/19/08 and 4/29/08
10 – 1 and 5:30 – 8:30
Parent to Parent of NYS
500 Balltown Rd., Schenectady, NY 12304
Registration is required.  Call Tina Beauparlant at 518-381-4370 to request a registration form.

Planning for the Future
Wildwood Programs
1190 Troy-Schenectady Road
Latham, NY 12110

Four-part Workshop Series for Families by Wildwood Programs & Community Services. For more information visit www.wildwood.edu or call RSVP Gladys Askew 640-3318.

Apr 10 Social Security Benefits 7-8:30pm
Apr 24 Medicaid Buy-In 7-8:30pm
May 15 Guardianship 7-8:30pm
Jun 5 Special Needs Trust 7-8:30pm

6th Annual Gala: Unlocking the Possibilities
April 25, 2008
Glen Sanders Mansion
Scotia, NY
        For more information contact Albany Chapter Autism Society of America at (518) 355-2191 or visit www.albanyautism.org

Beyond our Wildest Dreams: Strong Bodies, Strong Minds – Down Syndrome Aim High Resource Center
Saturday, April 26, 2008
7:30am – 4:30pm
Holiday Inn Albany
205 Wolf Rd
Albany, NY

Mark your calendars now for what promises to be a conference that you won't want to miss! We are pleased to have secured a keynote speaker with national recognition, Karen Gaffney, a college-educated individual with Down syndrome who swam the English Channel and recently completed a swim across Lake Tahoe. In addition, we have confirmed national experts, Dr. Dennis McGuire and Dr. Brian Chicoine, authors of the recently published book, "Mental Wellness in Adults with Down Syndrome", to present practical strategies for professionals and families. Additionally, there will be Sessions ranging in topics from health issues to education to sexuality. Contact the DSAHRC at (518) 438-1113 or info@dsahrc.org or www.dsahrc.org.

Adoption 2008: Hooray for Kids!
May 8-10, 2008
Marriott Hotel
Albany, NY
        19th Annual Statewide Adoption Training Conference.  For more information contact NYS Citizens Coalition for Children at (607) 272-0034 or email office@nysccc.org

2008 Hooray for Kids!
May 8-10, 2008
Marriott Hotel
189 Wolf Road
Albany, NY

19th annual statewide conference will provide an opportunity for everyone in the adoption and foster care community to join in celebration of children and youth. THis conference will encourage participants to celebrate kids' strengths, to recognize successes and progress. Workshop presenters and speakers will share their knowledge and expertise to help participants gain perspective, increase skils, and learn to appreciate the postitives. Speakers for this event will be Zena Oglesby, MSW, Dee Paddock, MA, MTS and Holly van Gulden. For more information visit www.nysccc.org or call (607) 272-0034.

Planning For The Future of Your Child or Dependent with Special Needs by MetDESK (MetLife's Division of Estate Planning for Special Kids)
Monday, May 12, 2008
10:00 a.m.
O.D. Heck, Conference Room 1
Schenectady, NY

For more information contact Terry Anderson at (518) 370-7439

Lay Advocacy Training Program
Begins May 15, 2008
Parent to Parent of New York State
500 Balltown Road
Schenectady, NY

The Schenectady office of Parent to Parent of NYS is currently seeking applications from family members of individuals with developmental disabilities to participate in an 8 session Intensive Lay Advocacy Training.  The training is designed to provide knowledge about regulations and policies related to disabilities.  Participants will develop advocacy skills and become more competent in advocating for their child and other children.  The overall intent of this training is to offer skills to help be a more effective advocate, to give participants a better knowledge base of the laws and to improve communication skills.  For an application or more information contact Tina Beauparlant or Holly Bartzcak  at  (518) 381-4370; Hyperadvocate@aol.com or p2padvocate@aol.com .

Download Announcement Letter with Application

Medicaid Service Coordination (MSC) for Families - Getting the Most from your Child's Program

Are you getting the most from your child's service coordination program?  Do you understand what your rights are under MSC?  Do you know what to look for when choosing a service coordinator?

MSC for Families is designed to inform families about how MSC works and to explain their rights under the program.  By being informed, you and your child's service coordinator can become partners in advocating for and gaining access to necessary services and supports for your child. 

Family members who wish to register for this class may do so by calling Mary Jo Hebert at 1-800-305-8817.  In addition, we are also available to present trainings on MSC at conferences, support groups, or meetings.  Call today to schedule a training for your group or organization.

Now Available By Video Conference at your local Developmental Disabilities Services Office (DDSO) in the city or town indicated in the list below:

June 2, 2008
10 - 12

Bernard Fineson - Queens
Western NY - Perrysburg
Sunmount - Plattsburgh
Long Island - Commack
Finger Lakes - Rochester
Central NY - Rome
Broome - Oneonta
Taconic - Poughkeepsie
Capital District - Schenectady
Staten Island - Staten Island

Family Services in Fulton County Conference by Lexington Family Services
Monday, June 2, 2008
9AM-3:00PM
Holiday Inn
Johnstown, NY

A Conference for Parents, Other Caregivers and Professionals who are caring for Children and Adults who have Developmental Disabilities. Parents/Caregivers: No Charge; Professionals: $25. To register contact Carole Schwed at (518) 773-201.

SAVE THE DATE:  9/27/08
Collaborative Problem Solving for The Explosive Child – J. Stuart Ablon, Ph.D., sponsored by Parent to Parent of NYS.  Registration brochures will be available shortly.  To request a brochure, call 518-381-4350, ext. 21.

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