Updates & Insights from the Department of Special Services
Welcome to Partnering for Success, a space where the the Director of Special Services will share regular updates, insights and important information from the Department of Special Services. These newsletters are designed to keep families, staff and the community informed as we work together to support all learners.Â
Stay connected and informed! Here are some important workshops and trainings happening:
OctoberÂ
(Spanish-Speaking Special Education Group)
🗓️ Fecha: Lunes, 6 de octubre de 2025
🕕 Hora: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM (EDT)
đź“Ť En lĂnea por Zoom
Aprenda de los expertos — en Español
Únase a este grupo de apoyo en español para familias con hijos en educación especial. Compartiremos información útil y práctica sobre temas clave que afectan a su familia.
Temas a tratar:
Salud familiar
EducaciĂłn especial
ComunicaciĂłn con el personal escolar
Comunicación con médicos
CĂłmo obtener ayuda para sus hijos
đź”— Haga clic aquĂ para ver el volante y registrarse en Zoom
Special Education 101: Training of the Parent Member
🗓️ Tuesday, October 7, 2025
🕕 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (1-hour lunch break)
đź“Ť In person, at Southern Westchester BOCES, Harrison, NY
This NYS Education Department–approved training prepares parents or guardians who have had a child with an IEP in the last five years to serve as Parent Members at CPSE/CSE meetings. This is also open to any staff who may wish to serve as Parent Member in their home district.
The Parent Member role is:
A neutral peer who helps parents feel comfortable and informed during IEP meetings
Focused on collaboration and understanding
A resource for fostering positive communication and strong school–family partnerships
Participants completing this four-hour training will receive a certificate for their district.
OPWDD is hosting statewide information sessions to explain the Coordinated Assessment System (CAS) and the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS-NY) assessment. These sessions aim to reduce concerns about the assessment process and help people better understand it. The goal of these assessments is to enhance service delivery and care planning by involving individuals and their support networks to create more personalized service plans.Â
🗓️ October 9
🕕 10:30 am – 12 noon
đź“Ť OPWDD Kingston Office
   521 Boices Lane
   Kingston, NY 12401
🗓️ October 9
🕕 3:30 pm – 5 pm
đź“ŤWestchester Institute for Human Development (WIHD)
  Cedarwood Hall
 20 Hospital Oval W
 Valhalla, NY 10595
Space is limited at the in-person sessions so please register early to reserve your spot. Once your registration is confirmed you will receive confirmation.Â
Parents of Teens Support GroupÂ
🗓️ Wednesday, October 8, 2025Â
đź•• 6:30-8:00 PMÂ
The Parents of Teens Support Group hosted by the Greater Mental Health of NY will host the next meeting, held in person on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, from 6:30–8:00 PM in Valley Cottage, NY.
This is a confidential, supportive space for parents to connect, share, and find encouragement. Meetings are held twice a month:
📍In Person – once a month in Valley Cottage, NY
📍Online via Zoom – the next online meeting is October 22, 2025
Whether you're seeking advice or just need to know you're not alone, this group offers a safe and welcoming environment for all parents of teens.
To RSVP, please contact Madlen Setian with your full name and phone number:
📧 setianm@greatermentalhealth.org
đź“ž 845-596-9835
Portrait of a Graduate: NY Inspires – A New Roadmap to One Diploma for All
🗓️ October 16Â
đź•• 12:00 PM
Hosted by the Lower Hudson Special Education Task Force
Join us for an overview of NY Inspires, New York’s newly adopted plan to revamp graduation requirements. Aligned with the Blue Ribbon Commission, this initiative focuses on:
A statewide "Portrait of a Graduate"
Updated credit structures
One diploma for all students
Phasing out current assessments
Learn what’s changing, why it matters, and what to expect in the coming years.
đź”—Register Here If you have difficulty registering, please email jbaumann@putnamils.org Or call (845) 228-7457, ext. 1108Â
Empowering the Transition: Helping Students with Disabilities Prepare for College
🗓️ October 16Â
đź•• 12:00 PM
Have a junior or senior in high school who is thinking about college? Looking to learn more regarding disability services and the process at the college level? Join the disability services offices for an overview of the transition process. Bring your questions!Â
đź”—Register Here Please complete the form to receive the zoom link
"Integrating Behavior, Play, and Language in Children with Autism and Language Disorder"Â
🗓️ Thursday, October 16th, 2025Â
đź•• 10:00 am - 11:30 amÂ
This presentation will explore how behavior, play, and language are interconnected and how an integrated approach can foster meaningful developmental progress. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how to: Recognize and respond to behavioral cues as a form of communication, use play as a foundation for building social and language skills, Support language development through structured and naturalistic interactions, collaborate across disciplines (e.g., speech therapy, ABA, and occupational therapy) to support the whole child and Implement practical strategies that promote engagement, reduce frustration, and encourage functional communication. Â
email familyconnect@adaptcommunitynetwork.org or call (718) 436-7979 Ext. 5139 for more details
Parent to Parent of NYS presents:Â Black, Indigenous, Person of Color (BIPOC), Virtual Parent GroupÂ
🗓️ Thursday, October 16th, 2025Â
đź•• 7:00 pm - 8:00 pmÂ
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. Â
Charting a New Path with ACCES-VR
🗓️ Wednesday, October 22ndÂ
🕕 7:00 – 8:30 pm
* Learn about Adult Career and Continuing Education Services- Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR) and how it supports individuals with disabilities related to goals for employmentÂ
*Discover who qualifies, the wide range of services available, and how the process works
*Learn about services tailored for high school students ages 14+ with IEP's or 504 plans
This workshop will be held virtuallyÂ
 All are welcome to this free, informative workshop. It is open to parents, students, as well as professionals.
đź”—Register Here ALL ATTENDEES MUST PRE-REGISTER. Â Â
🗓️ Date: October 23
🕛 Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (EDT)
đź“Ť Location: Online via Zoom
This free presentation will help families understand the process of transitioning their child from Early Intervention (EI) to the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE).
Join us to learn what to expect, how to prepare, and where to find support during this important step in your child’s educational journey.
🗓️ Date: October 23
🕑 Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM (EDT)
đź“Ť Location: Online via Zoom
This workshop is designed for individuals who have already attended our monthly Supported Decision-Making, Guardianship, and Other Alternatives session and have decided that guardianship is the most appropriate path.
We’ll walk through the steps to complete a guardianship petition, including a review of required documentation and helpful tips for a smooth process.
🗓️ Date: October 24
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 11:15 AM (EDT)
đź“Ť Location: Online via Zoom
Considering SSI for a Family Member?
This workshop is designed to guide you through the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) application process. We’ll cover:
When and how to apply
Eligibility requirements
Tips to make the process smoother and less stressful
Whether you're just starting to explore SSI or preparing to apply, this session will provide helpful tools and information.
Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health – Children’s Mental Health Services
We are pleased to share information about the upcoming 20th Annual Transition Linkages Vendor Fair.
🗓️ Tuesday, October 28, 2025
🕕 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
đź“ŤWestchester County Center, White Plains, NY
This free event provides an excellent opportunity for parents, self-advocates, and educators to learn more about adult services and transition planning for individuals aged 14–25. Over 50 vendors serving Westchester County residents have confirmed their participation in this year’s event.
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