An introductory, family-friendly workshop designed to guide parents and caregivers through the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)Self-Directed Services model. Presented by Parent to Parent of NYS.
Enjoy a family swim at the YMCA, Olean.
Are you struggling to collaborate with your school district? Do you disagree with the outcome of a Committee on Special Education meeting? Mediation is a process where a third party impartial person helps the people in conflict decide for themselves how a disagreement can be resolved. This workshop will discuss why and when you should […]
Santa Express Train at Arcade & Attica RR. Please dress warm, dinner will be provided at the stopover station (hot dog, chips, and a drink). Registration deadline is December 11 or until all 50 tickets are gone. Registration is required. Parking is across the street, cross at red light to get to the station. OPWDD eligibility and […]
Join us for a fun New Year’s Eve Party and wrap up your 2026 with a wonderful family event! Provided by Starbridge:- Pizza- Drinks Play Zone575 Spittler LaneLimestone, NY 14753 Requirements: For any questions, please contact Kari Cayton kcayton@starbridgeinc.org | (585) 259-4576 Registration is required - Please register no later than Dec. 24th
This joint session offered by Starbridge and the FACE Center describes the current diploma and credential options that are available to New York State (NYS) students.
It includes information about the credit requirements for graduation in NYS, the multiple pathways to graduation, 4 +1 option requirements for all students, the appeal eligibility criteria for all students, the safety net options for students with disabilities, and the exiting credentials available in NYS and the requirements for each.
It also introduces participants to the definition of self-determination and its relation to determining individualized diploma and credential options.
When students cannot attend school or an appropriate program is unavailable, tutoring is often the only means of access to education. In New York State, tutoring is frequently used—but often inconsistently applied, misunderstood, or delayed—leaving students without meaningful instruction. This session focuses specifically on tutoring in NYS: what it is, when it must be provided, […]
Where Do I Begin? The process of pursuing residential placement can be overwhelming. This presentation will help you organize your needs, preferences, and documents to help you navigate the process. Presented by Parent to Parent of NYS.
Planning for the future means understanding and maximizing the benefits and funding supports available to individuals with disabilities. This one-hour workshop for parents, caregivers, and professionals will provide an overview of key programs including SSI, SSDI, OPWDD housing supports, SNAP, HEAP, Medicaid and waiver services, Medicare, CDPAP, and ACCES-VR. Participants will learn how these resources work, how they can support long-term stability and independence, and strategies for building flexibility and options for individuals and their families. This series is led by James Traylor, President of Rivent Partners and a nationally recognized advocate and presenter.
This session will help parents, caregivers, and professionals understand how SNTs work and how they can create financial security and choice for the future. Participants will learn about the different types of Special Needs Trusts, including 1st Party (self-settled) trusts, 3rd Party trusts, and Pooled Trusts managed by nonprofit organizations. We will discuss when each type is appropriate, how they are funded, what “Medicaid payback” means, and how trusts can be set up as part of a will or during a family’s lifetime. There will also be time for questions to help families feel more confident in planning ahead.
Planning for the future means sharing responsibilities, building backup plans, and starting important conversations early. This webinar will help parents, caregivers, and professionals understand key roles such as Legal Guardian, Power of Attorney, Health Care Proxy, Representative Payee, and Special Needs Trustee, along with the roles of Care Coordinators, Self-Direction Brokers, and natural supports. Participants will learn how to create a strong, sustainable Circle of Support that reduces burden and ensures long-term stability for individuals with disabilities. This series is led by James Traylor, President of Rivent Partners and a nationally recognized advocate and presenter.
This is a joint learning session from Starbridge and the FACE Center that will help families foster vocabulary development in young children which in turn helps children with the acquisition of language. Participants will learn how language acquisition supports literacy skills as young children grow and develop in the early and elementary grades and will be introduced to strategies to support the development of vocabulary skills.
