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Virtual Learning Sessions

Register Now for Upcoming Sessions

Wednesday, October 14, at 12 p.m. – Part 2
Wednesday, November 11, at 12 p.m. – Part 3

Event Description: Many people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) take medications to help with mental health, behavior, or emotional well-being. Families, self-advocates, and professionals often have questions about how these medications work, their benefits, possible side effects, and whether they are still needed over time.

This three-part webinar series will help participants better understand psychiatric medications and make informed decisions about their use. The sessions will discuss how health concerns, communication challenges, sensory needs, and environmental factors can affect behavior. Participants will learn about medication risks, side effects, medication reviews, and ways to work together with healthcare providers to support safe, person-centered care.

The series focuses on self-advocacy, informed decision-making, and practical strategies to support the health, safety, and quality of life of people with IDD.

Presenter: Dr. Holly Brown, DNP, RN, PMHNP-BC, PMHCS, Executive Director, Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing, St. John Fisher University

Part 2 – Working Together with Healthcare Providers
Event Description: Good medication management takes teamwork among individuals, families, and healthcare providers. This session offers practical tools to help you advocate for someone’s health while keeping their preferences front and center.

In this session, you will learn:

  • How to gather helpful daily notes and health information to prepare for healthcare provider visits.
  • How to weigh the benefits and risks of a medication before making a decision.
  • Key questions to ask the healthcare provider before starting, changing, or continuing any drug.
  • How to handle treatment refusal, respect personal choice, and avoid emergency “quick-fix” prescriptions during times of high stress.

Click to Register for the October Session

Part 3 – Detecting Side Effects and Safely Reducing Medications
Event Description: Knowing whether a medication is helping, causing harm, or no longer needed is critical. The final session covers how to track medication safety and protect overall quality of life.

In this session, you will learn:

  • How to spot common side effects, including weight changes, restlessness, involuntary muscle movements, or sluggishness.
  •  How to tell the difference between a side effect and a behavioral concern.
  • How to participate in regular medication reviews to ensure every drug remains necessary.
  • How to work with providers to slowly and safely lower or stop medications to reduce unnecessary drug burdens.

Click to Register for the November Session

Tuesday, September 22, at 12 p.m. OR 6 p.m.

Event Description: Join us for an informative presentation on how assistive technology can support individuals with disabilities throughout every stage of life. This session will highlight a variety of tools, devices, and resources that promote independence, support success in education and employment, improve daily living skills, and increase community participation. Attendees will learn about assistive technology options and available supports that can help meet changing needs across the lifespan.

Presenter: Melinda Dolezal, TRAID Director, Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs

What You’ll Learn:

    • How assistive technology can support independence at different stages of life.
    • Examples of tools and devices used at home, school, work, and in the community.
    • How assistive technology can improve communication, learning, and daily living skills.
    • Where to find resources and supports to access assistive technology services.

Click to Register for the 12 p.m. Session

Click to Register for the 6 p.m. Session

Event Description: Join us for an informative webinar where our Medicaid experts will share essential tips and key information to help you confidently complete your Medicaid recertification. Perfect for anyone looking to avoid common challenges and delays in recertification, as well as anyone looking to support a smooth renewal process.

Presenters: Andrea Emerson, Director of Director of Medicaid Eligibility and Benefits, and Elisa Farino, Medicaid Eligibility Coordinator

What You’ll Learn:

    • How to avoid common mistakes that can cause delays or loss of Medicaid coverage.
    • How income and work affect eligibility, so individuals can feel more confident about reporting changes.
    • What counts as a resource and what to do if savings or assets go over the limit.

Click to Register for the October 6th Session

Click to Register for the October 13th Session

Event Description: Navigating special education services within the Department of Education can be challenging for families and the professionals supporting them. This webinar is designed for parents and professionals seeking a clearer understanding of students’ educational rights and how to evaluate whether services and placements are producing meaningful progress.

Presenters:

  • Joshua Rosenthal, PsyD – Founder & CEO; Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychologist; PCIT Therapist
  • Ariel Kornblum, PsyD, BCBA, LBA – Senior Director of Clinical Operations, Behavioral & Educational Services; Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychologist; Board Certified Behavior Analyst
  • Francyne Zeltser, PsyD – Senior Director of Mental Health & Testing Services; Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychologist; Certified School Psychologist

What You’ll Learn:

    • Understand students’ rights under FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education) and what schools are legally required to provide
    • Recognize signs that a student may not be making meaningful educational progress
    • Identify important evaluations, records, and school-based data that should be reviewed and monitored
    • Support families in strengthening IEPs and advocating effectively for appropriate services and placements
    • Understand when an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) or additional assessment may be warranted
    • Gain practical insight into the impartial hearing process and available resources for families

Click to Register for this Session

Event Description: Supporting a loved one with a developmental disability as they become more independent can be both rewarding and challenging. This presentation explores practical strategies for helping young adults build self-confidence, decision-making skills, self-advocacy, and everyday life skills. Participants will learn how to gradually shift from being the primary advocate and decision-maker to serving as a coach and trusted source of support, while encouraging greater independence and self-determination.

Presenter: Debbie Goddard, Family and Community Educator- Community Support Network at Westchester Institute of Human Development (WIHD)

What You’ll Learn:

    • How to encourage greater independence and confidence in your family member
    • Ways to support self-advocacy, decision-making, and everyday life skills
    • Practical strategies for gradually increasing responsibilities at home and in the community
    • How to move from being the primary decision-maker to a supportive coach and guide

Click to Register for this Session

Questions? Contact Member Relations.

Translations Available

Real-time written translations in Spanish, simplified Chinese, traditional Chinese, and other languages will be provided.
Traducción escrita en tiempo real disponible en Español.
提供中文实时书面翻译。
提供中文實時書面翻譯。