Starbridge provides interactive, informative, and inspiring ways for you to build knowledge and develop skills.

Please check out our current programs & workshops!

Looking for a scheduled training?

View our online calendar to find currently scheduled events.

Want to schedule a workshop for your group?

  1. Review the workshop list below or download a pdf of our current workshop catalog
  2. To schedule a training for family members and people who have disabilities, contact Christa Knaak, Family Education and Advocacy Coordinator, by phone at 585-371-6742 or email cknaak@starbridgeinc.org.
  3. To schedule a training for a school, business, or organization, contact Joyce Steel, Director of Family Advocacy, by phone at 585-224-7334 or email jsteel@starbridgeinc.org.

Starbridge’s Signature Series

Building Bridges in Organizations

The latest US Census estimates that nearly 1 in 5 Americans have some form of disability. People who have disabilities, their families, and their friends are more likely to shop at, dine at, or engage the services of businesses that are truly accessible and inclusive. In addition, businesses that are flexible and open to employing the talents of all individuals, including those with disabilities, promote a workplace culture of collaboration and success.

Staff at Starbridge are experts in understanding disabilities and in working with groups in a positive, engaging fashion to help them see that we are all people first. Let us come in and help your employees or group members to:

  • Develop an understanding of disabilities and how they affect everyday life
  • Improve comfort level and skills in working or interacting with people who have disabilities
  • Understand definitions of and ways to accomplish reasonable accommodations and accessibility
Creating Connections student quote

Building Bridges in Schools

Schools strive to provide quality instruction in a school environment that is tolerant, respectful, and inclusive. Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and bullying prevention programs are critical to the development of that environment. Building Bridges supports PBIS and the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) while fostering awareness and sensitivity to include all students.

Staff at Starbridge are experts in understanding disabilities and in working with groups in a positive, engaging fashion to help them see that we are all people first. Let us come in and help your students to:

  • Develop an understanding of disabilities and how they affect everyday life
  • Identify the qualities of a good friend, while building acceptance
  • Understand the value of making connections and being supportive in classroom, peer group, and community settings

Creating a Life After High School is a five-session exploration program designed for youth and their families. Registration is open to all students in Monroe County NY, ages 15-21, who are living at home and who have established DDRO eligibility.

The series provides a safe and encouraging environment in which each student is able to practice their self-advocacy skills and find their voice as they begin planning for life after high school. The individuality of each student is valued and encouraged throughout the sessions.

Presenters will help students to identify key points in planning for their future. The information presented will help answer the many questions students and family members have as students enter the adult world. At the end of this program, participants can apply for funds that will be used to support their future vision.

Note: Creating a Life After High School is funded by a grant to provide this series for students with established DDRO eligibility in Monroe County.

workshop attendees 7

The Family Empowerment Series (formerly known as Lay Advocacy) is a multi-session training series offered each year by Starbridge in various locations in the Finger Lakes and Western New York regions. This series prepares families and caregivers to better advocate within the educational system for their children, and to be resources for other families of students who have disabilities in their communities. This series is open to all families of children who have disabilities and suspected disabilities.

Full list of topics (English versions)

The ABLE Act allows people with disabilities to establish a tax-advantaged savings account that can be used to pay for qualified disability expenses such as (but not limited to) housing, transportation and education. People who receive SSI and/or SSDI may find this workshop useful since the $2,000 resource limit for Medicaid eligibility does not apply to ABLE account balances. Join us to learn more about ABLE accounts from a state and national perspective.

Advocacy is the act of problem-solving with a purpose and a goal. A parent might engage in advocacy on behalf of their child; people who have a disability may advocate for themselves; a teacher may advocate on behalf of a student; groups of people may join forces in systemic advocacy efforts to change laws or policies. A step-by-step approach can guide us toward the desired outcome, regardless of the circumstance or scope. Participants will learn how to build a solid foundation of team members. Hands-on activities will reinforce the advocacy steps that lead to successful outcomes. 

Do you come away from meetings not saying what you intended or feeling as though your viewpoint is misunderstood? Do you listen to what other team members say? How do you respond? Communication is key to effective partnerships. Learn to recognize the barriers in communication that can get in the way of collaboration and positive outcomes. Strengthen your advocacy skills by learning effective and collaborative communication strategies.

Good meetings don’t happen without practice and planning. This interactive workshop highlights collaborative strategies to help reduce adversarial situations at meetings. How do you respond to conflict? You will discuss ways to identify good and bad conflict and learn three styles of response to conflict. Learn proven problem-solving skills that acknowledge concerns and ideas of all team members. Attend your next meeting with a positive approach and expect greater productivity. 

This workshop provides a unique opportunity to hear a Starbridge advocate’s perspective on the special education process, disability services, or other related topics. This is designed to be an open forum in which participants ask questions in a group setting. 

The expression of gratitude can have a positive influence in your life and in the lives of others with whom you interact. Presenters will share what research reveals on the relationship between gratitude practices and both mental and physical well-being. Participants will learn how optimism can be used to navigate difficult situations and improve advocacy outcomes. 

An advocacy notebook is an indispensable tool for every educational team member, especially families and educators. Combining individual vision, family input, educational recommendations and professional references creates a powerful springboard to advocate for your student. This workshop provides participants with the skills, knowledge, and resources to maintain the documentation and records needed for effective advocacy. Participants will leave equipped with a notebook, handouts, reproducible forms, correct educational and legal terms, and greater confidence in communicating with the whole team. 

It is sometimes difficult to articulate the dreams we hold for ourselves or for our children and students who have disabilities. Take this time to begin developing a vision for yourself, your child or your student. Where do you see yourself or your child living? Working? Spending leisure hours? Our presenters will guide you along this exciting journey and may help you to consider options you had not thought of before. You will leave this workshop seeing possibilities for yourself, your child or your student. 

A portfolio is a visual representation that can be used to introduce a child to any professional. Photos and concise text illustrate a child’s strengths, family, hobbies, interests, and “things you should know about them.” Participants start with a vision statement and develop a portfolio as part of this interactive, hands-on workshop. Educators who have received portfolios have commented that they would like a portfolio for every student! 

This workshop is designed to help families strengthen their role as advocates in their child’s Committee on Special Education (CSE) meetings and processes. Join us as we discuss the purpose of a CSE meeting, effective communication strategies, and ways to enhance your advocacy skills.

Research shows that when families are engaged, students have higher grades, test scores, and graduation rates; better school attendance; increased motivation; better self-esteem; and, lower rates of suspension. This workshop provides participants with the tools to develop a positive and collaborative relationship between families and schools. Participants will learn skills for effective communication and strategies to support educational success at home and in school. 

Self-advocacy is the act of speaking up for yourself to protect your right to direct your own life, including your interests and needs. Families can help their children develop advocacy skills from a young age. This workshop will teach families strategies to ensure their child’s voice will be heard throughout their life.

Moving from one school year to the next can be challenging for children, families and their school team members. This workshop will provide families and school team members with strategies to help promote a seamless transition and lay the groundwork for a positive start to the new school year. 

Teaching youth who have disabilities about sexuality is important in promoting independence, personal safety, healthy lifestyles, healthy relationships, and social inclusion. Families, guardians and professionals will leave this workshop with the information and confidence they need to address the topic of sexuality with children, teens, or young adults who have disabilities. 

Sometimes a child’s behaviors interfere with learning. Students and teachers need strategies to minimize those behaviors and to maximize learning opportunities. This workshop will explore the nature of a child’s behavior and when a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) should be requested. An FBA helps to determine why a student engages in behaviors that impede learning. We will share tools and strategies to support student success, and what types of supports and services might be needed. 

Guide boards are valuable tools to support appropriate social interactions. They assist a person with a disability in expressing a need or emotion. Participants will begin to create guide boards to support individuals in their communication and to assist with transitions. 

Anxiety is a natural part of childhood, but when anxiety gets in the way of a child’s ability to learn, families may need support and services through the Committee on Special Education. Learn how to collaborate with your child’s school and what supports and services may be available through school for a child who has anxiety. 

Behavior in all forms, such as facial expressions and body language, can convey messages. This workshop will explore the nature of a child’s behavior, some possible root causes, and strategies to promote positive behaviors. We will look at various supports and services available through school and in the community, and discuss options for when more support is needed. 

The expression of gratitude can have a positive influence in your life and in the lives of others with whom you interact. Presenters will share what research reveals on the relationship between gratitude practices and both mental and physical well-being. Participants will learn how optimism can be used to navigate difficult situations and improve advocacy outcomes. 

Caregivers and professionals in the human services field can benefit from real, honest conversations about the personal impacts of providing care and support to a person who has a disability. Learn to recognize and reduce stressors, as well as increase self-awareness about your role and responsibilities. The goal is to create more balance and resilience so we can continue to give our best to those we love and support. 

Are you passionate about supporting others through challenges and difficult times? Setting clear personal boundaries is the key to ensuring relationships are mutually respectful, supportive and caring. This workshop provides information about the importance of establishing boundaries when helping others to achieve their goals or working with your own team. 

Imagine a group of hand-picked individuals gathered to help a person who has a disability to accomplish their personal vision. How do we make that a reality? This workshop shows the value of a circle of support, how to form that circle, and strategies for making the circle effective. 

Research shows that when families are engaged, students have higher grades, test scores, and graduation rates; better school attendance; increased motivation; better self-esteem; and, lower rates of suspension. This workshop provides participants with the tools to develop a positive and collaborative relationship between families and schools. Participants will learn skills for effective communication and strategies to support educational success at home and in school. 

Family members and professionals are invited to attend a variety of school meetings. The ultimate goal is for the family and school to work together for the benefit of the child’s education. Participants in this workshop will learn how to get the most out of a meeting and how to be an involved team member before, during, and after a meeting. Presenters will also share suggestions on essential characteristics for strong partnerships, such as being prepared and knowledgeable. 

Do you come away from meetings not saying what you intended or feeling as though your viewpoint is misunderstood? Do you listen to what other team members say? How do you respond? Communication is key to effective partnerships. Learn to recognize the barriers in communication that can get in the way of collaboration and positive outcomes. Strengthen your advocacy skills by learning effective and collaborative communication strategies. 

Good meetings don’t happen without practice and planning. This interactive workshop highlights collaborative strategies to help reduce adversarial situations at meetings. How do you respond to conflict? You will discuss ways to identify good and bad conflict and learn three styles of response to conflict. Learn proven problem-solving skills that acknowledge concerns and ideas of all team members. Attend your next meeting with a positive approach and expect greater productivity. 

Is all that “baggage” weighing you down? Could your conversations, meetings, vision, and progress be hampered by baggage? This workshop demonstrates how you can recognize personal history as a barrier to effective working relationships. Using a lighthearted approach to a serious topic, our presenters share ways to lift baggage out of the way to make room for real progress at parent-teacher conferences, Committee on Special Education meetings, Life Plan conferences, staff meetings, and other professional gatherings. 

Are you passionate about supporting others through challenges and difficult times? Setting clear personal boundaries is the key to ensuring relationships are mutually respectful, supportive and caring. This workshop provides information about the importance of establishing boundaries when helping others to achieve their goals or working with your own team. 

What is the role of a Parent Member on the Committee on Special Education or Preschool Education (CSE/CPSE)? This training introduces the role of Parent Member and offers strategies to help you become an effective partner in the process. Learn best practices of the CSE/CPSE process and ways to effectively support a family during the meeting. 

Why tell others about your child’s disability or your own disability? Sharing information about a disability and how it affects you or your family member helps to provide an understanding of that person and will help eliminate guesswork and assumptions made by family, friends, community members, or professionals. Disclosure may open doors to better communication and understanding in both personal and professional relationships. Families will explore why, when, where, and how to tell others about a child’s disability. Self-advocates will learn that disclosing to others may help them recognize their strengths and gain skills and support. Participants will leave with a sampling of tools designed to facilitate disclosure. 

When a person’s family is a central part of their life, professionals supporting that person need to understand and work effectively with both the person and their family. Discovering and respecting a family’s unique relationships, values, communication style, and cultural background can help build collaboration and improve outcomes for the person who has a disability. Through interactive exercises and discussions, participants will gain an understanding of one family’s experience and learn how they can work more effectively with families. 

Did you know that only 17% of students who were chronically absent in Kindergarten and 1st grade are able to read on grade level after 3rd grade? There is a direct connection between chronic absence and students’ academic achievement, especially for students who have disabilities. Every minute in school matters. Families, join us as we explore strategies to overcome barriers that may be getting in the way of getting your child to school. 

Bilingual education in schools helps students learn English while continuing classes in other academic areas, such as science and math, in their native language. This workshop provides insight into the initial process of identifying a student as an “English language learner” or “Limited English Proficiency” learner. It also provides an overview of the different components of a Bilingual Program. 

The Committee on Special Education (CSE) is responsible for developing a child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) through a process which involves the student and family. This workshop will explain the purpose of the CSE, the required members, and the family’s role on the committee. Participants will learn strategies for effective advocacy with the CSE. 

Special education is a service, not a place. A variety of placements and related services are available to provide an appropriate education for students who have disabilities. Learn about the process used to determine special education placement and services. Explore the many educational options available and varying configurations of those options. Learn the answers to questions like: What is a consultant teacher? What is a self-contained classroom? What does 12:1:3 mean? What supports can help a student who has a disability to succeed in a general education classroom? 

What is the role of a Parent Member on the Committee on Special Education or Preschool Education (CSE/CPSE)? This training introduces the role of Parent Member and offers strategies to help you become an effective partner in the process. Learn best practices of the CSE/CPSE process and ways to effectively support a family during the meeting. 

Why tell others about your child’s disability or your own disability? Sharing information about a disability and how it affects you or your family member helps to provide an understanding of that person and will help eliminate guesswork and assumptions made by family, friends, community members, or professionals. Disclosure may open doors to better communication and understanding in both personal and professional relationships. Families will explore why, when, where, and how to tell others about a child’s disability. Self-advocates will learn that disclosing to others may help them recognize their strengths and gain skills and support. Participants will leave with a sampling of tools designed to facilitate disclosure. 

Why tell others about your child’s disability or your own disability? Sharing information about a disability and how it affects you or your family member helps to provide an understanding of that person and will help eliminate guesswork and assumptions made by family, friends, community members, or professionals. Disclosure may open doors to better communication and understanding in both personal and professional relationships. Families will explore why, when, where, and how to tell others about a child’s disability. Self-advocates will learn that disclosing to others may help them recognize their strengths and gain skills and support. Participants will leave with a sampling of tools designed to facilitate disclosure. 

Getting a job is an important rite of passage for most youth and adults. Employment provides a means to earn wages, but it also provides a social network, an opportunity to share and grow in professional interests, and a common purpose in accomplishing a business or organizational goal. This workshop will help families and professionals understand the realities of employment for all youth. Presenters will discuss strategies that youth who have disabilities can use to improve employment prospects. Topics include the importance of work, self-awareness, career planning, family support, possible pitfalls and disability disclosure. 

Families of infants and toddlers who have disabilities or suspected disabilities can access a variety of supports and services, including assistance with diagnosis, through the Early Intervention program administered by the NYS Department of Health. Who refers a child for services? How do you determine if a child has a delay? What does a child need, how often, and who works with the child to improve their areas of need? This workshop will provide information about the Early Intervention process. 

Can you imagine feeling out of place or unwelcome at home, school, at the gym, movies, or on the playground? At every age and stage, we all need to feel we belong. This workshop explores community inclusion from infancy through adulthood. Presenters will facilitate an open forum on how to find and choose appropriate inclusive community activities for all ages. The group will also discuss educational inclusion and least restrictive environment (LRE) by tracing one family’s journey. 

Team Up for Positive Change aims to change attitudes and promote inclusion. This innovative multi-part program connects people who have disabilities and their families with college students, teachers, doctors, and community groups.

In the first part of the program, participants learn or improve presentation skills so that they may better share their disability-related story with others. In the second part of the program, each participant collaborates with a future educator for one semester. After the participant shares their story, the student will interview the participant or family to find out more about their area of need. Students spend the semester researching their topic. At the end of the semester, the student will present their research back to the class and the participants.

Navigating the Maze: School and Your Child with Medical Needs

Children with medical needs, such as diabetes, seizures, or allergies, require collaboration between home, school, and medical professionals to successfully participate in school. Their unique medical and educational needs can be met when school staff and parents work together with medical professionals to develop appropriate plans. This workshop will acquaint participants with Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. 

Imagine a group of hand-picked individuals gathered to help a person who has a disability to accomplish their personal vision. How do we make that a reality? This workshop shows the value of a circle of support, how to form that circle, and strategies for making the circle effective. 

It is sometimes difficult to articulate the dreams we hold for ourselves or for our children and students who have disabilities. Take this time to begin developing a vision for yourself, your child or your student. Where do you see yourself or your child living? Working? Spending leisure hours? Our presenters will guide you along this exciting journey and may help you to consider options you had not thought of before. You will leave this workshop seeing possibilities for yourself, your child or your student. 

A portfolio is a visual representation that can be used to introduce a child to any professional. Photos and concise text illustrate a child’s strengths, family, hobbies, interests, and “things you should know about them.” Participants start with a vision statement and develop a portfolio as part of this interactive, hands-on workshop. Educators who have received portfolios have commented that they would like a portfolio for every student! 

Why tell others about your child’s disability or your own disability? Sharing information about a disability and how it affects you or your family member helps to provide an understanding of that person and will help eliminate guesswork and assumptions made by family, friends, community members, or professionals. Disclosure may open doors to better communication and understanding in both personal and professional relationships.

Families will explore why, when, where, and how to tell others about a child’s disability. Self-advocates will learn that disclosing to others may help them recognize their strengths and gain skills and support. Participants will leave with a sampling of tools designed to facilitate disclosure. 

Getting a job is an important rite of passage for most youth and adults. Employment provides a means to earn wages, but it also provides a social network, an opportunity to share and grow in professional interests, and a common purpose in accomplishing a business or organizational goal. This workshop will help families and professionals understand the realities of employment for all youth. Presenters will discuss strategies that youth who have disabilities can use to improve employment prospects. Topics include the importance of work, self-awareness, career planning, family support, possible pitfalls and disability disclosure. 

Families of children who have disabilities need to think about how important decisions – from finances to health care to living arrangements – will be made as their child becomes an adult. Which one is right for your family? Only you can decide. Join us for a discussion about current legal methods of planning for the future. 

Teaching youth who have disabilities about sexuality is important in promoting independence, personal safety, healthy lifestyles, healthy relationships, and social inclusion. Families, guardians and professionals will leave this workshop with the information and confidence they need to address the topic of sexuality with children, teens, or young adults who have disabilities. 

Getting a job is an important rite of passage for most youth and adults. Employment provides a means to earn wages, but it also provides a social network, an opportunity to share and grow in professional interests, and a common purpose in accomplishing a business or organizational goal. This workshop will help families and professionals understand the realities of employment for all youth. Presenters will discuss strategies that youth who have disabilities can use to improve employment prospects. Topics include the importance of work, self-awareness, career planning, family support, possible pitfalls and disability disclosure. 

Moving from one school year to the next can be challenging for children, families and their school team members. This workshop will provide families and school team members with strategies to help promote a seamless transition and lay the groundwork for a positive start to the new school year. 

It’s my MOVE now! This half- or full-day conference helps students who have disabilities and their families plan for life after high school. The student’s vision for living, working, and learning after high school should be the guiding philosophy that drives the planning as they transition to adult life and services. Topics covered during the conference include: Transition; Creating a Vision for the Future; Transition in the IEP; and Pathways to Graduation. 

Learn what “pathways to graduation” are available for students who have disabilities in New York State. What does each diploma, credential, and certificate offer for a student’s future? What is the difference between a local diploma, a Regents diploma, and a Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential? This workshop will help you and your student make informed decisions regarding school, placement, and services. 

Graduating from high school is a significant milestone for all students, including students who have disabilities. Families have an important role in supporting a student’s achievement in school. This workshop will provide family members with strategies and information that will help them support their children. It will also provide information about national dropout rates, New York State graduation rates, and warning signs of a student disengaging from studies. 

Every student who has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and is at least 15 years old should have a Transition Plan. Participants at this workshop will learn about the Transition process, which is designed to incrementally prepare students to live, learn, and work in the community by building career and life skills, knowledge and experiences. Presentations may include personal perspectives shared by people who have disabilities and family members. 

Does the adult life plan for your student include employment, college, volunteer options, or other opportunities? What skills, experience, and knowledge will your student need before this transition? This workshop will review the basics of the Transition process and help you and your student explore their adult life options.

For many families, moving from Early Intervention services to preschool is the first transition of services for their child. Being informed can lead to a smooth and easy transition. This workshop will discuss the emotional impact on families, how to best prepare for the transition, and the differences between Early Intervention (EI) and the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE). This workshop will give participants the tools to be effective members of a child’s educational team. 

For any parent with a child going off to kindergarten, it is a time of excitement and anxiety. For families of children who have disabilities, it can also be confusing and nerve-wracking. Participants will learn the differences between the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) and the Committee on Special Education (CSE) and learn strategies to work effectively with the educational team. Topics include: Individualized Education Program (IEP), Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), and service delivery options. 

Your child’s vision is written ‒ now what? How do you get their school teams to buy into the vision? This workshop will provide information and tools to assist in making your student’s vision real to their team through a short but powerful presentation. 

This workshop highlights the opportunities Self-Directed Services provide to individuals and families through managing their own budgets, hiring their own staff, developing their own person-centered plans, and implementing those plans. Hear directly from individuals with disabilities and family members about their experiences with Self-Directed Services. 


Talleres en Español

Algunas veces es difícil articular los sueños que tenemos para nosotros mismos o para nuestros hijos y estudiantes con discapacidades. Tome este tiempo para comenzar a desarrollar una visión para usted mismo, para su hijo o para sus estudiantes. ¿En dónde se ve viviendo usted o su hijo? ¿Trabajando? ¿Pasando el tiempo libre?

Los presentadores lo guiarán a usted a lo largo de esta emocionante jornada y le pueden ayudar a que considere opciones que usted no había pensado antes. Usted saldrá de este taller con una visión diferente para usted o para su hijo(a). 

Este taller está diseñado para ayudar a los padres y a las familias a fortalecer su papel como defensores en las reuniones y procesos del Comité de Educación Especial (CSE) de sus hijos. Únase con nosotros para hablar sobre el propósito del Comité de Educación Especial (CSE), estrategias de comunicación efectiva, y las maneras como aumentar sus habilidades de abogacía. 

Las familias tienen una mayor influencia en los logros de sus hijos en la escuela y a lo largo de su vida. Las investigaciones muestran que cuando los padres se involucran, los estudiantes tienen calificaciones más altas, mejores puntajes en los exámenes, e índices de graduación más elevados; mejor asistencia en la escuela; aumento en la motivación; mejor auto-estima; y menos índices de suspensión.

Este taller provee a los participantes las herramientas para desarrollar una relación positiva y colaborativa entre las familias y las escuelas. Los participantes aprenderán habilidades para la comunicación efectiva y las estrategias para dar apoyo al éxito en el hogar y en la escuela. 

Abogar (en inglés Advocacy) es la acción de resolver los problemas con un propósito y una meta. Un padre de familia puede involucrarse para abogar por su hijo (a); una persona con una discapacidad puede abogar por él o por ella mismo(a); un(a) maestro(a) puede abogar por un estudiante; grupos de personas pueden unir sus fuerzas en esfuerzos de abogacía sistémica para cambiar leyes o políticas. Un planteamiento paso-a-paso puede guiarnos hacia los resultados deseados. Independientemente de las circunstancias o del alcance, el proceso de abogar es similar.

Los participantes van a aprender cómo construir una fundación sólida con miembros del equipo para involucrarse en el proceso de abogar. Las actividades prácticas reforzarán los pasos de la abogacía que lleven a obtener el éxito en los resultados.

Conducta en todas las formas, como las expresiones faciales y lenguaje corporal, pueden transmitir mensajes. Este taller explorara la naturaleza de la conducta de un(a) niño(a), algunas posible causas y estrategias para promover conductas positiva. Miraremos varios apoyos y servicios disponibles a través de la escuela y la comunidad, y hablaremos sobre las opciones para cuando se necesite más apoyo.

La conducta en todas sus formas, como por ejemplo, las expresiones faciales y el lenguaje corporal, pueden transmitir mensajes. Analizar e Interpretar los mensajes expresados por medio de comportamiento problemático es el primer paso para implementar las intervenciones conductuales positivas.

Este taller explorará la naturaleza de la conducta de un(a) niño(a) y ayudará a determinar cuándo es apropiado tener un plan de conducta positiva. Los presentadores discutirán los elementos esenciales de un plan de conducta positiva. Los participantes aprenderán las intervenciones positivas y las estrategias para apoyar a los estudiantes con conductas problemáticas de manera afirmativa y constructiva.

Los miembros de la familia y los profesionales son invitados a asistir a varias reuniones escolares. Los participantes en este taller van a conocer cómo obtener lo máximo de una reunión y cómo ser un miembro del equipo envuelto antes, durante y después de una reunión. El taller ofrecerá sugerencias sobre puntos esenciales para una colaboración, tal como estar preparado e informado. El objetivo principal es que la familia y la escuela trabajen en conjunto para el beneficio de la educación del niño(a). 

¿Sale de las reuniones de educación o de las reuniones con el personal sin expresar sus intenciones? ¿O siente como si su punto de vista es mal entendido? ¿Escucha lo que dicen los otros miembros del equipo? ¿Cómo responde?

La comunicación es la clave para la colaboración efectiva. Los participantes fortalecerán sus habilidades de colaboración al aprender las estrategias de comunicación. Los temas incluyen las expresiones verbales y no verbales, los estilos de comunicación, y la formación de equipos. 

El Comité de Educación Especial (CSE por sus siglas en inglés) es responsable de desarrollar un Programa de Educación Individualizada (IEP por sus siglas en inglés) por medio de un proceso que involucra al estudiante y a sus padres. Este taller explicará el propósito que tiene este Comité de Educación Especial (CSE), los miembros requeridos, y el papel de los padres en el comité. Los participantes conocerán estrategias para abogar de manera efectiva con el Comité de Educación Especial (CSE). 

El propósito del Programa Bilingüe es el de ayudar al estudiante a desarrollarse académicamente en su lengua de origen y en el idioma inglés. Está diseñado para ayudar al estudiante a aprender inglés mientras continua con las clases en otras áreas académicas, tales como ciencias y matemáticas, en su lengua de origen. Este taller proporciona una idea del proceso inicial para identificar a un estudiante como aprendiz del Idioma Inglés / con Dominio Limitado del Idioma Inglés. También proporciona una visión general de los diferentes componentes del Programa Bilingüe. 

Cuando un(a) niño(a) califica para recibir servicios de educación especial, la ley federal requiere del desarrollo de un documento, llamado Programa de Educación Individualizada. El IEP (por sus siglas en inglés) sirve como una guía de los servicios, incluyendo la información importante sobre los niveles de desempeño y las necesidades del (la) niño(a), así como también de las metas para el (la) niño(a). Este taller preparará a los participantes para participar activamente en el equipo del Programa de Educación Individualizada (IEP). 

El graduarse de la secundaria es una meta importante para todos los estudiantes, incluyendo los estudiantes con discapacidades. Las familias tienen un papel importante en el apoyo de los logros de un estudiante en la escuela. Este taller les provee a los padres con estrategias e información que puede ayudarlos a apoyar a sus hijos. También cubre los porcentajes nacionales de deserción escolar, los porcentajes de graduados del Estado de Nueva York, y los signos de advertencia cuando un estudiante se está distanciado o desconectando de los estudios.

Cuando un(a) niño (a) califica para los servicios de educación especial, la ley federal requiere el desarrollo de un documento llamado Programa Educativo Individualizado (IEP). Puede ser que algunos estudiantes no califiquen para un programa educativo individualizado (IEP), pero puede que reciban adaptaciones y modificaciones de un Plan 504 o pueden recibir apoyos y servicios por medio de educación general y/o especial. 

Desarrollo de una Visión

Algunas veces es difícil articular los sueños que tenemos para nosotros mismos o para nuestros hijos y estudiantes con discapacidades. Tome este tiempo para comenzar a desarrollar una visión para usted mismo, para su hijo o para sus estudiantes. ¿En dónde se ve viviendo usted o su hijo? ¿Trabajando? ¿Pasando el tiempo libre?

Los presentadores lo guiarán a usted a lo largo de esta emocionante jornada y le pueden ayudar a que considere opciones que usted no había pensado antes. Usted saldrá de este taller con una visión diferente para usted o para su hijo(a).

Conozca cuáles son “los caminos a la graduación” que están disponibles para los estudiantes con discapacidades en el Estado de Nueva York. ¿Qué ofrece cada diploma, cada acreditación y cada certificado para el futuro del estudiante? ¿Cuál es la diferencia entre un diploma local, un diploma Regents, Acreditación de las Habilidades y los Logros (en inglés Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential), y el Certificado Regents para Estar Listo para la Fuerza Laboral (en inglés: Certificate of Work Readiness)? Este taller le ayudara a usted y a su estudiante a tomar decisiones en base a más información con referencia a la escuela, la colocación y los servicios.

Enseñarles sobre sexualidad a las personas con discapacidades es importante para promover la independencia, la seguridad personal, los estilos de vida saludables, las relaciones saludables y la inclusión social. Los padres, los guardianes legales y los profesionales saldrán de este taller con la información y la confianza que necesitan para dirigir el tema sobre la sexualidad con los niños, los adolescentes o con los adultos jóvenes con discapacidades.

El graduarse de la secundaria es una meta importante para todos los estudiantes, incluyendo los estudiantes con discapacidades. Las familias tienen un papel importante en el apoyo de los logros de un estudiante en la escuela. Este taller les provee a los padres con estrategias e información que puede ayudarlos a apoyar a sus hijos. También cubre los porcentajes nacionales de deserción escolar, los porcentajes de graduados del Estado de Nueva York, y los signos de advertencia cuando un estudiante se está distanciado o desconectando de los estudios.