Parent Network of WNY Presents Local Workshops

The Parent Network of WNY and Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara announced their April and May line-up of workshops to be presented locally in the Town of Niagara. The classes are of interest to parents/guardians of people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, professionals, and teachers. Running from April 13 to May 11, the free classes will be held from 6-8 pm, at Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, 1555 Fashion Outlet Blvd., Town of Niagara, 14304. Sponsors include Parent Network of WNY, Starbridge, the Collaboration for Autism Support & Education, and Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara. To register call (716) 332-4170 or 1-866-277-4762 toll free, email info@parentnetworkwny.org, or on-line at http://parentnetworkwny.org/workshops-and-events/events-calendar/. A minimum of 5 attendees is required to hold the workshop so pre-registering is very important.

The workshops are:

• April 13 — Autism Spectrum Disorders: An Overview — In this workshop participants will learn about Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and will discuss how and why Autism Spectrum Disorders are diagnosed and by whom. The workshop will also cover learning styles, recent research and ways to promote success at home, school and in the community.
• April 27 — Autism Spectrum Disorders: Improving Social Challenges — Participants will learn about the social challenges for children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and will discover strategies to use at home, school and within the community.

• May 4 — Supporting Siblings of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder — In this workshop, families will learn about challenges that can occur when a member is diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Participants will learn how siblings can work together within the family to promote understanding and encourage social skills.
• May 11 – Sexuality…Having the Conversation – Participants will understand the importance of early and ongoing discussion about sexuality and appropriate social behaviors for individuals with disabilities. Tips will be provided to encourage a more comfortable conversation.

Parent Network of WNY is a not-for-profit agency that provides education and resources for families of individuals with special needs and professionals. They also provide 1-on-1 support and education through resources, workshops and support groups to assist families of individuals with disabilities to understand their disability and navigate the support service system.

For more than 60 years, Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, the Niagara County Chapter of NYSARC, Inc. and a United Way Agency, has provided supports to people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities of all ages and their families. We are dedicated to maximizing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities by providing them the resources to reach their greatest potential including training, employment, recreation, service coordination, fine arts, horticulture therapy and residential opportunities. For more information, visit us at www.oppunlimited.org as well as on Facebook and Twitter.