You are cordially invited to the 12th Annual Angels in the Park Picnic on September 11th at Thomas Bull Park, Route 416 in Hamptonburgh, NY (Sally's Dream Pavilion), from 12:00 noon until 4:00 pm.

A fun way to meet new families, keep in touch, and build friendships!  All families who have children who have any disability are welcome to attend, as well as their family members.  There will be hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, salads and drinks for all to share. 

There is no fee to attend, but donations help keep us going!

Bring your baseball gear for a pick up game of baseball!

RSVP to Ellen Popelsky by Sept. 5th at 928-8685

The Gala Committee will be meeting on Sunday, September 12th at 5:00 pm at the DSAHRC to continue planning for the October 22nd Inaugural Gala.

For more information on joining the committee, please contact Jullie Koenig at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Presented by Parent Network of the Capital Region, this session will be held on September 14th at Wildwood Programs, 1190 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, from 6:30 - 8:00 pm.

When parents and school work together, the child always benefits.  Unfortunately, poor communciation, misunderstanding, and differing opinions can make school relationships frustrating and overwhelming.  In this workshop, participants will learn simple, practical strategies for working with your child's educational team to build effective communcation and more effective IEPs.  We will also provide participants with a fail-proof strategy for organizing records and documenting important communications with school personnel so that you always have the information you need for effective advocacy right at your fingertips.

Please register in advance by email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by phone (518) 640-3320

The Special Education Taskforce Presents, "Transition Planning:  What Parents & Advocates Need to Know" on Friday, September 17th from 10:00 am until 12:00 noon at Colonie Town Library (629 Albany Shaker Road, Loudonville).  This session will be presented by Letah Graff, Transition Specialist, Regional Special Education Technical Assistance Support Center.

Parents are an integral part of the multi-year process of planning for the transition of their child with a disability from school to post-school activities.  Transition regulations begin the year the child turns 12 years of age and becomes a part of the IEP development process for students age 15 and older.  This workshop will provide participants with information about transition regulations and effective practices, including vocational evaluations, transition components of the IEP, developing post secondary goals and working collaboratively with teachers and the CSE committee.

RSVP to Judy Swierczewski at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

"Getting Off on the Right Foot:  Staying Organized & Working with Your Child's Educational Team" will be held on Saturday, September 18th from 10:00 am until 11:30 am at the DSAHRC.

When parents and school work together, the child always benefits.  Unfortunately, poor communication, misunderstanding, and differing opinions can make school relationships frustrating and overwhelming.  In this workshop, participants will learn simple, practical strategies for working with their child's educational team to build effective communication and more effective IEPs.  We will also provide particpants with a fail-proof strategy for organizing records and documenting important communications with school personnel so that parents will always have the information they need for effective advocacy right at their fingertips.

This seminar will be presented by Julie Keegan, a Special Education Resource Specialist from the Parent Network of the Capital Region. 

Please register by September 8th by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by phone (518) 438-1113.  This seminar will be held only if we have six or more participants registered.  It is extremely important that you register and provide all of the following information in the event we need to notify you of any changes or cancellations prior to the event:

Date of session
Full name
Address
E-mail
Phone
Cell phone

Thanks, and we hope to see you there!

The 8th Annual Tearing Up the Turf for Timothy and his Friends with Down Syndrome Golf Tournament will be held at the Fairways of Halfmoon Golf Course on Sunday, September 19, 2010.  Proceeds from the tournament will be donated to the DSAHRC.

For more information on golfing in this tournament, or being a sponsor, or donating a prize, please contact Darren or Patrice Van Heusen at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Tri'd and True Friends Get Together and Picnic to be held on Sunday, September 19th from 12 noon until ??? at The Rhodes Home, 19 Pearl Street, Schuylerville, NY.

Bring your bathing suits and outdoor toys, if it is still warm enough!  Be ready for good friends, good conversation and good food!  Please bring a dish to share, if you are able.  The Rhodes Family will provide hamburgers and hot dogs.

This gathering is for individuals who have Down syndrome and other different abilities, their families and friends!  As always, everyone is welcome--grandparents, aunts, uncles, whoever!

RSVP to Joni Rhodes at (518) 695-4627 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Wildwood Programs Family and Community Services presents this free workshop for families and professionals, "Obtaining Services Through the NYS Office for People with Disabilities" (formerly OMRDD), on Monday, September 20th from 9:00 - 11:00 am at Wildwood Program, 1190 Troy Schenenctady Rd., Latham.

Barb Kirby, Intake Coordinator, will provide a road map on the process of applying for eligibility for services funded by OPWDD.  Learn about eligibility criteria, the documentation that is needed to support the diagnosis and options when it's determined that there is insufficient documentation.

Danielle Mazza, Director of Medicaid Service Coordination, will answer the question:  "What is a Medicaid Service Coordinator (MSC) and why do I need one?"  Learn how and why an MSC can help you complete a Medicaid Waiver application.

Carla Waltersdorf, At Home Residential Habilitation Coordinator, will describe the At Home Residential Habilitation (AHRH) Program model, what to expect from services, and how to access services.

Marie Floyd, Director of Family and Community Services, will discuss the services that are available through Family Support Services, including recreation/respite, case management, advocacy, counseling, reimbursement grants and behavior support services. 

Bring your questions!

RSVP to Wildwood at (518) 640-3300

At the September 20th Meeting, the Dad's Place will welcome Brian Sheridan of The Bus Stop Club.  The Bus Stop Club is a non-profit organization that provides a wonderful opportunity for sibling of children with chronic illness or special needs to talk with other kids who have the same issues in their life.  They play, eat and have fun all the while under the care and supervision of healthcare workers to get the support they need to help overcome the everyday battles they are faced with.  Dads...come hear Brian speak about the benefits an organization like his can have for your child who does not have a disability.  To learn more about, or to join the Bus Stop Club, email Brian Sheridan at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 221-4402.  Visit the website at www.busstopclub.com.  

The Dad's Place at Parent to Parent of NYS is the place to meet other dads who have been through the same issues you are encountering, the place to give dads some encouragement as they venture into the world of disability, the place to get answers to questions that may be of importance to all in attendance and the place to have coffee and outstanding conversations with other outstanding guys.  You are welcome to join the group and if you know someone who is not aware of the group, please feel free to forward the information to them.

• Network with outstanding fathers who have "been there"
• Share stories of success
• Share concerns or frustrations
• Engage in valuable conversations
• Open to dads, uncles, male siblings, grandfathers and stepfathers
• Join us for coffee, soda and snacks

All meetings are held at Parent to Parent of NYS, O.D. Heck Developmental Center, 500 Balltown Road, Schenectady.  Please contact Jim Swart for more information.

Meeting Dates fro 2010 include:

• October 18th
• November 15th
• December 13th

Presented by Ann Nobis, Speech Language, Communication Specialist, this 5-week series is for any person, of any age, interested in learning beginning sign language and how to communicate with sign.  The five 1-hour session course is for beginners who want to learn basic sign, how to use it, and how to teach it to your child.  It will be relaxed, fun, casual and all about communication!

To be held at the DSAHRC, 1 Marcus Blvd, Suite 105, Albany. 

Week 1:  Introduction; alphabet and fun activity.  Tuesday, September 21st from 6:00 - 7:00 pm

Week 2:  Food and clothing signs and fun activity.  Tuesday, September 28th from 6:00 - 7:00 pm

Week 3:  Action word signs and fun activity.  Tuesday, October 5th from 6:00 - 7:00 pm

Week 4:  Animal and color signs and fun activity.  Tuesday, October 19th from 6:00 - 7:00 pm

Week 5:  Sign while reading a simple book, and Graduation!  Tuesday, October 26th from 6:00 - 7:00 pm

This seminar, "Special Care Planning: What Happens When..." will be held on Wednesday, September 22nd from 6:00 until 8:00 pm at the DSAHRC and will be presented by William Van Evera, CLU, ChFC and Kimberly Strauchon Verner, Esq.

Topic covered will include:

• The Special Care Planning Process
• Basic Estate Planning Tools
• Special Needs Trusts--their creation and funding
• Planning Mistakes We've Seen
• Guardianships--Needed or Not?
• Letters of Intent--"A Work in Progress"

William is a Special Care Planner with Mass Mututal Financial Group in Albany.  Involved in the financial services industry for over 30 years, Bill obtained his Chartered Life Underwriter designation in 1985 and his Chartered Financial Consultant designation in 1987.  In 1990, Bill began working with families who had children with special needs and today this type of work encompasses roughly 75% of his practice.  In 2005, Bill obtained hs Special Care Planner certification from the American College in Bryn Mawr, PA.  Bill and his wife Terry live in Niskayuna and have three children.  Their youngest son, Craig, now age 21, was born with Down syndrome.

Please RSVP to this seminar no later than 9/17/10 by calling the DSAHRC at (518) 438-1113 or by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

This seminar is presented free of charge to current dues-paying members of the DSAHRC.

The Conference Committee will be meeting to plan the April 2, 2011 Conference.

If you are interested in joining the Conference Committee, please contact Diane Lang at (518) 438-1113.

The Parent Network of the Capital Region will be holding its Annual Fall Conference, "Reaching the Hearts and Minds of Children with Disabilities:  New Directions for Home and School", on Friday, Sept. 24th from 8:30 am until 3:45 pm at the Century House in Latham. 

Dr. Robert Brooks, renowned psychologist and motivational speaker is the keynote and morning presenter.  There will also be a series of afternoon sessions for parents and professionals.  Topics will include:

• New Standardized IEP that goes into effect in January, 2011
• Individualizing IEP's to Address Executive Function Skills
• Behavior and Emotional Challenges
• Plus more cutting-edge presentations on special education-related issues

For more information, contact the Parent Network of the Capital Region at (518) 640-3320 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Sibshops is a program just for brothers and sisters of kids with special needs.  Sibshops are a celebration of the many contributions made by brothers and sisters.

The Fall 2010 Sibshop schedule for Saratoga Bridges (6 Saratoga Bridges Blvd., Ballston Spa, NY) is:
Sept. 24th, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Oct. 29th,   6:00 - 8:00 pm
Nov. 19th,  6:00 - 8:00  pm
Dec. 17th,  6:00 - 8:00 pm

Attendance at all 4 sessions is strongly recommended.   These workshops are for siblings ages 8-12.  Space is limited, so register as soon as possible!

RSVP to Patty Paduano at Saratoga Bridges, 587-0723, ext. 1254

Sibshops is FREE!

Presented by Ann Nobis, Speech Language, Communication Specialist, this 5-week series is for any person, of any age, interested in learning beginning sign language and how to communicate with sign.  The five 1-hour session course is for beginners who want to learn basic sign, how to use it, and how to teach it to your child.  It will be relaxed, fun, causal and all about communication!

To be held at the DSAHRC, 1 Marcus Blvd, Suite 105, Albany. 

Week 1:  Introduction; alphabet and fun activity.  Tuesday, September 21st from 6:00 - 7:00 pm

Week 2:  Food and clothing signs and fun activity.  Tuesday, September 28th from 6:00 - 7:00 pm

Week 3:  Action word signs and fun activity.  Tuesday, October 5th from 6:00 - 7:00 pm

Week 4:  Animal and color signs and fun activity.  Tuesday, October 19th from 6:00 - 7:00 pm

Week 5:  Sign while reading a simple book, and Graduation!  Tuesday, October 26th from 6:00 - 7:00 pm