[A] TRANSITION TO ADULTHOOD: DEVELOPING & IMPLEMENTING GOALS FOR YOUR CHILD’S FUTURE

Adolescence and young adulthood can be particularly challenging periods for many individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Demands related to social relationships, building independence skills, academics and employment can create stress and uncertainty. In this workshop, we will discuss key considerations in supporting individuals with ASD during the transition to adulthood. We will focus on specific supports, accommodations and resources to help navigate this transition and develop a comprehensive transition plan.

Funded by NYC Council’s Autism Awareness Initiative.
PRESENTER: Sarah Kern, LCSW, Clinical Assistant Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the Child Study Center at NYU Langone Medical Center

[B] BASICS 101: HOW TO ACCESS OPWDD SERVICES FOR MY FAMILY MEMBER

The Eligibility Review process is the gateway to the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) services in New York State. This presentation will provide an overview of OPWDD, information on how to determine eligibility and information on how to access services in all five boroughs.

PRESENTER: Kathleen Kingston, Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)

[C] FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES: WHAT ARE THEY AND HOW DO YOU GET THEM?

This workshop will provide an overview of the vast array of Family Support Services. Services to be presented include community habilitation, family reimbursement, housing assistance services, recreation programs, home modification and Project Connect, an information and referral service.

PRESENTERS FROM ADAPT COMMUNITY NETWORK: Nicole Pagano, Director of Family Support, Annie Rivera, Director of Doorways to Independence, and Kerri Koslosky, Assistant Director of Community Habilitation

[D] PARENTS’ VOICES COUNT! SPECIAL EDUCATION, CURRENT ADVOCACY ISSUES

Join us for a session on Special Education, where we will raise awareness on the issues affecting Special Education in New York State. These include student transportation, closing of many Early Intervention Programs, and limited residential services and supports in New York State. We will discuss what we can do as family members and professionals to advocate to voice our concerns.

PANELISTS: Wini Schiff, InterAgency Council, Associate Executive Director for Legislative Affairs, Jeanette Rojas, Parent Advocate, and Elly Rufer, Founder, NYC FAIR

PLENARY SESSION:NEW YORK STATE AND THE TRANSITION TO MANAGED CARE

Join Edward R. Matthews and Kerry A. Delaney, CEO, Partners Health Plan, in a
discussion about current service delivery and the movement to managed care in
the future.

PRESENTERS: Edward R. Matthews, CEO, ADAPT Community
Network and Kerry A. Delaney, CEO, Partners Health Plan

[E] THINKING OUTSIDE OF A CERTIFIED ENVIRONMENT: LIVING ON MY OWN

Individuals and parents will share their experiences with the skills and resources they have accessed to be successful in living independently. A summary of how to use generic community resources will be provided. Hear from parents, individuals and the staff that have worked firsthand to ensure success with living independently.

PRESENTERS: Claire McLoughlin, Director of Individualized Supports and Services (ISS), ADAPT Community Network, Linda Schellenberg, Director of Community Services, Center for Family Support, Jackie Ceonzo, Executive Director and Founder, SNACK, and Mrs. Palmer-Europe, Parent Advocate

[F] WHAT IS SUPPORTED DECISION MAKING NEW YORK (SDMNY)?

Supported Decision-Making New York (SDMNY) aims to promote supported decision-making as an alternative to guardianship for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in New York State. This workshop will describe the process and outline how to proceed in a relatively new program in New York State.

PRESENTERS FROM SDMNY: Joan Cornachio, Education and Training Coordinator, and Matthew Smith, Esq., Project Coordinator

[G] SENSORY FRIENDLY ART WORKS

Whether kids, teens or adults on the autism spectrum are serious artists or simply having fun with crafts, it’s essential to address any sensory and motor challenges that may interfere with focus, creativity, and enjoyment. This lecture will provide “sensory smart” strategies for creating positive environments, selecting appealing projects and materials, enhancing the person’s fine motor, gross motor, and visual skills and empowering the artist to have a wonderful experience.

Funded by NYC Council’s Autism Awareness Initiative.
PRESENTER: Lindsey Biel, Pediatric Occupational Therapist with a practice in NYC

[H] MANAGED CARE DESIGNED FOR THE I/DD POPULATION

New York State has been moving towards managed care for our loved ones for a few years now, and currently exists on a voluntary basis through Partners Health
Plan (PHP). CCO implementation towards mandatory Managed Care was the first step, and within a few years it will become mandatory. ADAPT and other organizations have been in the forefront of Managed Care implementation. Come hear from ADAPT and our partner from PHP about the successes we have
achieved thus far.

PRESENTER: Malik Abdur-Razzaq, Partners Health Plan (PHP)