Parent Network of WNY

Parent Network of WNY is a parent-led community resource for parents of children with special needs and professionals working with individuals with disabilities. We are a designated Technical Assistance Parent Center funded by New York State Education Department (NYSED) and several other funding sources. We are also professional members of several local, state and national organizations such as the Developmental Disabilities Alliance of WNY, NYS Disability Advocacy Association and the National Alliance for Information and Referral.

1-on-1 Support
Do you have concerns about how your child is developing and learning? Call our 1-on-1 Support line to speak directly with a member of our team. We can help.

Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology (AT) devices are any item, piece of equipment or software used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a student with a disability.

Eligibility Assistance
If you have a child with a disability, they may qualify for additional services through the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).

Military and Veteran Families
In Western New York, military-connected families do not live within the confines of a typical military base. As a result, civilian schools may not know or understand military-connected services including the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP).

Parent Leadership
This comprehensive series of trainings will help you navigate the support services available for your child or young adult with a learning difficulty or disability, helping you to become a confident and effective leader in your child’s life, school and community.

Professionals
The WNY Institute provides high-quality skill development workshops and informational resources aimed at enhancing the lives of persons with disabilities as well as the organizations that support them.

PROMISE
Promise is a research initiative developed to improve transition-to-adulthood outcomes for eligible youth who receive supplemental security income (SSI) in Western New York.

Jim Kelly Scholarship
The Jim Kelly Parent Network Scholarship was created to provide funding to youth with disabilities who seek financial assistance to cover fees associated with conference registration or attendance costs.

Special Education
Does your child have trouble learning? Is your child having difficulties in school that are getting in the way of their learning?

Learn from Anywhere
Gain the benefits of Parent Network of WNY workshops from the comfort of your home or office.

Parent Network will be updating this site on a regular basis with new courses and webinars.  Please check back frequently. This service is free of charge.

Family & Caregiver Groups
Parent Network of WNY offers free support groups that provide a welcoming environment for parents and other caregivers of young people with autism or developmental disabilities to meet, share experiences, ask questions, learn about available resources and receive support.

Transition
Sometimes the transition from childhood to adulthood can be stressful or difficult to navigate. We’ll help you transition smoothly into your next stage of life learning your goals and preparing you with necessary skills to succeed.

Youth Empowerment
Here you’ll learn about being a self-advocate, what types of work are available to you, going to college, getting around as well as different kinds of social activities.

Family Support line in Spanish: 716-449-6394

Keywords: Spanish