Events & Trainings
EVENTS
Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Future Planning Forums
OPWDD FUTURE PLANNING FORUMS
We are excited to kickoff our 2026 OPWDD Future Planning Forums.
This summer, OPWDD will be holding forums across New York State to share updates about our work and hear from you. This year is especially exciting as it will officially kick off our work on our next five-year OPWDD Strategic Plan.
The following forums have been scheduled:
Preparing for Legislative Session: Advocacy Starts Now
Successful advocacy starts long before the state legislative session begins. Join us to learn how to prepare in the fall months by building relationships with legislators, policymakers, self-advocates, families, and coalition partners, while developing a proactive advocacy strategy for your state. We'll share tools, resources, and practical tips to help you elevate inclusive postsecondary education and create momentum before legislative priorities are set.
Panel Discussion - Aging
Capital Region
Thursday, October 8, 2026
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
DoubleTree by Hilton Schenectady, 100 Nott Terrace, Schenectady, NY 12308
Panel discussion on aging at 11 a.m.
Screening of Unseen at 1 p.m.
Webinar on New Medicaid Work Requirements
The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is hosting a policy webinar on July 14 from 2 - 3:30 PM ET about the new Medicaid work requirements and what they may mean for disabled people.
Advocacy Through Authenticity: Culture, Confidence & Connection
Advocacy Through Authenticity: Culture, Confidence & Connection
June 30 | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Advocacy is most powerful when it reflects who you are; your culture, values, experiences, and strengths.
In a time when families are navigating increasingly complex systems, finding your voice and using it effectively has never been more important. Together, we'll explore practical strategies for advocating with confidence, navigating barriers, building stronger partnerships with providers, and using your family's lived experience as a source of strength.
CE Credits Available for FPAs & YPAs
The flyer is attached with additional details.
Register Here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/0SbxuGNESbmYyQGvNV0jMg#/registration
Self-Advocate Workshop - Understanding Disability Support in NY: Working Together for Change
Understanding Disability Support in NY: Working Together for Change
Find clarity, share experiences, and connect with others navigating New York’s disability support system. Learn how programs work, discover their history, and leave with a fresh idea inspired by someone in the room.
Throughout the month of June, The Disability Advocacy Training Network, a project of the Center on Disability and Inclusion (CDI) at Syracuse University, will be offering this workshop in a variety of locations throughout New York State, with virtual options for participation as well. Please register for the session that best fits your needs. Light refreshments will be served at in-person workshops. Note- other workshops will be offered in the future by the Disability Advocacy Training Network.
Family Caregiver Workshop - Understanding Disability Support in NY: Working Together for Change
Understanding Disability Support in NY: Working Together for Change
Find clarity, share experiences, and connect with others navigating New York’s disability support system. Learn how programs work, discover their history, and leave with a fresh idea inspired by someone in the room.
Throughout the month of June, The Disability Advocacy Training Network, a project of the Center on Disability and Inclusion (CDI) at Syracuse University, will be offering this workshop in a variety of locations throughout New York State, with virtual options for participation as well. Please register for the session that best fits your needs. Light refreshments will be served at in-person workshops. Note- other workshops will be offered in the future by the Disability Advocacy Training Network.
Meeting and Screening of Unseen
Greater Mohawk Valley
Thursday, June 18, 2026
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Delta by Marriot, 200 Genesee Street, Utica, NY 13502
Screening of Unseen at 11 a.m.
Family Caregiver Workshop - Understanding Disability Support in NY: Working Together for Change
Understanding Disability Support in NY: Working Together for Change
Find clarity, share experiences, and connect with others navigating New York’s disability support system. Learn how programs work, discover their history, and leave with a fresh idea inspired by someone in the room.
Throughout the month of June, The Disability Advocacy Training Network, a project of the Center on Disability and Inclusion (CDI) at Syracuse University, will be offering this workshop in a variety of locations throughout New York State, with virtual options for participation as well. Please register for the session that best fits your needs. Light refreshments will be served at in-person workshops. Note- other workshops will be offered in the future by the Disability Advocacy Training Network.
Self-Advocate Workshop - Understanding Disability Support in NY: Working Together for Change
Understanding Disability Support in NY: Working Together for Change
Find clarity, share experiences, and connect with others navigating New York’s disability support system. Learn how programs work, discover their history, and leave with a fresh idea inspired by someone in the room.
Throughout the month of June, The Disability Advocacy Training Network, a project of the Center on Disability and Inclusion (CDI) at Syracuse University, will be offering this workshop in a variety of locations throughout New York State, with virtual options for participation as well. Please register for the session that best fits your needs. Light refreshments will be served at in-person workshops. Note- other workshops will be offered in the future by the Disability Advocacy Training Network.
Virtual Learning Session: IDD Ombudsman (IDDO)
Virtual Learning Session: ABLE Accounts
Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 12 p.m. OR 6 p.m.
The NY ABLE Program helps New Yorkers with disabilities save money for everyday life expenses without losing benefits like SSI or Medicaid. Eligible individuals can use an ABLE account to pay for disability‑related costs such as housing, healthcare, transportation, education, and assistive technology. Presented by Jenna McClosky.
What You’ll Learn
What the NY ABLE Program is and who can use it.
How an ABLE account lets people save money without losing SSI or Medicaid.
What kinds of everyday disability‑related expenses ABLE savings can be used for.
How to open an account, add money, and use funds in simple ways.
Panel Discussion - Thinking Ahead: Aging, Care, and Support
Taconic
Thursday, June 11, 2026
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
DoubleTree Hilton Poughkeepsie, 40 Civic Center Plaza, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Panel discussion at 12 p.m.- Thinking Ahead: Aging, Care, and Support
Screening of Unseen at 1 p.m.
Self-Advocate Workshop - Understanding Disability Support in NY: Working Together for Change
Understanding Disability Support in NY: Working Together for Change
Find clarity, share experiences, and connect with others navigating New York’s disability support system. Learn how programs work, discover their history, and leave with a fresh idea inspired by someone in the room.
Throughout the month of June, The Disability Advocacy Training Network, a project of the Center on Disability and Inclusion (CDI) at Syracuse University, will be offering this workshop in a variety of locations throughout New York State, with virtual options for participation as well. Please register for the session that best fits your needs. Light refreshments will be served at in-person workshops. Note- other workshops will be offered in the future by the Disability Advocacy Training Network.
Family Caregiver Workshop - Understanding Disability Support in NY: Working Together for Change
Understanding Disability Support in NY: Working Together for Change
Find clarity, share experiences, and connect with others navigating New York’s disability support system. Learn how programs work, discover their history, and leave with a fresh idea inspired by someone in the room.
Throughout the month of June, The Disability Advocacy Training Network, a project of the Center on Disability and Inclusion (CDI) at Syracuse University, will be offering this workshop in a variety of locations throughout New York State, with virtual options for participation as well. Please register for the session that best fits your needs. Light refreshments will be served at in-person workshops. Note- other workshops will be offered in the future by the Disability Advocacy Training Network.
Panel Discussion - Self Direction
Southern Tier
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
DoubleTree by Hilton, 225 Water St, Binghamton, NY 13901
Panelist discussion on Self-Direction at 11 a.m.
Screening of Unseen at 1 p.m.
Family Caregiver Workshop - Understanding Disability Support in NY: Working Together for Change
Understanding Disability Support in NY: Working Together for Change
Find clarity, share experiences, and connect with others navigating New York’s disability support system. Learn how programs work, discover their history, and leave with a fresh idea inspired by someone in the room.
Throughout the month of June, The Disability Advocacy Training Network, a project of the Center on Disability and Inclusion (CDI) at Syracuse University, will be offering this workshop in a variety of locations throughout New York State, with virtual options for participation as well. Please register for the session that best fits your needs. Light refreshments will be served at in-person workshops. Note- other workshops will be offered in the future by the Disability Advocacy Training Network.
Self Advocate Workshop - Understanding Disability Support in NY: Working Together for Change
Understanding Disability Support in NY: Working Together for Change
Find clarity, share experiences, and connect with others navigating New York’s disability support system. Learn how programs work, discover their history, and leave with a fresh idea inspired by someone in the room.
Throughout the month of June, The Disability Advocacy Training Network, a project of the Center on Disability and Inclusion (CDI) at Syracuse University, will be offering this workshop in a variety of locations throughout New York State, with virtual options for participation as well. Please register for the session that best fits your needs. Light refreshments will be served at in-person workshops. Note- other workshops will be offered in the future by the Disability Advocacy Training Network.
Self Advocate Workshop - Understanding Disability Support in NY: Working Together for Change
Understanding Disability Support in NY: Working Together for Change
Find clarity, share experiences, and connect with others navigating New York’s disability support system. Learn how programs work, discover their history, and leave with a fresh idea inspired by someone in the room.
Throughout the month of June, The Disability Advocacy Training Network, a project of the Center on Disability and Inclusion (CDI) at Syracuse University, will be offering this workshop in a variety of locations throughout New York State, with virtual options for participation as well. Please register for the session that best fits your needs. Light refreshments will be served at in-person workshops. Note- other workshops will be offered in the future by the Disability Advocacy Training Network.
Family Caregiver Workshop - Understanding Disability Support in NY: Working Together for Change
Understanding Disability Support in NY: Working Together for Change
Find clarity, share experiences, and connect with others navigating New York’s disability support system. Learn how programs work, discover their history, and leave with a fresh idea inspired by someone in the room.
Throughout the month of June, The Disability Advocacy Training Network, a project of the Center on Disability and Inclusion (CDI) at Syracuse University, will be offering this workshop in a variety of locations throughout New York State, with virtual options for participation as well. Please register for the session that best fits your needs. Light refreshments will be served at in-person workshops. Note- other workshops will be offered in the future by the Disability Advocacy Training Network.
Family Caregiver Workshop - Understanding Disability Support in NY: Working Together for Change
Understanding Disability Support in NY: Working Together for Change
Find clarity, share experiences, and connect with others navigating New York’s disability support system. Learn how programs work, discover their history, and leave with a fresh idea inspired by someone in the room.
Throughout the month of June, The Disability Advocacy Training Network, a project of the Center on Disability and Inclusion (CDI) at Syracuse University, will be offering this workshop in a variety of locations throughout New York State, with virtual options for participation as well. Please register for the session that best fits your needs. Light refreshments will be served at in-person workshops. Note- other workshops will be offered in the future by the Disability Advocacy Training Network.
Virtual Learning Session: ABLE Accounts
Virtual Learning Session: ABLE Accounts
Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 12 p.m. OR 6 p.m.
The NY ABLE Program helps New Yorkers with disabilities save money for everyday life expenses without losing benefits like SSI or Medicaid. Eligible individuals can use an ABLE account to pay for disability‑related costs such as housing, healthcare, transportation, education, and assistive technology. Presented by Jenna McClosky.
What You’ll Learn
What the NY ABLE Program is and who can use it.
How an ABLE account lets people save money without losing SSI or Medicaid.
What kinds of everyday disability‑related expenses ABLE savings can be used for.
How to open an account, add money, and use funds in simple ways.
Virtual Learning Session: Common Behavioral Presentations of Underlying Medical Conditions in People with IDD
Actions Speak Louder Than Words: Common Behavioral Presentations of Underlying Medical Conditions in People with IDD
Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 11 a.m.
Behavior is a form of communication. For people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), changes in behavior are often a way of expressing pain, discomfort, or emotional distress. In this session, we’ll look at how certain behaviors can be signs of underlying medical issues. Before starting medication or behavior plans, it’s important to first understand what the behavior may be trying to tell us. Using real-life case examples, this presentation will walk through 10 common behavior patterns that may point to treatable medical causes. Identifying and addressing these causes can make a meaningful difference in health, comfort, and overall quality of life.
Presenter: Dr. Craig Escudé is a board-certified Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Academy of Developmental Medicine, and the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. He is also the President of IntellectAbility. He has more than 20 years of clinical experience providing medical care for people with IDD and complex medical and mental health conditions serving as medical director of Hudspeth Regional Center in Mississippi for most of that time. While there, he founded DETECT, the Developmental Evaluation, Training, and Educational Consultative Team of Mississippi. He is the author of “Clinical Pearls in IDD Healthcare” and developer of the “Curriculum in IDD Healthcare,” an eLearning course used to train clinicians on the fundamentals of healthcare for people with IDD. He is also the host of the IDD Health Matters Podcast.
What You’ll Learn
• Why behavior should be seen as communication, not just a challenge
• Common behavior patterns that may signal pain or medical concerns
• How identifying underlying causes can improve health and wellness
• Why medical evaluation is a critical first step before treatment plans
Virtual Learning Session: Family Support Services
Virtual Learning Session: Family Support Services (FSS)
Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 6 p.m.
Learn the basics of Family Support Services (FSS), an OPWDD funded program that helps families who are caring for a loved one with a developmental disability at home. This session explains what FSS covers, including respite and goods/services reimbursements, who qualifies, and how to apply. We’ll also briefly review the approval process and what to expect after submitting a request. Presented by Lyndsey Paulin, Home Services Director at Racker.
What You’ll Learn:
Understand what Family Support Services (FSS) are, how the program works, and who is eligible to apply.
Explore the types of support FSS can help pay for, including respite care, goods, and services that support a loved one with a developmental disability.
Review how much funding may be available each year, what reimbursement means, and important rules to know before spending money.
Learn how to apply for FSS funding, how requests are reviewed, and what options families have if a request is denied.
Panel Discussion - Thinking Ahead: Aging, Care, and Support
Rockland and Orange County
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Nanuet Town Centre – Regal Theater Corridor
5101 Fashion Drive, Nanuet, NY 10954
Panel discussion at 12 p.m. – Thinking Ahead: Aging, Care, and Support
Screening of Unseen at 1 p.m.
Subscribe
To receive our email updates, please email advocacynetwork@syr.edu with “Subscribe” in the subject line.