Events

FSN will host a monthly series dedicated to educating the community about factors that determine wellbeing for families of children with disabilities and special healthcare needs. Each month, we will explore one of the domains of social determinants of health as well as community programs and opportunities for addressing that domain. April 9: The economic well-being of raising children with special healthcare needs

This session explores what happens when parents or guardians are no longer able to support their loved one with special needs. Participants will learn how to prepare for that transition, who can take over key responsibilities, and how to choose and organize the right people to carry out the long-term care plan. The webinar provides practical guidance for building a reliable, sustainable support team that ensures continued stability and quality of life for your loved one.

Stories are carefully selected for their authentic representation of Deaf characters, Deaf authors, authors whose background is in ASL interpreting or are a Child of Deaf Adults (CODAs). To participate, you will need to have your computer, tablet (iPad), or smartphone with internet/WiFi access.

Join us for Wilkes Community College’s Second Annual Resource Fair—a free, drop‑in event connecting individuals with disabilities and their families to college, career, and community resources. Discover campus supports, employment and training options, disability services, and transition planning guidance. Meet local organizations, ask questions, and gather tools to plan with confidence.

This webinar will provide an overview of the Successor Guardian Toolkit which was developed in partnership with the Autism Society of NC. The presenters are Kim Tizzard and Faith Williams. 

Every three months, The Link Center hosts virtual shared learning groups for direct support professionals, clinical professionals, family members, and people with lived experience. These groups provide opportunities to dive into important topics and tap into your expertise and experiences related to people with cognitive disabilities, including intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and brain injuries, and mental health conditions. These meetings are led by members of our steering committee and project partners.

Every three months, The Link Center hosts virtual shared learning groups for direct support professionals, clinical professionals, family members, and people with lived experience. These groups provide opportunities to dive into important topics and tap into your expertise and experiences related to people with cognitive disabilities, including intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and brain injuries, and mental health conditions. These meetings are led by members of our steering committee and project partners.

Every three months, The Link Center hosts virtual shared learning groups for direct support professionals, clinical professionals, family members, and people with lived experience. These groups provide opportunities to dive into important topics and tap into your expertise and experiences related to people with cognitive disabilities, including intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and brain injuries, and mental health conditions. These meetings are led by members of our steering committee and project partners.

Stories are carefully selected for their authentic representation of Deaf characters, Deaf authors, authors whose background is in ASL interpreting or are a Child of Deaf Adults (CODAs). To participate, you will need to have your computer, tablet (iPad), or smartphone with internet/WiFi access.

This will be an exploration of the impact of AI in the work with people with disabilities. Presenter: Dr. David Tillman, Chair, Department of Public Health with the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences at Campbell University

FSN will host a monthly series dedicated to educating the community about factors that determine wellbeing for families of children with disabilities and special healthcare needs. Each month, we will explore one of the domains of social determinants of health as well as community programs and opportunities for addressing that domain. May 14: Education access and quality for children with special needs

FSN will host a monthly series dedicated to educating the community about factors that determine wellbeing for families of children with disabilities and special healthcare needs. Each month, we will explore one of the domains of social determinants of health as well as community programs and opportunities for addressing that domain. June 11: Decoding Diagnoses: What they mean and what to do next

Empowering Youth Through STEAM, Surfing, and Self-Discovery
Dates: July 6 to July 31, 2026 | Location: Helen Keller National Center, New York
Ready to discover what you're capable of? HKNC's Summer Youth Vocational Program (SYVP)
helps youth explore careers through hands-on work experience at multiple job sites. You'll dive
into STEAM projects, experience activities like adaptive surfing, and develop self-advocacy skills,
all while discovering your strengths. SYVP is about exploration and possibility, giving you the
confidence and skills to shape your own future.
Program Highlights
● STEAM Activities: Engage in hands-on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math
projects
● Adaptive Surfing: Combine physical activity with social-emotional learning, self-determination,
and career awareness
● Motivational Speakers: Hear inspiring stories from leaders and changemakers
● Self-Empowerment & Advocacy Workshops: Build confidence, communication, and
self-advocacy skills
● Work Experience: Participate in real-world job tasks and workplace readiness training
Come to NY and join your peers ages 16-24 from around the country to learn skills that lead to employment success, and to experience what NY can offer you. Enjoy a boat ride, treasure hunt, talent show, swimming, crafts, Dave & Buster’s, mall shopping, bowling, BBQ’s and NYC! It will be 4 memorable weeks over your summer!