June 2022

P.A.C.E. wraps up internship year at Buffalo State

Bussing tables, greeting students, and serving food are a few of the jobs P.A.C.E. (Prevocational and Community Experience) participants experienced during the first year interning at Buffalo State College.

P.A.C.E. interns worked with Chartwells, the college’s dining services company, in the Bengal Kitchen. To recognize everyone's hard work, Chartwells presented each participant with a certificate.

After completing their internship, P.A.C.E. participants shared their experiences with the program. John said he enjoyed serving food and greeting people. He worked on his social skills and practiced by speaking with customers, asking if they needed anything, and wishing them a nice day when they left.

“I greeted people and took people’s trays,” John said. “I’d tell them to come back soon.”

Chris proudly explained how he helped show other P.A.C.E. interns the ropes when they started a new job. He progressed quickly during his internship from clearing tables to serving food within just a few months. Eventually, Chris moved up to prepping food, stocking the kitchen, and helping bring food in and out of the kitchen. 

Chris enjoyed his internship so much that he recently submitted an application for employment at the Bengal Kitchen.

“That was my goal, to get a job. I’m working on being independent,” he said.

P.A.C.E.'s newest member, Justin, began in April, and he is excited to return to Buffalo State in August to continue putting the skills he’s learned into practice. This internship is the first job experience he’s had.

“Communication is the biggest thing I’ve learned, and teamwork as well,” Justin said.

In July, P.A.C.E. will resume its internship program with the University at Buffalo, which had been on hold due to COVID restrictions. A second group will return to Buffalo State in August.

Respite programs move to permanent home

Summit’s respite programs, currently operating at 415 N. French Road, will move to a new, permanent home at 55 Pineview Dr., Amherst, at the end of June. The new space will be operational for the summer break respite program beginning on Monday, June 27.

“We’re very excited about this new space which has been designed with the specific needs of our participants in mind,” said Laura Shepherd, Coordinator of Community Services.

The space will include several activity stations to support a variety of interests including fitness, arts and crafts, puzzles and board games, and a “tech space” with video games for 2 - 3 players. In addition, there will be a “cozy corner” for relaxation and a “calm space” to spend time alone and away from the group. Participants can also have fun outside playing basketball or corn hole, or simply relaxing at a picnic table.

Summit’s S.T.A.R. Intensive, which serves very small groups of 3 - 4 children with high behavioral needs who struggle in site-based respite, will also use the new space.

“Sharing this space, will allow us to gradually move a child into a larger group as they make progress on their individual behavioral goals,” explained Laurlen Parry, Coordinator of Community Services.

In addition, Summit’s respite programs, Adventures, Expeditions, and Adventures Break, have rolled into one combined program, called Onsite Respite. The program serves children and adults ages 5 - 21, Monday through Friday from 3 - 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Everyone enrolled in Adventures, Expeditions, or Adventures Break will be automatically enrolled in Onsite Respite. 

“These programs are so important to Summit families,” said Diana Schmit, Vice President of Community and Adult Services. "At our peak, we were serving more than 100 individuals through our onsite programs. Right now, we’re at 40 - 45 but our goal is to serve more as additional staff are hired. Many staff who work in our respite programs tell us how much they enjoy getting to know these kids in a setting where they just relax and have fun.”

Summit Academy students celebrate at prom

As the school year winds down, Summit Academy students celebrated with their annual prom. This year’s theme was Under the Sea. Staff and students worked together to create amazing décor pieces that lined the hallways at Creekside.

The event was held at Summit's Stahl Road location, where students dressed in their best and enjoyed music, refreshments, a photo backdrop, and sea-themed photo props. It was a magical event for everyone! 

Senator Rath recognizes Summit Academy teachers for exemplary work

Last month, Senator Ed Rath visited The Summit Center to recognize Summit Academy teachers for their exemplary work.

During Teacher Appreciation Week, Senator Rath sought nominations of local teachers who have made an impact on a student’s life. Summit teachers received multiple nominations from the community. To recognize their dedication, Senator Rath stopped by with donuts and certificates.

“The commitment that these teachers and administrators have to the children they educate is astounding. It speaks volumes for them to be nominated, as a group, multiple times. They have touched many lives and it shows,” said Senator Rath.

Senator Rath also toured Summit Academy’s Stahl Road location with Dr. Stephen Anderson, CEO, and Kathy Bunce, Director of Public Affairs. His connection to Summit goes back to his mother, Senator Mary Lou Rath, who supported The Summit Center when it was known as The Language Development Program of Western New York. She also helped secure funding for Summit's Stahl Road building.

We thank Senator Rath for celebrating our teachers and their dedication to helping students reach their full potential.

Volunteers needed for the Taste of Buffalo

Calling all volunteers! Donate your time at the Taste of Buffalo to support The Summit Center.

Volunteers must be 18+ and will be counting money and reconciling drawers. Teenagers 16+ can volunteer if they are with a parent. Summit will receive a monetary grant from the Taste of Buffalo for providing volunteers at the event.

Shifts are available at three locations on Saturday, July 9, and Sunday, July 10. Volunteers can sign up at https://bit.ly/Summit-TasteofBuffalo2022.

For questions, contact Abby Werth at awerth@TheSummitCenter.org or 716-629-3423.

Give 716 campaign kicks off July 14

The Summit Center will once again partner with the Buffalo Bills Foundation and the Buffalo Sabres Foundation to participate in Give 716. The online campaign started last year to support nonprofits across Western New York.

This year’s campaign will kick off at 7:16 p.m. Thursday, July 14, and end at 7:16 a.m. Saturday, July 16. Funds raised will support new technology  to serve the unique needs of Summit Academy students.

Donations will fund technology such as iPads, laptops, projectors, monitors and screens, and will also support staff training and development. Additionally, funds will be used to purchase new equipment for Summit Academy Enhanced, a new program that will support children with significant behavior challenges.

Follow The Summit Center on social media to receive updates throughout the campaign. More details on how you can make a donation will be provided in the coming weeks.

Pro Tips: Planning for vacation

Pro Tips provided by Johanna Shaflucas M.S. Ed., BCBA, Clinical Coordinator of Behavioral Support; Gretchen Abdulla, Supervising Clinician-Behavior Support; and the Behavior Support team.

Warmer weather typically means vacation time for many families. Planning a vacation can be stressful, especially when parents have to consider the needs of a child with autism. Below are some tips to help make taking a trip with a child with autism smoother:

1. Preparing your child for vacation.

There’s a lot of planning that goes into a vacation, but preparing a child with autism for a change in their daily routine can be a daunting task. In the weeks leading up to the vacation, start showing your child a visual schedule of when you'll be traveling, how you’ll travel, and pictures of where you’re staying. Use social stories to prepare your child for the activities they'll do on vacation and what their surroundings will look like.

2. How to handle transportation.

If you are flying to your destination, your local airport may offer trial boarding for children with autism. This helps familiarize children with autism with the airport surroundings, security, and the boarding process prior to a trip. If you need additional services the day of travel, contact the airline a few days in advance to let them know what assistance you may require and any concerns you have.

If your family is driving, be sure to pack a special bag for the car with some of your child’s favorite items and snacks. Plan out stops so they can take a break if it’s a longer car ride. For other modes of transportation, research their accommodations for children with autism to see how they can best meet your family’s needs.

3. Stick to a child's normal bedtime routine.

It’s important to stick to the same bedtime routine even while on vacation. Children with autism often benefit from routine, so doing the same actions you do back home will help them wind down for the night and acclimate to their new surroundings. Having your child go to sleep at their normal bedtime will also prevent them from getting out of routine when you return home. 

4. Find quiet areas and pack the necessities.

Once you arrive at your destination, identify areas that might serve as a quiet space if your child becomes overwhelmed. Many hotels and resorts offer accommodations, activities or quiet areas for children with autism. Call guest services before your trip to inquire about special accommodations and to let them know about your child's needs.

Make sure to bring your child’s preferred toys and treats for travel and during your stay. If you’re going somewhere with a lot of noise, such as the beach or a theme park, bring noise reduction headphones in case your child needs them. Consider having a script in mind if your child becomes overwhelmed and engages in certain behaviors so you can let staff and others know your child has autism and this is how they respond.

Employee Spotlight - Presented by West Herr

Meet Danielle Simpson!

What is your role at Summit?

My role at Summit is a teacher assistant  at Summit Academy's Stahl Road location.

What do you like most about working at Summit?

My favorite part about working at Summit is spending time with my students and making new friends all over the building.

Name someplace on your bucket list.

I would love to travel to Tokyo, Japan to play arcade games and try new food.

What is your favorite movie?

My favorite movie is The Grinch, specifically the 2018 version because the soundtrack is amazing.

Where is your favorite place to eat in Western New York?

My favorite place to eat is LongHorn Steakhouse.

Summer/Fall STAR Training schedule

The Summit Center’s S.T.A.R. Training, funded by the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), offers parents and caregivers new strategies to manage various stages of their child’s life. Sessions will be conducted by The Summit Center’s professional staff who have significant background, training, and experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities. Respite opportunities may be available at a future date for participants. 

Eligibility: All sessions are open at no cost to those who are OPWDD eligible. Those with Self-Direction must include this in their budget.  

To register: Please call Laurlen Parry, Coordinator of Community Services, at 716.799.8163 or Ashlee Bronson, Assistant Director of Community Services, at 716.799.8156. For virtual sessions, a link to the training will be emailed to you after you are registered. Please note that the registration/ approval process may take up to five days to complete. Timeframe for approval through Self-Direction may vary. Please allow sufficient time for this approval process prior to each session you wish to attend. 

Download the list of all upcoming S.T.A.R. trainings here.

Fact of the Month

Diagnosing autism spectrum disorder can be difficult because there is no medical test, like a blood test, to diagnose the disorder. Doctors look at the child’s developmental history and behavior to make a diagnosis. ASD can sometimes be detected at 18 months of age or younger. However, many children do not receive a final diagnosis until they are older. (CDC)

Our Mission
Guided by evidence-based practice, we maximize life success for people facing developmental, social and behavioral challenges.

*Don't forget to add TheSummitCenter.org as an approved sender to ensure you receive
all future emails from The Summit Center.

Our Contact Information
*{{Organization Name}}*
*{{Organization Address}}*
*{{Organization Phone}}*
*{{Organization Website}}*

*{{Unsubscribe}}*