Student creates stop motion short film |
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Pop culture art, music, and cartoons catch the interest of Lucien, a student at Summit Academy’s Creekside location. He has a particular interest in Will Vinton’s Claymation creations. Vinton was an American animator best known for creating "The California Raisins," a popular Claymation commercial series in the 1980s . Lucien expressed interest in creating his own stop motion movie with Sandy Looker, Summit’s creative arts teacher.
During creative arts enrichment time, Sandy works with small groups of students or one-on-one. She worked with Lucien to test different materials to create the Claymation figure. They also practiced using the equipment needed to make the short film and created the storyline together. Lucien made a short practice movie in about 30 minutes. Sandy said this short film is a good starting point for creating more in-depth projects going forward. View Lucien's short stop motion film below or click here! |
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WNY Immediate Care displays Summit student artwork in new location |
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Artwork created by Summit Academy students can now be viewed at Western New York Immediate Care's new Amherst office, located on Harlem Road.
Summit parent Jessica O’Brien expressed interest in having student artwork displayed at the office where she works as a registered nurse. With the help of Sandy Looker, Summit’s creative arts teacher, and Jim Giallella, site administrator for WNY Immediate Care, Summit donated 13 pieces of student art, including a painting by Jessica's son, Nate. The paintings now decorate patient rooms at the office, providing a bright and colorful environment. "I'm thrilled our students' artwork is being shared with the community," Sandy said. |
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Virtual conference to focus on behavioral intervention applications |
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The Summit Center and the Western New York Regional Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders (WNYRCASD) are sponsoring the virtual conference “Strategies for Helping Children with ASD: Exploring Various Applications of Behavioral Interventions” from 7:50 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. on Thursday, March 23.
There continues to be considerable controversy regarding the best approach to ensure that children with autism are learning in school. Autism is a neurological disorder characterized by significant impairments in communication, socialization, and interests. These deficits mean that some learning readiness skills are absent.
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The field is associated with a great number of instructional/treatment movements to overcome these challenges, but most have not been subjected to objective evaluation. At the same time, evidence-based approaches are often rejected as too rigid and removed from the natural environment. However, there are a broad range of empirically validated techniques that can be applied in many ways and conditions. Download the flyer for additional information, including presenter bios, learning objectives, and speaker disclosures. Registration costs $25. AHSA, BCBA, CTLE, OT/OTA, PT/PTA CEUs are available for a fee of $15.
To register, please click this link, or for more information, visit The Summit Center's website here.
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Summit welcomes new board members |
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The Summit Center Foundation Board recently elected two new members: Janice Larson, customer marketing manager at Rich Products, and David Zolnowski, senior vice president and senior finance manager at M&T Bank.
Janice has been with Rich Products for nearly 20 years. She also serves on the board of the Ronald McDonald House, where she spent four years as board chair. |
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David has been with M&T Bank for more than 18 years. He also serves as the president of M&T’s Disability Advocacy Network Resource Group, which is comprised of 750 employees who work to ensure the company is inclusive for M&T employees and customers impacted by a disability. David also serves on the board of directors for Danceability, including two years as board chair, and assists with their fundraiser committee. |
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Employee Spotlight - Presented by West Herr |
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Meet Katie Leavitt!
What is your role at Summit? My main role at Summit is a Life Skills Trainer in the Day Habilitation program. I also provide Community Habilitation services and help out in our after-school respite and BFFs (Building Friendship Fridays) programs. What do you like most about working at Summit?
What I love the most about Summit is the culture. It's great feeling a part of a team in all the programs I work in. Summit feels like a true work family. I love that our services can be applied to all ages of individuals who have autism. It's amazing to know I'm a part of helping families and those we serve.
Name someplace on your bucket list. My bucket list vacation spot would be Turks and Caicos. What is your favorite movie? My favorite movie is Dirty Dancing. Where is your favorite place to eat in Western New York? My favorite place to eat would be The Cheesecake Factory! |
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Registration is open for upcoming
S.T.A.R. Trainings |
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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. |
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WNYRCASD Virtual Conference: The Summit Center and the Western New York Regional Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders (WNYRCASD) are sponsoring the virtual conference “Strategies for Helping Children with ASD: Exploring Various Applications of Behavioral Interventions” from 7:50 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. on Thursday, March 23. Registration costs $25 and AHSA, BCBA, CTLE, OT/OTA, PT/PTA CEUs are available for a fee of $15. For more information, download the flyer here.
The Summit Center 2023 Autism Walk: Mark your calendars for The Summit Center 2023 Autism Walk taking place Saturday, May 13 at The Summit Center, 150 Stahl Road, Getzville NY 14068. Check in opens at 8 a.m. with the opening ceremony beginning at 9:30 a.m. Registration for walkers will open on March 1. Stay tuned for more details! |
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Interacting with pets, particularly dogs, can be beneficial for children with autism. Dogs can help reduce stress and challenging behaviors as well as promote social skills. However, families should consider their child's sensitivities and the family dynamic before considering pet ownership. (NIH) |
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Guided by evidence-based practice, we maximize life success for people facing developmental, social and behavioral challenges. |
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