“Society grows great when we plant trees in whose shade we shall never sit.” - Greek proverb |
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As we celebrate The Summit Center’s 50th anniversary, we’ve been reflecting on children and adults who've shown remarkable growth over the years. Planned giving is the key to providing exceptional treatment and support for 50 more. Charitable donations directly impact our programs. Without them, we couldn’t deliver such personalized services. A planned gift is any donation made in a strategic way. Most commonly, it’s a donation left in one’s will. Planned gifts also include stock, retirement accounts, and real estate. |
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You don’t need a large estate to leave a bequest, just the thoughtful intention of making a difference. Take care of your loved ones first. Then, consider including a statement that you bequeath an amount or percentage to The Summit Center. For most people, changing a will isn't difficult or time-consuming. A codicil, or addition, is usually sufficient if you already have a will prepared.
The Vista Legacy Society recognizes supporters who include Summit in their estate plans. For more information, visit www.TheSummitCenter.org/plannedgiving. Take the steps to make a future donation to Summit. You'll help people discover what’s possible for another 50 years. |
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Stephen R. Anderson, Ph.D., BCBA-D CEO |
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Families enjoy a day on the water |
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Summit Academy students and their families enjoyed a fun-filled day on the water during a recent sail on the Spirit of Buffalo. The excursion was sponsored by the Variety Club of Buffalo, a fellow nonprofit organization that is dedicated to children living with illness, disability, and disadvantage. During the trip, students had a chance to explore, take in the views of the City of Buffalo, raise the sails, and steer the ship. It was a wonderful learning experience for everyone. Another outing is scheduled later this month.
Thank you to the Variety Club of Buffalo for sponsoring these excursions and giving families the chance to enjoy quality time together. |
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2023 Summer Institute receives overwhelming turnout |
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In July, The Summit Center hosted two sessions of its Summer Institute for educators. David Meichenbaum, Ph.D., Director of Community Consulting and Clinical Services, presented strategies that foster academic and behavioral success in students. The goal of these sessions was to prepare educators in public school districts to support incoming students with autism and related disabilities. Initially, one 30-person session had been planned, but the response was overwhelming, so a second session was added. In total, 72 people attended. Participants represented 17 different school districts spanning Erie, Niagara, Genesee, Chautauqua, and Wyoming counties. |
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The Summit Center provides psychological and related behavioral consulting services to public and private schools as well as human service agencies throughout Western New York. More information can be found at www.TheSummitCenter.org.
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Save the Date: An Enchanted Evening with Summit set for November 3 |
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Mark your calendars for An Enchanted Evening with Summit presented by Reeds Jewelers, Tammy and Steve Nicholson, and Missy and Gerry Cornish.
An Enchanted Evening with Summit will take place on Friday, November 3, at Salvatore’s Italian Gardens, 6461 Transit Road, Depew. The fun-filled evening will include live and silent auctions, a sit-down dinner, and music by DJ Primo. Summit CEO Dr. Stephen Anderson, who is retiring at the end of the year after 28 years of service, will be honored. Sponsorships and tickets are now on sale at www.PartyforSummit.com. We look forward to an exciting evening to benefit The Summit Center Foundation! |
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Logo artwork created by Bobby, a Summit student. |
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Thank you to our sponsors! |
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Pro Tips: Staying with adults
in the community |
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Pro Tips provided by Gretchen Abdulla, Supervising Clinician-Behavior Support and the Behavior Support team.
Elopement is a safety concern for many parents and caregivers of children with autism. It’s something they need to be prepared for at any given moment and can make outings with their child more stressful. However, there are steps parents can take to teach their child to stay with an adult while out in the community. Read our tips below: |
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1. Practice often with your child.
Start with short, frequent practices in a contained, familiar setting, such as a fenced-in backyard. Provide positive reinforcement with verbal praise or preferred items when your child follows directions.
As they progress, you can make the practices longer, and if you feel comfortable, you can try practicing at a park during off-peak hours. If appropriate, create a social story about staying with adults before you go out in the community together.
You can also discuss creating a “stop” plan for your child with their teachers and support staff so they can practice the same safety skills at school. 2. Communication is key. Before you head out into the community, explain to your child that they can receive a preferred item or food if they follow directions. For example, you might say, “While we’re at the zoo you need to stay with me and then you can have some Skittles.”
Outings are a great way to practice communication and asking permission. If your child is interested in an activity and it’s safe to do so, you can prompt them to ask for permission. For example, if they want to go on the swing set, prompt them to ask for that activity and then honor their request.
When you're going from one place to another, give clear directions and reminders throughout the transition, such as, “Remember, we’re walking back to the car.” Give verbal praise to your child when they stay with you by saying something like, “I love how you are staying with me,” and then give them their preferred item.
3. Be prepared.
Ensure your child has a form of identification on them, such as a bracelet or shoe tag, just in case they do get away from you. If possible, try to anticipate what your child might run towards, and make sure to position yourself between your child and that destination or activity. Pack some of your child’s preferred items, like a toy or food they really enjoy, to give them when they follow directions. |
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Employee Spotlight - Presented by West Herr |
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Meet Megan Buseck!
What is your role at Summit? My role at Summit is a classroom teacher at Summit Academy.
Describe what your day might look like. My day at Summit consists of just the right amount of structure and fun! My favorite part of our schedule is the time where we get to sit and complete 1:1 academic work with students. As the school year progresses you get to see the students' progress, which is the best thing. What are you most proud of, personally and professionally?
Personally, I am proud to be an employee at Summit and hold the values we do here. Professionally I am proud to be certified in teaching individuals with disabilities from ages 3 to 21. Where is your favorite place to eat in Western New York? My favorite place to eat in Western New York is Mooney's. Name someplace on your bucket list.
A place on my bucket list is Rome! |
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Summit's adult respite program now accepting referrals |
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The Summit Center is now offering a daytime respite program for adults (ages 21 and up) with developmental disabilities who are eligible for OPWDD services.
Daytime respite operates three days per week from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Summit's Respite Center, 75 Pineview Dr., Amherst. A typical day consists of leisure activities and socialization. It may also include a group outing in the community. The Respite Center offers a supportive environment with caring, professional staff where participants can interact with their peers and enjoy fun activities. |
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The new respite program is ideal for individuals looking to participate in activities a couple days a week and seniors with developmental disabilities. Participants must meet the eligibility requirements listed on the flyer, which can be downloaded here. For more information, contact Laura Shepherd at 716-629-3437 or Ashlee Bronson at 716-799-8156. |
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November 3 - An Enchanted Evening with Summit: An Enchanted Evening with Summit will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, November 3, at Salvatore's Italian Gardens, 6461 Transit Road, Depew. The event will honor CEO Steve Anderson, Ph.D. who is retiring at the end of the year after 28 years of service. Party goers will enjoy a sit-down dinner, live and silent auctions, dancing, and more. The event is presented by Reeds Jewelers, Tammy and Steve Nicholson, and Missy and Gerry Cornish. Visit www.PartyforSummit.com for sponsorship and ticket information.
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Autism varies greatly from person to person, meaning no two people with autism are exactly alike. Autism impacts the development of the brain in the areas of social interaction, communication skills, and cognitive function. Individuals with autism may have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities. (Source: World Health Organization) |
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Our Mission
Guided by evidence-based practice, we maximize life success for people facing developmental, social and behavioral challenges. |
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