NFL fans support Summit
in honor of Dalton Kincaid |
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Following a heartbreaking end to the Buffalo Bills' season in the AFC Championship game on January 26, fans from across the nation rallied behind tight end Dalton Kincaid. In a show of compassion and support, they donated to The Summit Center—an organization close to Kincaid’s heart—turning disappointment into an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
Minutes after the game, calls were made on social media by Bills Mafia, the Ravens Flock, and Chiefs Kingdom to make donations. So far, fans have raised more than $42,000 in Dalton’s honor.
Dalton has been a dedicated advocate for The Summit Center since 2023, selecting it as his My Cause My Cleats charity in 2023 and 2024. His support has extended through partnerships with Minky Couture and t-shirt collaborations with Queen City Vintage and 26 Shirts. In April 2024, Dalton made a special visit to Summit Academy-Stahl for Autism Acceptance Month, further strengthening his connection to the organization. |
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“Our students and families are still talking about Dalton’s visit last spring. The atmosphere was electric when he entered the building,” shared Mary Bennett, superintendent of Summit Academy, The Summit Center’s school-based program. “Not only is he an incredible athlete, but he has a big heart, and that was evident during the time he spent with our students.”
Donations in Dalton’s honor will be used to continue providing equitable opportunities for children and adults with autism. Programs like Summit Academy, as well as early intervention, supported employment, a behavioral health clinic, and many more, are available to help people achieve their greatest potential. Contributions can be made at TheSummitCenter.org/donate. Additional coverage can be found on WKBW and WGRZ. |
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New learning space planned
for Creekside students |
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By the start of the 2025-2026 school year, students at our Creekside campus will have access to a vibrant outdoor courtyard. An area for learning and recreation will be developed in the open space between Summit Academy-Creekside and Summit Academy Enhanced. Construction will begin this spring.
Plans for the courtyard began in 2022 with a series of brainstorming sessions. Landscape architect Joy Kuebler guided a team of faculty members in determining how the courtyard could best support learning and growth in students. The team identified skill building, recreation and relaxation, and physical fitness as the primary goals.
The courtyard will feature a walking path, shade structures, picnic tables, raised garden beds, and other amenities. A wheelchair ramp will be added, and the space will be enclosed for safety. The project is expected to cost around $350,000. Funders from across the region have pledged their support, including:
The Children’s Guild Foundation
Dormitory Authority of the State of New York
Golisano Foundation
James H. Cummings Foundation
Jolly Boys of Williamsville
The courtyard is part of an overarching plan to increase recreational opportunities across Summit Academy schools. Phase one was completed in the fall of 2023 with a renovation of the Summit Academy-Stahl playground. Grants from the Baird Foundation, East Hill Foundation, and other generous supporters made the project possible. Recreation plans are being developed for Summit Academy-Elmwood and Summit Academy-Hazelwood. |
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Pictured left is the current space where the new courtyard will be located at Summit Academy-Creekside. Pictured right is the rendering of the finished courtyard, which will feature a walking path, picnic tables, and space for recreational activities. |
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Summit's PACE program connects
participant to new job |
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Joining the workforce is a goal many adults with autism work towards in their journey to becoming more independent. Summit’s PACE (Prevocational and Community Experience) program assists individuals in exploring career interests, developing job skills, and connecting them with job experiences, such as internships. Caleb became a PACE participant in 2023. He worked on improving his time management, communication, and organizational skills while interning at the University at Buffalo's Statler Commissary. Caleb worked in the commissary's catering, bakery, and grab-and-go units, where he was able to practice the skills he learned while building connections with his co-workers.
Caleb’s favorite unit to work in was the grab-and-go unit. He was responsible for completing the production of fruit cups, sometimes finishing 150 to 200 cups in a span of four to five hours. |
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In September of 2024, Caleb graduated from the PACE program. A small graduation gathering was held for him, attended by many of his UB co-workers. Caleb loved working in the commissary so much that he attended open interviews at UB in early January to apply for a position. He answered all his interview questions with confidence and was offered a job in the commissary on the spot. Caleb's co-workers are thrilled to have him as an employee, and Caleb is excited to be working in a job he loves. |
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Registration for the 2025 Autism Walk opens March 1 |
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The Summit Center 2025 Autism Walk will take place on Saturday, May 10 at 150 Stahl Road, Getzville. Registration will open on March 1 and costs $10; children under 18 years old are free and do not need to register.
The importance of a strong foundation for children and adults with autism cannot be understated. At The Summit Center, we’re committed to providing fundamental programs and services that help people achieve their fullest potential.
The Autism Walk, presented by West Herr, is a community-wide effort to raise funds for critical programs. Last year’s event raised more than $310,000 to support the Early Autism Program, respite care, vocational training, and more. |
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WNYRCASD conference to feature leading autism experts |
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The Western New York Regional Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders (WNYRCASD) will hold its 2025 conference, “Meeting the Unique Needs of Autistic Individuals with Diverse Strengths,” on March 13. The virtual event is designed for teachers, school administrators, therapists, and parents to improve the lives of children with autism. |
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Individuals with autism spectrum disorder can have significant intellectual disabilities, or they can possess average to above-average abilities. This variation highlights the complex relationship between cognitive strengths and challenges related to school, work, and daily living. The WNYRCASD annual conference will feature four professionals with extensive expertise in navigating these challenges. Presentations will be centered around strategies regarding executive functioning, making social connections, and the transition to adulthood.
This year’s presenters are: - Ericka Wodka, Ph.D., Clinical Director of the Center for Autism Services, Science and Innovation at Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD
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Ebony L. Holliday, Ph.D., Assistant Director of Community Programs at the Center for Autism Science, Services and Innovation at Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD
- Peter Gerhardt, Ed.D., BCBA-D, Executive Director, EPIC School, Paramus, NJ
- Christine T. Moody, Ph.D., Director of Research, UCLA PEERS Clinic, Los Angeles, CA
Registration for the WNYRCASD annual conference is open at nysrcasd.org/events/1404/registrations/new. |
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When reflecting on what’s most important in life, many people cite helping others as a top priority. Those who are passionate about making a difference often go the extra mile by including a charity in their will.
If you value opportunities and acceptance for individuals with autism, consider naming The Summit Center in your will. A bequest of any size will help to define your legacy. Through your generosity, you will empower people to achieve their potential, provide essential support to families, and foster a community where everyone feels welcome and included. After you’ve taken care of your loved ones, simply include a statement that you bequeath an amount or percentage to The Summit Center. If you already have a will, consider speaking with your adviser about adding a codicil. The process isn’t difficult or time-consuming.
Wills are a powerful tool to ensure your values continue to shape the world after you’re gone. If you want to leave a legacy of hope for those on the autism spectrum, visit TheSummitCenter.org/plannedgiving for more information. |
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Foundation board member recognized for community service |
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Summit Foundation board member Janice Larson was recently awarded “Most Valuable Partner” from Rich Products’ Foodservice division. She was selected for her remarkable service to the community, particularly her work with The Summit Center.
As a member of the foundation board, Janice volunteers her time to advance a range of fundraising and brand awareness initiatives. The Summit Foundation was established in 1996 to strengthen the agency’s long-term financial sustainability.
Janice also serves on Feedmore WNY’s Ambassador’s Council as well as the Ronald McDonald House Board of Trustees. Congratulations, Janice! We are so fortunate to benefit from your passion and expertise. |
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Employee Spotlight - Presented by West Herr |
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Meet Jessica Fisher! What is your role at Summit? I am an augmentative alternative communication (AAC) supervisor and speech-language pathologist (SLP).
Describe what your day might look like.
I help with all of the speech-generating devices and AAC systems that students at Summit Academy use to communicate, so I may travel to some or all of the Summit Academy locations in one day for device deliveries, support, training, meetings, troubleshooting, repairs, and more. About 60% of students use high-tech speech-generating devices to communicate, and many students also use AAC systems like the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) or communication boards to communicate.
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Throughout the day, I may hear from SLPs who would like their students to start trying speech-generating devices for the first time. I would arrange for the students to try Summit speech department devices or get trial devices from speech-generating device companies. This involves contacting families and device companies, preparing paperwork, processing forms, and then supporting SLPs in completing AAC evaluations to determine what students need for communication. We currently have about 80 students participating in this process.
About 200 Summit Academy students already have high-tech speech-generating devices that require programming, updates, backups, troubleshooting, repairs, replacements, and more. I troubleshoot and set up repairs for any devices that have broken or malfunctioned while making sure students with broken devices have backup methods of communication. What are you most proud of, personally and professionally?
I am so happy with the life I have at home with my husband and two children, as well as my career as an SLP. It feels good being able to help others every day. I get to share what I have learned about AAC with others and learn from those I interact with every day.
I love providing students with communicative choices so that they can access multiple methods of communication like gestures, signs, printed pictures, speech-generating devices, verbal speech, typing/writing, and more. I love seeing their faces light up when they are able to communicate better.
I love that students using AAC get to pick their own words/pictures to communicate with when they otherwise might need to rely on other people to tell them what to say. Sometimes they even imitate the voice output from a device with verbal speech and use verbal speech to produce the same words later on without the device. I can only do what I do with support and help from my supervisor and leadership, SLPs, educational teams, including families, and so many others, but I am proud to be a part of the process that leads to an individual communicating more easily, effectively, and successfully.
What is your favorite place to eat in Western New York?
I always love trying different, independent restaurants! I cannot pick a favorite, but lately, I keep wanting to go back to Blue Eyed Baker. Name someplace on your bucket list. Yellowstone National Park |
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March 13: WNYRCASD Annual Conference
Time: 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
“Meeting the Unique Needs of Autistic Individuals with Diverse Strengths" is a virtual event designed for teachers, school administrators, therapists, and parents to improve the lives of children with autism. Presentations will be centered around strategies regarding executive functioning, making social connections, and the transition to adulthood. Registration is open at nysrcasd.org/events/1404/registrations/new.
May 10: The Summit Center 2025 Autism Walk
Time: Check-in opens at 8 a.m.
Location: 150 Stahl Road, Getzville, NY 14068
Save the date for the 2025 Autism Walk! Registration opens on March 1. More information to come. |
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Though the term "autism" first appeared around 1911, very little was known or medically researched about autism spectrum disorder until the late 20th century. New discoveries and advancements continue to be made today to help individuals on the spectrum achieve their full potential. (MassGeneral For Children) |
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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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