S.T.A.R. (Support, Training, and Respite)

S.T.A.R. Skill Building provides onsite specialized respite/skill building groups to individuals whose parents or caregivers attend a S.T.A.R.  training session, as well as individuals who are located in a difficult to serve area. These groups are also offered to individuals’ siblings whose families are attending training sessions.

Skill Building is a person-centered program that offers parents and caregivers a needed break and provides individuals with an environment to work on new skills and participate in recreational and leisure activities.

Our staff work with each individual to develop the skills needed to attend traditional waiver respite services. This may include working on coping strategies, making appropriate requests, and accepting no or waiting.

This service is typically offered on Saturdays and Sundays with some added “break days” during Summit Academy school breaks.

Eligibility:

• This program serves individuals with I/DD ages 3 and up

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 your child’s life. Sessions are conducted by members of The Summit Center’s professional staff who have significant background, training, and experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities. For those who participate, respite opportunities may be available at a later date.

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 maintain eligibility for this program, you must attend a minimum of one session every six months.

To register:  Call Ashlee Bronson, Assistant Director of Community Services, at 716.629.3400. 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 our calendar of scheduled training sessions and determine which one is best for you.

2024 Fourth Quarter Training Schedule

Ask the Expert – 4th Quarter Trainings
During the fourth quarter, all four sessions will be held in person and streamed virtually for a hybrid experience. All sessions will start with a 15-minute presentation outlining the topic to be discussed. The remainder of the session will give parents the opportunity to ask questions, get concrete advice from a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), connect with other parents on similar issues, and have a more personalized experience.

Upcoming Trainings:

Managing Challenging Behaviors                        Saturday, November 9, 2024                       10 a.m.
Hybrid virtual and in-person session – 75 Pineview Drive, Suite 300, Amherst NY 14228
Where do challenging behaviors typically come from? What do challenging behaviors mean? Utilize our experts to help identify the function of your child’s behavior and brainstorm some potential solutions.

Independence Basics                                              Saturday, December 7, 2024                       10 a.m.
Hybrid virtual and in-person session – 75 Pineview Drive, Suite 300, Amherst NY 14228
What skills will your child need to be the most successful in activities outside of school? Look ahead to environments like respite, the grocery store, family parties, and even adult services!

S.T.A.R. Intensive provides intensive therapeutic services to individuals who require a higher staff ratio due to extreme behavior needs and who are unable to be served in traditional waiver respite programs. Individuals are evaluated by a specialized behavior support team and extensive data is collected.

This service offers up to a 3:1 direct support staff ration with the ultimate goal of reducing staff to 1:1 support. Our highly trained and credentialed staff will implement a plan tailored to each individual’s needs. To ensure a safe and supportive environment, a behavior consultant and supervisor will be present for some or all of each scheduled session.

Sessions are offered after school, evenings, and weekends in 2 – 4-hour increments based on a family’s needs and availability for a total of 8 hours per month per individual. Services are delivered onsite or in-home determined by family preference/program desired.

Eligibility:

• Provided to individuals ages 3 years old and up