March 2026

Foundation 214 awards $1 million
to support preschool program 

Last month, The Summit Center received a pivotal $1 million grant from Foundation 214 to support preschool programming. 

The grant will enable Summit to reach more children with autism and other developmental disabilities under the age of five. When children with autism do not receive specialized support at an early age, they are more likely to face long-term challenges in academic learning, behavior regulation, and social development. This funding will ensure children with autism and other developmental disabilities receive evidence-based instruction that will prepare them for success in kindergarten and beyond. 

“With the prevalence of autism now at one in 31 children and a waitlist of more than 500 students, it is critical that we expand our physical footprint to address the growing need for special education services,” Lisa stated. “We are beyond thrilled that Foundation 214 shares our vision of supporting more children and families in Western New York.”  

Foundation 214 was established by philanthropist Sal Alfiero, founder of Mark IV Industries. The foundation works to advance the wellbeing of children, veterans, and the elderly with a focus on education and healthcare.  

CEO Chris Alfiero shared, “This gift is about far more than funding; it is a reflection of our belief in communities, in potential, and in the power of intentional generosity to drive lasting, meaningful change.” 

Registration is open
for the 2026 Autism Walk

Registration is now open for The Summit Center’s 2026 Autism Walk at SummitAutismWalk.org! This special day brings together the children and adults we support, along with families, staff, and community partners to celebrate acceptance and inclusion for all. We warmly invite you to join us, whether or not you’re connected to Summit.

This year’s theme, Unlimited Paths, reflects our belief that every individual is on their own unique journey and that their future is full of limitless potential.

Registration is $15. Children under 18 are free and do not need to register. The day will feature both long and short walk routes, plus music, vendors, food, kids’ activities, and more.

Beyond the celebration, the Autism Walk is Summit’s largest fundraiser, supporting essential programs like Summit Academy, respite care, our behavioral health clinic, and vocational training. You can help us reach our $325,000 goal by joining or creating a team and fundraising. Participants who raise $50 will receive this year’s walk t-shirt, with additional incentives including a $25 Tops gift card at $250, student artwork at $500, and a custom New Era walk-themed cap at $1,000. All incentive levels are cumulative.

For questions, please contact our development department at autismwalk@thesummitcenter.org or 716-629-3423.

All Access with Andy Garcia to showcase Summit students

Recently, our students got a taste of the lights and cameras as a crew from All Access with Andy Garcia visited. The crew filmed students in five classrooms at Summit Academy Stahl, capturing learning moments with students and teachers as well as interviews with Summit leadership and parents.

The episode will air in April for Autism Acceptance Month and will help educate the public on effective ways to support students with autism. More details about the episode will be coming soon. 

Support Summit during Autism Acceptance Month

April is Autism Acceptance Month, and while The Summit Center celebrates children and adults with autism all year round, this month is extra special. Several fundraising events will be taking place to help individuals with autism continue to reach new levels of learning and independence. 

Delta Sonic is running a round up campaign at 12 participating locations around Western New York. Customers will be encouraged to round up for autism acceptance when purchasing a car wash, interior detail, or other service. 

WNY Beer Trail is hosting an event from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 11 at Brazen Brewing, 5839 Genesee St., Lancaster. The event will feature a silent auction of autographed sports memorabilia as well as basket raffles. In partnership with WNY Beer Trail and 26 Shirts, Brazen has created a special beer, Breakaway Kölsch, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting Summit’s Autism Walk. In addition to the beer can design, 26 Shirts has a Breakaway merch collection with sales benefitting Summit.

Get your roller skates on and hit the rink at Aaron’s Allies Skate for Summit fundraiser. The event will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 16 at Rainbow Rink, 101 Oliver St., North Tonawanda. The cost is $10 per person and $5 for skate rentals. The event will feature raffles, a 50/50, and door prizes. The theme is Buffalo Spirit, so wear your favorite Buffalo gear.

On Sunday, May 17, Théoden’s Fellowship will host an artisan and vendor market from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. at The Park Buffalo, 323 Lang Blvd., Grand Island. The event will feature a variety of artisans and vendors, basket raffles, food trucks, and more.  

Proceeds from each event will support the 2026 Autism Walk, which raises funds for critical programs and services. For a full list of events happening during April, see our Upcoming Events section below or our Google Calendar. 

Discover autism-friendly activities across Western New York

There are many activities around Western New York geared toward children with autism and their families. As Autism Acceptance Month approaches, several local attractions host special programming to provide a sensory-friendly environment. While some activities are only held in April, others are offered all year long.

The list below includes some, but not all, activities available:

Au-Some Evenings at Explore & More

Once a month, Explore & More hosts Au-Some Evenings to give children with autism and their families an opportunity to play and learn in a supportive environment. Families have free access to the museum and exhibits as well as special programming, such as themed art projects, sensory exploration, therapy dogs, and more. Explore & More is located at 130 Main St., Buffalo. Learn more about Au-Some Evenings at exploreandmore.org.

AuSome Aquarium

The Aquarium of Niagara is hosting an AuSome Aquarium event from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, April 17 for families of children with autism. Guests can enjoy a free trip to the aquarium in a sensory-friendly environment. Space is limited and registration is required. The aquarium is located at 701 Whirlpool St, Niagara Falls. For more information or to register, visit aquariumofniagara.org.

Autism Nature Trail Letchworth State Park

Letchworth State Park features the Autism Nature Trail designed to meet the sensory needs of children and adults with autism. It’s a mile-long loop with sensory stations, including nature-inspired musical instruments, a maze, play equipment, and more. To visit, use the Castile entrance at Letchworth located at 6787 County Rd 38, Castile. The trail is next to the Humphrey Nature Center. Visit autismnaturetrail.com for more information.

Sensory Nights at the Buffalo Museum of Science

The Buffalo Museum of Science provides several Au-Some evenings and sensory nights throughout the year. These events rotate and often focus on a theme, such as DinoFEST and Make It Month. Sensory nights feature lower noise levels, hands-on activities, and access to quiet rooms and sensory tools. Learn more about upcoming events at sciencebuff.org. 

Sensory Hour at the Botanical Gardens

The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens host a sensory hour from 4-5 p.m. the third Tuesday of every month. Capacity is limited to 50 guests to ensure a relaxed setting. Families can enjoy a visit with reduced sounds, fewer crowds, and an environment that supports comfort and exploration. The next sensory hour will be held on Tuesday, April 21 at 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo NY. Tickets cost $10. Learn more at buffalogardens.com.

Get Air Sports

Get Air offers dedicated time from 8-10 a.m. the first Saturday of the month for individuals with special needs. Music is played at a lower volume and one parent or guardian can support jumpers on the trampoline for free. Learn more at getairsports.com. 

Vocational conference focuses on transition-age youth with autism

The vocational conference “Bridging School and Work: Evidence-Based Transition Practices for Autistic Students” will be held virtually on Thursday, April 23 from 1 to 3 p.m.

This session will offer practical, evidence-based strategies to support transition planning, career and job development, and long-term employment outcomes for youth with autism. The conference will feature two leading experts in the field: Josh Taylor, Ph.D., and Holly Whittenburg, Ph.D., both associate professors of special education at Washington State University.

Registration is $20 and includes CEUs for teachers and administrators. Visit TheSummitCenter.org for more information or to register.

2025 Impact Report now available

The Summit Center’s 2025 Impact Report, which covers July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025, highlights some of the remarkable achievements made during this fiscal year, such as a monumental donation, meaningful breakthroughs, and positive relationships. Included within these pages is: 

• A message from our CEO Lisa A. Foti
• A feature on the historic gift made by Tom Golisano
• Stories showcasing the successes of our early intervention and educational division
• A highlight of a former student who now helps other children
• A recap of our Autism Walk and Party for Summit events
• And much more! 

April 1-30: Cup of Communitea
Location: 5416 Main St., Williamsville NY, 14221

The Summit Center is Cup of Communitea's Nonprofit of the Month. A portion of April's tea selections will be donated to Summit.

April 1-30: Delta Sonic

Location: Participating Delta Sonic locations across Western NY

Round up for The Summit Center when you purchase a car wash, interior detail, or any service from our friends at Delta Sonic.

April 1-30: First Line Brewing Foundations Beer
Location: 4906 S Buffalo St., Orchard Park, NY 14127

We’ve partnered with First Line Brewing to create Foundations, a dry-hopped American lager, in support of Autism Acceptance Month. A portion of the proceeds of every can sold will be donated back to Summit. 

April 1: Jonny C's
Time: 4-8 p.m.
Location: 9350 Transit Rd, East Amherst, NY 14051

Skip the dishes and dine out at Jonny C's! Mention Summit and 20% of sales will be donated.

April 2: PJ Cools Autism Awareness Day
Time: 1-9 p.m.

Location: 6160 Transit Rd., Depew, NY 14043

For World Autism Acceptance Day, PJ Cools will be donating a portion of proceeds from their special red and multi-colored treat menu. Special guests will include the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles from 5-7 p.m. and Elmo from 6-8 p.m.

April 11: WNY Beer Trail Fundraiser

Time: 12-4 p.m.
Location: Brazen Brewing, 5839 Genesee St., Lancaster, NY 14086

WNY Beer Trail will host a fundraising event to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month and support The Summit Center. Brazen has collaborated with WNY Beer Trail and 26 Shirts to create Breakaway Kölsch, and a portion of each beer sold will support Summit's Autism Walk. The event will also feature a silent auction and basket raffle. 

April 16: Skate for Summit
Time: 5-7 p.m.

Location: Rainbow Rink, 101 Oliver St., North Tonawanda, NY 14120

The Skate for Summit fundraiser will include contests, a 50/50 raffle, games, and door prizes. The cost is $10 per person and $4 for skate rentals.

April 23: Vocational Conference
Time: 1-3 p.m.

The virtual conference "Bridging School and Work: Evidence-Based Transition Practices for Autistic Students” will offer practical, evidence-based strategies to support transition planning, career and job development, and long-term employment outcomes for youth with autism. Register at TheSummitCenter.org.

April 25: Texas Roadhouse Sensory Hour

Time: 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Location: 900 Young St., Tonawanda, NY 14150

Texas Roadhouse will offer a sensory-friendly dining hour from 11 a.m.-noon with lowered volume so families can enjoy a meal out. Bring this flyer anytime from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. and 10% of your total food purchases will be donated to Summit.

May 2: The Summit Center 2026 Autism Walk

Time: 8:00 a.m. Registration begins / 9:30 a.m. Ribbon cutting ceremony

Location: 150 Stahl Rd., Getzville, NY 14068

The 2026 Autism Walk will take place on Saturday, May 2. Registration costs $15; children under 18 are free and do not need to register. The event will also feature kids' activities, mascots, vendors, food, and more!

May 17: Théoden's Fellowship

Time: 12:30-4:30 p.m.

Location: The Park Buffalo, 323 Lang Blvd., Grand Island, NY 14072

Théoden's Fellowship will hold an artisan market and basket raffle. The event will include a variety of artisans and vendors, a basket raffle, and more.

June 4: Transition Fair

Time: 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Location: 30 Hazelwood Dr., Amherst, NY 14228

Learn about programs and services that help bridge the gap between school and adulthood. Numerous human service agencies will be present. 

Fact of the Month

In 1987, President Ronald Reagan recognized March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month to increase public awareness of the needs and the potential of people with developmental disabilities. It also promotes inclusion and creating opportunities to help individuals with developmental disabilities achieve their goals. (National Disability Institute) 

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

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