April 2026

Brayden's Path to Confidence

Brayden, a student at Summit Academy Hazelwood, is the definition of resilient. At birth, he survived the loss of 70 percent of his blood and faced multiple complications, including seizures. Endearing is another word that comes to mind. He lives fully in the moment—one of the many lessons he teaches those around him.

Brayden was diagnosed with autism at the age of 2. In his early childhood, he struggled with self-regulation and sensory processing. Much of his frustration stemmed from an inability to communicate effectively, which often led to meltdowns, inconsolable moments, and self-injurious behaviors.

Everything began to change when Brayden received an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device. For the first time, he could express his needs and wants and communicate authentically. Today he uses his AAC device to share his feelings, his love for music, and his favorite foods. 

A loving home, the companionship of his dog Ally, and a structured routine have all played a role in Brayden’s growth. Another key factor has been the faculty and staff at Summit Academy. Through their support, Brayden is thriving with a strong sense of self-esteem. Each day, he comes to school with a confident attitude and a desire to interact with his peers. He is building greater independence by learning to identify and count money, domestic skills like vacuuming and organizing, and other activities of daily living.   

Brayden’s story is so powerful that it inspired his father, Michael, to write four books about their journey. Michael also founded the AAC Project of WNY, which helps neurodivergent individuals acquire AAC devices and provides hands-on training for caregivers and educators. 

There's Still Time to Register or Donate for the 2026 Autism Walk

Join us on Saturday, May 2 for Summit's Autism Walk celebrating acceptance and understanding alongside families, advocates, and community supporters. The event will also feature kids' activities, food, mascots, vendors, and more!

Walk with us. Fundraise with us. Or donate to help make an impact.

Looking for other ways to support this year's event? Below is a list of a few fundraisers you can attend to support Summit. Please see Upcoming Events for more details.

• Wayland Brewing has a special blue cocktail called “The Aiden” in honor of a former Summit student. A portion of the proceeds from each drink will support the Autism Walk.
• First Line Brewing is donating a portion of the proceeds from each can of Foundations, a beer created in collaboration with Summit, sold during April.
• 26 Shirts has a special edition Breakaway merch collection with sales benefitting Summit throughout April.
• Théoden’s Fellowship will host an artisan and vendor market from 12:30-4:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 17 at The Park Buffalo, 323 Lang Blvd., Grand Island. Enjoy shopping, basket raffles, food trucks, and more!

Proceeds from each event will support the 2026 Autism Walk, which raises funds for critical programs and services.

Community Integration:
A Cornerstone of Autism Acceptance

As we celebrate Autism Acceptance Month, it’s important to consider what acceptance looks like in everyday life. A critical element is creating environments where people feel welcomed and valued. 
 
Successful community integration allows individuals with disabilities to participate in life to the same extent as their nondisabled peers. Meaningful integration supports independence, builds life skills, and fosters a sense of belonging. Too often, barriers limit access to spaces and experiences that others take for granted. When these barriers are removed, opportunities emerge for recreation, employment, housing, and more. 

When communities are inclusive, people who were once excluded see improvements in their mental and physical health. But the impact extends far beyond the individual. Community members are exposed to different perspectives and experiences. Furthermore, increased workforce participation and consumer engagement contributes to a stronger economy.

The Summit Center is committed to offering the support people need to fully engage in life. Our adult and community programs include STEPS, a community-based adult day program; Building Friendship Fridays, where young adults form lasting friendships; Community Habilitation, a one-on-one skill building program for individuals to achieve personal goals; and many others. 

To learn more about our programs and services, visit TheSummitCenter.org.

Family Finds Support, Community,
and Hope at Summit

In 2021, as many families were beginning to look toward a return to normalcy after the pandemic, the Gerber family received unexpected news: their 2-year-old daughter, Alena—affectionately known as “Laney G”—was diagnosed with autism. After noticing a loss of words around 18 months, what began as a routine hearing evaluation quickly turned into a life-changing moment.

In the months that followed, Laney’s family navigated a new reality filled with early intervention services, therapies, and uncertainty about what the future would hold. After several years in a specialized preschool program, they were once again faced with a difficult question: what’s next for Laney? They found their answer in The Summit Center.

In May 2024, Laney’s family received the call that she had been accepted to Summit Academy. Since starting that fall, Laney has thrived in an environment tailored to her unique needs. With individualized support from a dedicated team of teachers, therapists, and staff, Laney has made meaningful progress, gaining skills and confidence in ways her family had always believed possible.

“It has been wonderful to find more people who care for our Alena like she is their own,” said Stacey Subryan-Gerber, Laney’s mom. “The care they provide her, whether it’s making her comfortable when she is struggling with her emotions or keeping her safe when she is dysregulated, has given us peace. When I drop her off in the morning, I know she will be okay, because just like us, her team wants the best for her.”

This year, Laney’s family will cut the ribbon at Summit’s Autism Walk, helping kick off a day that celebrates the autism community. They hope others will join them in supporting Summit’s mission. With growing needs and increasing demand for services, community support is essential to ensure more families can access the life-changing care Summit provides.

You can help make stories like Laney’s possible. Consider making a gift to The Summit Center at TheSummitCenter.org/donate and support life-changing programs for children and families.

PACE Enjoys Tea Tasting
at Cup of Communitea

PACE interns recently attended a unique tea tasting experience at Cup of Communitea in Williamsville.

During their visit, our prevocational program participants sampled different blends, explored new flavors, and chose their personal favorites. The outing gave the group an opportunity to explore a local business, build connections, and enjoy a variety of flavorful teas.

Prevocational and Community Experience, or PACE, is a program for young adults to develop valuable work skills in a real world environment. PACE partners with UB Campus Dining and Shops where interns learn what it takes to work in a bustling kitchen. At the same time, they are building soft skills like accepting feedback, maintaining a flexible attitude, and self-advocacy.

Additionally, Cup of Communitea is giving back in a meaningful way by donating a portion of proceeds from April’s five featured teas: peaches and ginger, green mint, Formosa oolong, berry berry, and carrot cake. Proceeds will support Summit in honor of Autism Acceptance Month.

For more information, visit cupofcommunitea.com.

WNYRCASD Annual Conference Recordings Now Available

The Western New York Regional Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders (WNYRCASD) held its annual conference, “Advancing Behavior Support: From Prevention to Treatment,” on March 20. The event featured four presentations from experts in the field focusing on practical, evidence-based strategies for managing challenging behaviors. 

More than 500 people registered for the conference across New York State. The presentation recordings and handouts are now available on Summit’s website.

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 1-30: Wayland Brewing
Location: 3740 N Buffalo St., Orchard Park, NY 14127

Wayland Brewing has a special blue cocktail called “The Aiden” in honor of a former Summit student available throughout April. A portion of the proceeds from each drink will support the Autism Walk.

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

Over the past 14 years, The Summit Center Autism Walk has raised more than $3 million dollars to help fund critical programs for children and adults with autism and other developmental, social, and behavioral challenges.

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

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