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

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 Laurlen Coker, Coordinator of Community Services, or 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.

Added bonus for those who attend ONE session: One-on-one parent training to help overcome specific challenges

Every family is different, and every child has different challenges. Parents/caregivers who participate in ONE S.T.A.R. training session, will receive additional one-on-one training in your home or in the community. A trained Summit staff member will teach you the skills to gain the confidence you need to help your child become more independent. We can teach you how to implement an activity schedule, facilitate interaction among siblings, get your child to accept “no” or “not right now” for an answer, use the toilet, sleep in their own bed, or eat meals with the family. We’re here to support you every step of the way, to better understand the barriers to success and develop a plan that works. With the right tools, you’ll be successful in no time (and so will your child)!

Download our calendar of scheduled training sessions and determine which one is best for you.

• To register: View flyer for contact information.