In August of 2022, the Cantalician Center for Learning and Learning Disabilities Association of WNY completed a merger, announced in late 2021, officially forming Beyond Support Network. The combined organizations bring 123 years of service to the region and a record of collaborating to provide a wide range of support services. Beyond Support Network will provide support for more than 1200 individuals across Western New York each year.
The Cantalician Center for Learning and the Learning Disabilities Association of Western New York have long been stalwarts of serving those in need throughout the community. The Cantalician Center was founded in 1956 as a day school program for children with disabilities. The organization brings to Beyond meaningful, integrated services to hundreds of children and adults with developmental disabilities and people in need across Western New York from birth through retirement through its Early Childhood Community Services, School Age, Preschool and Daycare Services, as well as its Day Habilitation Services, Employment Services, and Contract Sales through its division, Diversified Labor Solutions.
Learning Disabilities Association of Western New York traces its roots to 1965,
when Rachel Howard, a local grandmother, sought help when her grandson was experiencing significant learning disabilities in school. She agreed to start a support group for parents of children with suspected learning disabilities. Within five years, the group had grown to nearly 500 people. LDA brings to Beyond a full range of support services and serves hundreds of individuals annually in the eight counties of Western New York. LDA also created and operates Starlight Studio and Art Gallery, a unique integrative arts program that supports adults with disabilities in their artistic development.
