About INSPIRE For Autism, Inc.

Mission:

I.N.S.P.I.R.E. for Autism, Inc. will strive to maximize the potential for adolescents and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders to lead satisfying, self-sustaining lives in connection with their communities.

Vision:

I.N.S.P.I.R.E. for Autism, Inc. will tailor individualized programs for its students using best practices in autism education to maximize the student's potential for leading a self-sustaining life.  I.N.S.P.I.R.E. will work in collaboration with associated for-profit and non-profit business enterprises to create environments in which I.N.S.P.I.R.E. students can learn, socialize, and work successfully.

To contact us or give:
I.N.S.P.I.R.E. for Autism, Inc., School, Adolescents 11-22, Western New England, Brattleboro, Vermont

Values:

We believe that individuals with Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are entitled to the opportunity to lead self-sustaining, dignified lives in connection with their own communities.

We believe that the individual abilities and interests of students should direct the educational approaches used to maximize the student's potential for independent living.

We commit to maintaining respectful, open minds with regard to the use of a variety of best practices in autism education so that students, teachers and family members can build trusting collaborations in their pursuit of a common goal.

We believe that "authentic" learning takes place in the context of meaningful, relevant experiences which are supported by strong, caring, mutually-respectful relationships, augmentative communication, structure, repetition and reinforcement, consistent with the learning style of the individual.

We recognize that, in order to maximize the opportunity for successful, independent living, individuals with ASD will require educational and vocational training, along with instruction in activities of daily living, social interactions, physical fitness and sensory modulation.

We commit to consistent data collection against educational and vocational goals to facilitate problem-solving and direct progress.

We value the participation of family members and/or guardians in building effective teams to support the success of our students.

We believe that our students with ASD, and our small, neighborhood communities in Western New England, will experience mutual benefits from the increased interaction which will occur through I.N.S.P.I.R.E - associated student enterprises.

The I.N.S.P.I.R.E. for Autism Team

"Whether you are a parent, a teacher, or especially a child, if you've navigated through the world of Autism, you've had heartache.  Let us come together to create peace, healing, and a future for our loved ones."

Carol Ortlip, Executive Director, Master's in Ed.

A proven, award-winning leader in creating effective programs for adolescents with autism, author, inspirer.
E-mail: cortlip@inspireforautism.org

Stephanie Betit-Hancock, Associate Director/Head Teacher/Business Manager, Master's Degree in Special Education

Award-winning dedication, seven years of extraordinary results with severely-affected students with Autism.
E-mail:  sbetit@inspireforautism.org

Craig White, Board Director

Owner, Hillside Organic Pizza, Board Member, Austine School for Deaf, Experienced school chef, trainer.
E-mail:  hillsog@crocker.com

William Vranos, M.D., Board Treasurer, Father

Orthopedic surgeon at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, dedicated father of 3.

Kathleen Vranos, Board Secretary, Mother

Assistant Professor, Business/Marketing, Greenfield Community College, blessed mother of three.

Nomar, Relationship Therapist

Certified Therapy Dog from the North Star Foundation, pillow, playmate, pal for I.N.S.P.I.R.E. family. For more information about Therapy Dogs, please visit:  http://www.northstardogs.com/

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS:

I.N.S.P.I.R.E. for Autism School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.  It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.