Philosophy and Mission

The mission of the Gengras Center is to guide each student to reach his or her potential by facilitating learning, social communication and independence for students aged 5 to 21 with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism and related challenges. We accomplish this through:

Individualized assessments and program planning
Small group and individual instruction with a high staff to student ratio
Speech and language therapy including AAC
Behavioral intervention and programming utilizing an ABA approach
Artistic expression through art, music, and drama
Social work services including social skills training and counseling
Wellness education through health, nutrition, and physical education classes
Physical and occupational therapy
Community instruction and safety training
Vocational experiences and employment training
Transition support and planning

We believe that learning and personal development must encompass the total child through an evidence-based approach that embraces all social, academic, therapeutic and vocational components. At the Gengras Center, these elements are individually tailored for every student, with communication, self-determination, and independent living skills all being an integral part of the overall approach.