Providing the Tools & Resources to Assist Each Individual in Their Journey Towards a Fuller & Richer Quality of Life.

Special Needs is characterized by an active programming and normalizing developmental philosophy to further services that promote Quality of Life improvement. A key principle of Special Needs is its focus on growth for each person it serves. Special Needs is committed to helping each individual achieve his or her maximum level of independent functioning and become as full a member of the community as possible. Above all, Special Needs is committed to the principles of normalization, Dignity of Risk and the Individual’s Right of Choice.

History has shown that we do not naturally extend to people with developmental disabilities the values and aspirations we have for people without disabilities. It is significant that these principles must be highlighted for people with developmental disabilities because clearly the concepts apply to all people.

People who are providing support and services must be responsible to and not for each person with a developmental disability. Provider organizations should be committed to fostering caring communities and to providing the safeguards, as needed, for people with disabilities.

Special Needs is a place to learn, to grow, to develop, and to model. A commitment to excellence must be imbedded in the staff who will build programs that are very special. Work attitudes must combine deep caring with professional skill and expertise, and always with an eye toward improvement. This philosophy guides Special Needs both in its long range growth and its day-to-day practical existence.