NECC 40th

Summary

This inspiring video chronicles the journey of the New England Center for Children, from its humble beginnings to becoming a transformative force in the lives of children with autism. With a focus on innovative education and therapy methods, the center's growth is driven by its founders' passion and dedication to creating a positive impact. The video highlights the profound ripple effect on families, children, and communities, demonstrating the significant influence of specialized care, research, and training in autism education. The center’s success promises hope, offering resources to families worldwide and paving the way for future growth and outreach.

Takeaways

• 😀 The New England Center for Children (NECC) started humbly and grew into a nationally and internationally recognized institution.
• 😀 The center's origins trace back to a group of young men, including Vinnie Stolly, at Taunton State Hospital, who had innovative ideas for treating children with severe developmental disabilities.
• 😀 NECC began in an empty building on a state hospital's grounds with a grant, initially accommodating children from the state hospital's wards, who had no prior specialized programs.
• 😀 The center's first students were children with severe developmental disabilities, some of whom were placed in adult wards alongside chronic mentally ill and schizophrenic patients.
• 😀 The initial success of NECC was built on the strength of its dedicated teachers and the community of parents, leading to the center’s steady growth over the years.
• 😀 The growth of NECC from six students and ten teachers to 20 students with more staff demonstrated its ability to scale and expand its offerings.
• 😀 Families found NECC to be a transformative environment that offered hope, structure, and a safe space for children with autism, which positively impacted parents' lives as well.
• 😀 NECC’s motto, 'transforming the lives of children with autism,' encapsulates its mission, which has had a profound ripple effect on families and communities.
• 😀 The success of NECC led to the creation of educational and research resources that are now recognized nationwide, proving its effectiveness in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
• 😀 Vinnie and the team at NECC never expected the impact to grow as large as it has, but the center now serves as a model for autism treatment and is poised to reach even more children globally.

Q & A

What were the humble beginnings of the New England Center for Children?

The New England Center for Children started with a small program aimed at supporting children with severe developmental disabilities. Initially, they worked with a group of young men, including Vinnie Stolle, at the Taunton State Hospital. The first facility was an empty building with donated furniture and food, where children, some of whom were living in adult wards with mentally ill patients, were enrolled.

Who was Vinnie Stolle and what role did he play in the New England Center for Children's creation?

Vinnie Stolle was part of a group that had a new approach for dealing with children with severe developmental disabilities, which would later be integral in the treatment of children with autism. He received a grant to start the program that became the New England Center for Children.

How did the New England Center for Children evolve over time?

The center began with six students and 10-12 teachers. Over the next four to five years, it grew to serve 20 children. As the program expanded, they developed more resources and continued to improve their treatment and educational approaches.

What makes the New England Center for Children special?

The center is distinguished by its innovative approach, dedicated staff, and a comprehensive curriculum. It offers hope and support to families, helping children with autism achieve greater independence. It also provides training, research, and educational resources to others in the field.

How did the families of children with autism feel about the New England Center for Children?

Families expressed deep gratitude, highlighting the hope and structure the center provided. It allowed them to regain their lives while their children were in a safe and supportive environment. Many parents felt that the center was the right fit for their children, offering more than other programs.

How did the New England Center for Children impact children with autism and their families?

The center has had a transformative impact on both the children and their families. Through its programs, it has helped children develop skills for greater independence, improving their quality of life. The positive effects extend to siblings, parents, and extended families as well.

What was the initial scope of the New England Center for Children?

Initially, the center's scope was small, focusing on a handful of children. However, as their research and program success grew, they realized the need to scale up in order to support more children and to fund further research and educational resources.

What are the future goals for the New England Center for Children?

The future goals include expanding their impact to reach hundreds of thousands of children with autism. This involves sharing their curriculum, training, and research globally, helping to mentor other organizations and professionals working with autism worldwide.

What is the New England Center for Children's motto, and how does it reflect their mission?

The center's motto is 'transforming the lives of children with autism.' This reflects their mission to provide effective programs that improve the lives of children, helping them develop independence and skills that will benefit them in the long term.

What is the significance of the 40th anniversary celebration for the New England Center for Children?

The 40th anniversary celebration marks a major milestone in the center's journey. The leaders of the center express excitement about continuing to move forward, looking ahead to the next 10 years with a focus on expanding their reach and continuing to improve services for children with autism.