Darden Elementary and LOGAN Center team up to provide autism services for school-age children
Thanks to a groundbreaking partnership between South Bend’s Darden Elementary School and the Sonya Ansari Center for Autism at LOGAN, school-age children on the autism spectrum in South Bend are now able to get the additional support they need while remaining in their school environment.
The dedicated classroom at Darden serving children on the autism spectrum allows students to receive the same, quality services that they would receive at LOGAN, but rather than pulling these students out of school, they are served on site, one-on-one by a trained behavior analyst.
“Our ultimate goal for these children is to equip them with the skills to succeed full-time in an inclusive classroom,” said Dr. Joshua Diehl, PhD., Chief Program Officer for Child and Adolescent services at LOGAN.
“This partnership with Darden allows the students to get the kinds of additional support they need in a school environment.”
Darden Elementary School was selected as the site of the partnership because the building had an extra classroom that is ideal for these students and the behavior analysts who work with them.
“We are committed to providing the best educational experience for all students in our district,” said Superintendent Dr. Todd Cummings. “This groundbreaking approach to teaching children on the autism spectrum is the type of community partnership that can truly make a difference in these students’ lives.”
The partnership is funded through the Vera Z. Dwyer Charitable Trust and the United Way of St. Joseph County. The principal gift of $400,000 by the Vera Z. Dwyer Charitable Trust speaks to the Trust's commitment of supporting education and making an immediate impact in the community.
"We are fortunate to have the Vera Z. Dwyer Charitable Trust as a partner," said Matt Harrington, President and CEO at LOGAN. "The Trust leaves an incredible legacy of compassion by providing funding to area organizations for education and healthcare.
The program can accommodate up to six additional students. If you are interested, please contact The Sonya Ansari Center for Autism at LOGAN Center at 574-855-1732.
About LOGAN
LOGAN is a not-for-profit organization that offers resources and opportunities to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities so they, and their families, may achieve their desired quality of life. Since 1950, LOGAN has reached out to friends and families with help and hope through advocacy, resources and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. For more information, visit www.LoganCenter.org.