Help Matthew's Center for Visual Learning

Matthew's Center for Visual Learning

Manassas, Virginia

Cause Description:
HISTORY Mark and Laurie Heilman, the parents of a child with autism founded Matthew's Center for Visual Learning in September 2000. In September of 2002, an In-home program came to light after a $35,000 grant from the Freddie Mac Foundation. This program allowed our staff to train families how to work with their children, prevent students from having to be placed in a residential placement and allows respite care to those families in need. In May of 2003, the school expanded its license to include Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and increase the age limit from 14 to 21. As enrollment increased the areas served spread from Fredericksburg to Harrisonburg to Leesburg and the area it encompasses. Matthew's Center is now known as specialists in the area of autism throughout the region. OBJECTIVE Matthew's Center recognizes that each student is unique; requiring a structured and supportive program based on the child's learning ability. Each student's curriculum is designed based on their Individual Education Plan (IEP) or Individual Instruction Plan (IIP), using a variety of methodologies, including but not limited to, PECS, Applied Verbal Behavior (AVB), TEACCH and discrete trials. This approach of Applied Behavior Analysis provides the foundation for a positive learning environment for each student. Students are primarily taught skill acquisition through functional activities. Attention is devoted to teaching each student a functional communication system, daily living skills, functional academics and appropriate social skills. A behavior intervention plan is developed based on each student's specific needs. Skills are taught across all environments through home visits and community-based trips.

Type: Animal
Listed on iGive since: June 2006
iGive members supporting: 17

Website: matthewscenter.org

Raised through iGive: $69.13 across 3 checks, June 2006 to June 2008.

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