NAVIGATION

May Institute Opens a New May Center School for Autism and Developmental Disabilities in Chicopee, Mass.

09/15/22


Randolph, Mass. – May Institute has opened a new school for students with autism and developmental disabilities in Chicopee, Mass. An extension of the May Center School in West Springfield, the new campus provides full-day, year-round educational and vocational services for children and adolescents from preschool to age 22.

The expansion comes in response to the ongoing demand for these highly specialized services across the state, and in the region. It will allow the organization to double the number of students currently served in the school located in West Springfield.

“Our school in West Springfield has an excellent reputation in the western Massachusetts community,” says Erica Kearney, M.A., LABA, BCBA, Executive Director of the new school and former director of the West Springfield school. “This is due in large part to the school’s exceptional, evidence-based services and consistently high levels of engagement that the staff provide students.”

Bridget Anderson, M.Ed., BCBA, formerly the Assistant Executive Director of the May Center School in Randolph, is the new Executive Director at the West Springfield school. She has many years of experience working with children with autism and their families, providing applied behavior analysis (ABA) services in school and home settings.

The new Chicopee site is a Massachusetts Chapter 766-approved school, and its staff members include certified special education teachers, Board Certified Behavior Analysts, and other specialists. These highly trained professionals use proven methods of teaching and interventions based on contemporary educational and ABA research.

The school has a 1:1 staff-to-student ratio and emphasizes all areas of a student’s development, including communication, language, academics, social skills, self-care, and vocational skills.

In addition to eight traditional classrooms for students ages 3 to 16, the new school has two classroom apartments where primarily students 16 and older can learn and practice activities of daily living, functional living skills, and vocational skills. Four individual learning rooms provide quiet spaces where students with a variety of sensitivities can learn without disruptions and distractions when needed.

Other amenities that enhance student learning include a computer lab, library, game and music room, and a gym with an attached gross motor room and direct access to an outdoor play area.

“We offer an individualized curriculum for children and adolescents with autism and other developmental disabilities,” said Kearney. “As our students grow and mature, we work closely with families and school districts to prepare students for more independent living and a successful transition to adult life.”


For more information or to schedule a visit, call 413.377.1450, or email Erica Kearney at ekearney@mayinstitute.org.


About May Institute
May Institute is a nonprofit organization that is a national leader in the field of applied behavior analysis, serving individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities, brain injury and neurobehavioral disorders, and other special needs. Founded more than 65 years ago, we provide a wide range of exceptional educational and rehabilitative services across the lifespan. For more information, call 800.778.7601 or visit www.mayinstitute.org.

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May Institute does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, sex/gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, military status, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, marital status, socioeconomic status, homelessness, or any other category protected under applicable law in treatment or employment at the Institute, admission or access to the Institute, or any other aspect of the educational programs and activities that the Institute operates. The Institute is required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (Age Act), and their respective implementing regulations at 34 C.F.R. Parts 100, 104, 106 and 110, not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national origin (Title VI); disability (Section 504); sex (Title IX); or age (Age Act). Inquiries concerning the application of each of these statutes and their implementing regulations to the Institute may be referred to the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, at (617) 289-0111 or 5 Post Office Square, 8th Floor, Boston, MA 02109-3921, or to Terese Brennan - Compliance Officer, at 1-888-664-9870 or Compliance@mayinstitute.org or May Institute 14 Pacella Park Drive, Randolph, MA 02368.