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The Virginia Institute of Autism (VIA) first opened its
doors in the winter of 1996 through the tremendous efforts of four parents who were
given diagnoses for their children, but found no resources. The founding parents educated
themselves on best outcomes for children with autism, interviewed the leading experts
in the field, and subsequently created the VIA School based upon the principles
of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
VIA began as an afternoon and Saturday program for four students in a rented space
in downtown Charlottesville
. In 1998, VIA moved to a house on
Park Street
, allowing the school to accommodate 12 full-time students.
As staff expertise grew, VIA also expanded its outreach work, offering
ABA
workshops for parents and professionals, hosting interns,
and collecting a small lending library of books to make available to the community.
In late 2001, VIA moved into its current location, a three-building campus that
accommodates up to 30 students, faculty workspace, outdoor activities, and facilities
for life-skills training.In addition, this new site has allowed VIA to host
larger groups for workshops and expand its library to hold more than 700 volumes.
VIA now hosts several interns and practicum students per year, as well as supporting
multiple research studies annually.VIA’s outreach work also continues to expand through
its Early Intervention Home Programs as well as school consultation.
In 2006, VIA’s school program was renamed in honor of a generous benefactor, James
C. Hormel. As VIA continues to develop its programs to meet the growing
needs of area families and professionals, we are extremely grateful to be part of
such a supportive community, without whom, none of these accomplishments would be
possible.
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