The Autism Education Center (AEC) was started in 2001 to provide
training, resources, technical support, and coordination statewide and
in the local community to meet the needs of a growing number of
individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Our primary
role is to provide resources and leadership in guiding schools,
families, and community partners to follow legal requirements,
evidence-based practice, and data to educate children with ASD. We also
work with school and community partners to promote integration in all
aspects of life. As an increasing number of students with ASD enter
college, the AEC role at the university level has grown since these
students often need higher level supports to be successful in college.
Ultimately, our goal is to help children, youth, and college-age
students move into adulthood as maximally independent individuals with
skills, choices, and opportunities for employment, leisure, and housing.
Mission
The Autism Education Center works with schools, community partners, and
families to support students with Autism Spectrum Disorder to become
active, engaged members of their schools and local communities and
successfully move into adulthood as independent individuals with many
choices and opportunities.
Vision
Ensuring that all individuals with autism spectrum disorder have the
supports, skills, and opportunity to learn, play, live, and work in a
fully integrated community.
Value Statement
The Autism Education Center values:
Coordination of goals and activities with schools, community
partners, and families to meet the needs of individuals with autism
spectrum disorders to thrive in their local community.
Integration of individuals with all types of disabilities into
the community with availability of peer/natural supports to foster
social opportunities and independence.
Knowledge and use of evidence-based practices and data-based
decision making when providing educational or intervention services
to individuals with ASD.
Assessment that leads to individualized goals and interventions
with ongoing monitoring of progress toward achieving goals, whether
it is for an individual, a school building, or a community.
Strategic Priorities, outcomes, and key objectives
Strategic Priority Area 1: Actively engage learners at all levels.
Strategic Priority Area 2: Further develop exceptional personnel.
Outcome C: Grand Valley has mutually beneficial relationships, partnerships, collaborations, and connections with local, state, national, and world communities.
Outcome E: Grand Valley strategically allocates its fiscal, human, and other institutional resources.
Strategic Priority Area 3: Ensure the alignment of institutional structures and functions.
Strategic Priority Area 4: Enhance the institution's image and reputation.
Outcome A: Grand Valley's learning environment is personal, challenging, and transformational, supporting excellent academic programs and co-curricular opportunities.
Outcome B: Grand Valley is diverse and inclusive.
Outcome E: Grand Valley strategically allocates its fiscal, human, and other institutional resources.