Company Profile
Virginia Institute of Autism
Company Overview
Founded in 1996, the Virginia Institute of Autism’s (VIA) mission is to help people overcome the challenges of autism through innovative, evidenced-based programs in education, outreach and adult services. VIA is expanding to create clinical and educational centers of excellence to address the continuum of needs across the lifespan of people with autism spectrum disorder.
The organization has three distinct business lines. The James C. Hormel School is a year-round, day-school program licensed to serve students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder between the ages of 2 and 22. The school provides students with a comprehensive, state-of-the art education and clinical program designed to address the core symptoms of autism and related learning issues. A multidisciplinary faculty, consisting of experts in autism education and treatment, develops individualized education programs for each student.
The Outpatient Behavioral Services program provides evidence-based behavioral therapies designed to address the continuum of needs exhibited by children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. Depending upon a client’s needs, behavior therapy is provided in their homes, communities, and/or VIA’s specialized clinic. In addition to individual therapy, the Outpatient Behavioral Services program provides social skills training groups, summer camps,parent and caregiver coaching, and a number of workshops/continuing education events for health care practitioners, educators and child care providers.
The Adult Services program, which includes "The Academy," is designed provide adults with autism spectrum disorder a variety of continuing education opportunities and behavioral supports. The Academy provides a continuum of life-long support designed to meet the variety of needs adults across the autism spectrum may experience. The Academy is comprised of three colleges: College of Life Skills, College of Business and Entrepreneurship, and the College of Health and Well-being.
The Virginia Institute of Autism incorporates the values of strategic leadership (LEAD), innovation and evidence-based (CREATE), and systems transformation (CHANGE) into all planning, program development and operational activities.
Company History
The Virginia Institute of Autism 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). In late 2001, VIA moved to the 1414 Westwood Road location; a three-building campus that accommodates up to 56 students, faculty workspace, outdoor activities,
and facilities for life-skills training. In 2006, VIA’s school program was renamed in honor of a generous benefactor, James C. Hormel.
Notable Accomplishments / Recognition
In 2012 VIA received the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accreditation for three years. The summary report noted:
“The program staff training at VIA is superior.”
“Is a gold standard for the field.”
“Stakeholders interviewed were overwhelmingly complimentary of the programs.”
Benefits
VIA provides the following benefits to exempt, salaried employees:
• 100% Employer paid Health Insurance (Employee only coverage)
• 100% Employer paid Life and Long Term-Disability Insurance
• Simple IRA retirement account with up to a 3% company match
• Group Dental
• Supplemental Insurance for Short-term Disability, Accident, and Cancer Insurance
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account(s)
• Paid Sick leave
• Paid Vacation/Personal days
• Tuition/Conference Reimbursement