Why Choose Vista?
Vista offers many advantages to students and their families looking for a top tier educational program. Here are some of the important factors that make Vista so valuable:
Independence
Teaching independence is our core program value. Helping individuals become as independent as possible is what we do best. Vista teaches individuals to develop their own voice on the path to an adult identity.
Innovation
Since its founding in 1989, Vista has been at the forefront of post-secondary programs nationally. Its comprehensive programs and services are innovative and have evolved dynamically to meet the long term needs of individuals with neurological disabilities.
Quality
Vista is fully accredited by the National Commission for the Accreditation of Special Education Services (NCASES) and is recognized for the quality and dedication of its staff. All staff members benefit from excellent in-service professional training programs.
Holistic Philosophy
Vista’s philosophy is holistic and takes each student’s success seriously. Each student has an individual program plan and all staff members work as a team to provide the appropriate services. Students thrive in a milieu of warmth, acceptance, and opportunities to achieve success.
Employment
Approximately 90% of Vista members who are ready for paid employment are employed. We work with 140+ employers, as well as Vista’s own enterprises.
Location
Vista is fortunate to be located along the scenic Connecticut shoreline, easily accessible to Boston and New York City and to local and regional cultural resources and activities. The shoreline community is safe and friendly, yet accessible to all activities important to Vista students and members.
Community
Vista is a community within a wider community along the shoreline. Belonging to the Vista community serves as a safe haven of acceptance, respect, and friendship as Vista students are learning to live and work as adults and to become integrated into the community. At Vista, the wider community is a classroom.
Friends
Students learn from their peers, form friendships, socialize, and have fun. For new students, coming to Vista opens a whole new world of sharing their lives with peers and gaining the self-confidence acceptance engenders.
Transportation
There is a full-service public bus system along the shoreline. Vista students are taught to use public transportation, and Vista provides its own supplemental transportation system to access opportunities and locations beyond the public routes.
Club Program and Recreational Activities
Vista offers a rich program of clubs and activities to meet many interests and develop new skills.
Long Term
Vista is here for the long term to meet the changing needs of individuals as they grow older. Members can be part of Vista for as long as they choose, and as long as they continue to meet acceptance criteria.