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At Vista, a person’s disability is not seen as the defining factor for the individual. While we acknowledge its existence, we look instead to the spirit, talents, and hopes of our students and members. For this is where potential and promise are found and where future success is developed.
Vista’s philosophy views each person as a unique individual and Vista takes each student’s success seriously. Each is given the opportunity to do his or her best through a comprehensive program tailored to meet individual needs.
At Vista, each individual is important.
- Vista focuses on the whole person, in four major areas: vocational, life skills, cognitive and social skills, and community involvement.
- Each student has a counselor to assist in developing and achieving individual goals. All staff members work as a team to teach various skills.
- Vista works with each individual to foster a meaningful vocational experience.
- All staff help students establish satisfactory relationships and develop positive self-esteem.
- Students at Vista are considered to be a family and are taught to trust and respect each other.
- Being interdependent with one's community is an integral part of independence.
- Students, their families, and Vista's staff form a team to support successful attainment of goals.
- Vista believes learning is life-long, always providing opportunities for growth.
Family is very important at Vista. All students and members are part of a special group; the Vista family. They learn to respect each other and to contribute to their mutual well being with roommates and peers. The student’s own family “back home” is also very important. Families of young adults with neurological impairments have been very involved in the details of their son or daughter’s life, as decision-makers, friends, and advocates for their child. Staff at Vista recognize this bond and work with the students and their families to ensure that a healthy and normal separation occurs, to enhance the young adult’s identity. Families are contacted regularly about a student’s progress, and they are encouraged to keep informed of activities and events occurring at Vista. Newsletters, written updates, and two annual family weekends are provided, and siblings are invited too.