Our mission is to enable individuals with neurological disabilities to work successfully and live independently in the community.
Vista Vocational & Life Skills Center is a private, non-profit training program serving over 165 adults with disabilities. The disability, whether it is called a learning disability, epilepsy, autism, traumatic brain injury or another title is not the defining factor for the individual. While we acknowledge its existence, we
look to the spirit, talents and dreams of our students and members. For these are where potential and promise lie and where future success is imminent.Founded in 1989 , Vista has training centers or residential facilities in Guilford, Madison, Clinton and Westbrook, Connecticut. Students and members live along the shoreline between Guilford and Old Saybrook and are employed in the triangle formed by New Haven, New London and Middletown.
All of Vista’s training and support services are designed to enable students to live independently and to become productive members of the wider community. Life skills services, vocational training, and counseling services are provided in a holistic program designed to meet the individual needs of each student.
VISTA FAST FACTS
• Vista’s Entrance Program is a 3-year, post secondary program for individuals who are 18 years or older.• The Entrance Program provides a 2-year residential program in Westbrook followed by a third year in the Guilford Transition Apartments.
• 125+ local firms employ Vista students and Outreach members, in shoreline communities from New Haven to New London and north to Middletown.
• 29 Outreach Program members have been employed 5+ years by the same employers. Of these, 11 have been employed 10+ years.
• After graduation, members enter the Outreach Program and live independently in the community, while receiving support services from Vista.
• Students come to Vista from all over the United States. Approximately 50% are from Connecticut.
• Outreach members live in 72 individual households in shoreline communities.
• Approximately 90% of Outreach Program members are in paid employment.
• Vista has 102 staff members. 24% have worked at Vista for 10+ years and more than 44% for 5+ years
