Family Advocacy and Support

1. Support Group Meetings advising and training parents and professionals on the issues the directly affect the autistic individual and their immediate support network.

2. Provide resources to parents to prepare for Individualized Education Program meetings at the school.

3. Publish a resource directory. [Coming Soon]

4. Counseling. [Future]

5. Caregiver Services. *NEW* [Coming Soon]

Education and Training

1. Work in cooperation with Blue Ridge Autism and Achievement Center (BRAAC) to implement a satellite extension of BRAAC in Rockbridge County. BRAAC’s goal is to improve the quality of life for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder by using Applied Behavioral Analysis in their education model.

2. Coordinate agencies conducting specialized training for caregivers and professionals working with individuals with ASD to learn current techniques. Training opportunities work collectively with local schools and ABA on the student’s education strategies. [Planning]

3. Conduct fundraisers to meet resourcing requirements. [Ongoing]

Residential Facility [Future - Three year building plan]

1. Residential Home with Daily Instruction in Self-Help Skills

2. Crisis Management

3. Occupational and Vocational and other Therapies

Activities [Future - Three year building plan]

Residential Home with Daily Instruction in Self-Help Skills.

Crisis Management

Occupational, Vocational and other Therapies

Monthly Parent and Community Education meetings

Support Groups and Counseling

Resource Directory

Continued Education in ASD

Autism is a developmental disability that typically appears within the first three years of life and is marked by significant problems in communication and social relatedness.  The result of a neurological disorder, Autism hinders the proper development of the brain.  More than one million individuals in the United States alone live in the world of autism.  It is more prevalent than Downs Syndrome, Cystic Fibrosis, or Multiple Sclerosis.  It is increasing at an alarming rate of 10-17% per year!

The Blue Ridge Autism and Achievement Center is dedicated to providing families and individuals with Autism quality education, meaningful communication, resources and life skills that are necessary to succeed in society.

About BRAAC-BV 
Opened August 19, 2009

BRAAC Program
A wide range of areas are addressed for each child which may include:
Instruction using the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Visual schedules
Transition planning
Social skills
Generalization Training and Community activities
Occupational and Speech Therapy
Computer-based learning
Independent Life & Play skills

BRAAC is committed to providing resources and training to families and
professionals throughout Rockbridge County and surrounding areas.

In addition to our center based services, we offer the following:
Educational consultation for families and professionals
Home-based ABA programs
Training and workshops
Consultation to school systems and other agencies
On-site supervision and program training for public schools

Autism is a challenging disability that requires qualified and highly trained individuals working together with parents to help children learn and grow.  BRAAC will ensure that its staff receives the necessary training to provide each and every child a higher quality of life.

Our Long term Goals include:
A lending library for families and professionals
Social skills groups for children with Asperger’s Syndrome
Life skills groups for individuals with Autism
Community outreach programs
Information for families’ rights to services under the law
Large facility with a day program for adults with Autism
Conference room for support services

BRAAC is a non-profit organization.  We continue to strive to provide quality services at a low cost to families.  All donations are tax deductible and all funding is used directly to benefit the students at the center.