Commissioner’s Transition Award Recipient:  The Faison School for Autism

On March 16, DRS Commissioner Jim Rothrock honored The Faison School for Autism—Center for Life Skills and Employment with the annual Commissioner’s Transition Award of Excellence.  The Transition Award, which was presented during the 2009 Virginia Transition Forum in Norfolk, Virginia, honors an individual or group who has made significant contributions to programs or activities that improve the lives of youth with disabilities.

“We selected The Faison School for Autism as this year’s recipient for its outstanding leadership in providing early-intervention, education, training and research to address the needs of youth with autism,” said Commissioner Rothrock. “With autism increasing at a rate of 10-17 percent per year, we commend The Faison School for delivering an innovative program that not only caters to a segment of the population that has traditionally been unserved or underserved, but also fosters community and business partnerships that enable youth to successfully transition from school to work and adult life.”

Autism is the most common disorder in a group of developmental disorders, known as the autism spectrum, which affects a child’s social interaction, communication, and behavior.  It is the fastest growing developmental disability, now affecting one in 150 children and one of every 98 boys.  It is more common than childhood cancer, Cystic Fibrosis and Multiple Sclerosis combined. Autism is a life-long disability with symptoms generally appearing by age 2.

Located in Richmond, Virginia, The Faison School for Autism was established in 1999 serving just four preschool-age students who worked daily with an autism specialist.  When the school partnered with Virginia Commonwealth University’s Department of Psychiatry, it transformed into both a treatment center and a behavioral research laboratory under the auspices of the Autism Center of Virginia. Today, the school serves students ages 18 months to 22 years with on-site and off-site programs, utilizing evidence-based treatment, research, and community education.  

In September 2007, The Faison School opened its Center for Life Skills and Employment as part of its strategy to expand services for teens and young adults and provide business outreach.

Of their experience working with The Faison School, Assistant General Manager and Director of Food and Beverage Pat Manning and Managing Director Joe Longo at The Jefferson Hotel said, “Partnering with The Faison School has been both motivating and gratifying. We look forward to continuing our involvement with the Center and to welcoming many more students."

Ten students are currently enrolled in the Center.  The school receives consultation from Dr. Paul Wehman, professor and director of the VCU Rehabilitation Research & Training Center on Workplace Support, along with his colleagues, Dr. Katherine (Katty) Inge, Dr. John Kregel, and Jennifer McDonough.

"The Faison Life Skills Program is an excellent illustration of helping young people with autism learn how to function and interact in the community,” said Dr. Wehman. “Increasing numbers of students are learning how to work, shop, travel and recreate in the Richmond community through the Faison training and instructional staff who accompany them.”

“Our students love going to work and contributing to the business and greater community.  We are thrilled to be recognized for our work by the Commissioner, and appreciate the support of our business partners very much,” said Kathy Matthews, Ph.D., Director of Education at The Faison School for Autism.

For more information on The Faison School for Autism, please visit http://www.thefaisonschool.org/.