LEBANON — A lot has changed for special needs individuals in the past 40 years. In the late 1970s it was still common to institutionalize people with developmental, intellectual and physical disabilities. But a group of Upper Valley parents of special needs individuals wanted better for their children and their legacy continues today.
“The parents who started the Special Needs Support Center fought for their belief that their children belonged in the community and in their homes,” said Laura Perez, executive director of the Lebanon-based Special Needs Support Center. “Our services have evolved, but that original intent is still true: We exist to foster resilience in parents and happiness in people with special needs. There’s a recognition and acknowledgement that people with disabilities have a place in the community.”
The Special Needs Support Center will celebrate its 40th anniversary this year.
“It’s a huge landmark for any nonprofit, especially for such a small organization,” Perez said.
With a staff of just four people, the Special Needs Support Center provides services for children and adults with disabilities in a 38-town service area.
“We serve people with disabilities across the spectrum and across their life spans,” Perez said.
Because the needs of their clients are varied, the center has an array of programming. Aspire is a popular recreation program for children on the autism spectrum.
“Most children with autism spectrum disorder will have a high level of support services during the week through school,” Perez said. “We want to offer social and recreational play groups where children can practice the skills they’ve been working on all week with their peers.”
The center also offers open studio art sessions, parent support and advocacy training, among other programs. All of the programming relies on volunteers.
“Without the support of volunteers, we don’t have the capacity to give the level of support that we want to,” Perez said.
Since the center offers a variety of services, there are many different volunteer positions available. Some are social — like mentoring or leading a group — while others require a knowledge of the educational system or disability rights. Perez works with volunteers to find a position that is appropriate for their interests and abilities.
She said that no matter what capacity they’re working in, volunteers tend to have a positive experience working with the Special Needs Support Center, something Perez relates to.
“Working with children and adults with disabilities, I often find myself supported by the most joyful and fun group. The work brings a lot of joy to my heart,” she said.
Many volunteers have a special needs child or family member who has become more independent, and volunteer as a way to support other families touched by disabilities. However, experience working with disabled children or adults is not required.
Anyone who is interested in volunteering can get more information online at www.snsc-uv.org, or by calling 603-448-6311.