June 18, 2013

GOV. MALLOY: AUTISM CENTER AT UNIVERSITY OF SAINT JOSEPH WILL EXPAND SERVICES, BOLSTER TEACHER EDUCATION, AND CREATE JOBS

(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced a $4 million grant to support the construction of the Center for Integrative Education at the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) in West Hartford. The new center will expand the university's work in the fields of autism and applied behavioral analysis, as well as increase the Gengras Center's capacity to provide educational and vocational training to students with special needs.

"The Gengras Center and the University of Saint Joseph are important partners in the effort to make high quality programs and services available to more people who are living with Autism Spectrum Disorder," said Governor Malloy. "The number of children with ASD is growing, and these families are facing barriers and challenges that prevent them from getting the support services they need. By building strong partnerships with government, providers, and the private sector, we can ensure that people living with ASD are integrated into their communities and live a full and productive life."

The Center for Integrative Education will be a 20,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility focused on services to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and support to families, caregivers, practitioners, and educators. It will include new classrooms designed to meet the needs of children with significant behavioral challenges. It will also integrate university students into the daily life of the school, provide clinical experience in multiple fields of study, and build on the expertise of the university. By incorporating graduate-level coursework and innovative teaching practices, the new Center will boost student learning and facilitate research, training, and community outreach, as well as increase awareness of treatments and teaching strategies.

"The University of St. Joseph is the only university in Connecticut to offer a master's degree in autism and applied behavioral analysis-and we've been helping this community achieve new levels of independence for 50 years," said Pamela Trotman Reid, President, University of Saint Joseph.
"Now, through the Center for Integrative Education, we will expand the opportunities for students with special requirements, and align our teacher education programs to ensure that we are providing the best quality training to our future teachers."

The Center also will enhance services offered through its Gengras Center-a state-certified special education school for elementary, middle, and high-school students with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and related behavioral challenges. Currently, the Gengras Center serves 120 students.

The first phase of the expansion is projected to cost $10 million and will immediately generate 85 construction jobs and 104 supplier jobs. The Center will create 30 new positions by the end of its second year of operation. A second, separately-funded, phase of construction is expected to double the size of the facility.

The funding requires approval by the State Bond Commission, which is expected to vote on the project on June 21.

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For Immediate Release: June 18, 2013

Jim Watson
Department of Economic and Community Development
Jim.Watson@ct.gov
860-270-8182 (office)
860-306-3737 (cell)

Twitter: @GovMalloyOffice

Facebook: Office of Governor Dannel P. Malloy