Essex to Welcome New Ädelbrook Academy for Students with Autism and Developmental Disabilities
New campus will give more Connecticut students access to individualized special education
CROMWELL, Conn. — Essex will soon be home to a new Ädelbrook Academy. Ädelbrook Behavioral and Developmental Services announced this week that it has purchased a school building in the town, marking the fifth academy in its Educational Continuum and expanding access to individualized special education for students with autism and other developmental disabilities across Connecticut.
The Essex Academy joins Ädelbrook's existing schools in Bloomfield, Cromwell, Manchester and Middletown. Together, the five academies serve students ages 4 to 22 with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities, drawing from more than 60 school districts in Connecticut and beyond. Each student's education plan is built by a care team of certified educators, behavioral health professionals and clinical experts working alongside families.
“At Ädelbrook we believe that every person deserves to live a life filled with achievement, dignity, happiness and hope,” said Alyssa Goduti, Ädelbrook's president and CEO. “Through our programs we break down barriers, celebrate individual strengths, and provide the tools and care needed to help our students realize their dreams.”
Ädelbrook, a 125-year-old nonprofit, already serves hundreds of students and individuals statewide through individualized learning, low staff-to-student ratios and wraparound clinical services designed to build a path toward greater independence.
“Our programs support students from more than 60 school districts across Connecticut and other states,” Goduti said. “We partner with school districts and are a vital component of their continuum of service options.”
School districts that work with Ädelbrook point to that partnership as a resource they rely on. “When asked where to send a student, my number one response is always Ädelbrook. I say in earnest that they are the best schools in the state. I do not have to worry that a student with unusual needs will not have them met. I do not have concerns about the level of care and support that students will receive. I rest assured that together, Ädelbrook and our district are providing the best education that we can for each and every student placed there,” said Marcia Robinson, special education administrator USD 2.
The Essex facility will undergo renovations designed around the needs of Ädelbrook's students, with furniture, equipment and technology selected specifically for that population before the academy opens to students, expected by the end of next summer.
Ädelbrook is also hiring for the new location. “At Ädelbrook Academies, we see behaviors as communication and challenges as opportunities to grow,” said Allyssa Mullins, vice president for education at Ädelbrook. “We will be searching for passionate educators, support staff and leaders who truly love working with children and young adults with unique, diverse needs and who want to join an agency that invests in their growth as much as they invest in our students.”
Families, teachers and school districts with questions about the new Essex location can contact Ädelbrook's admissions office at (860) 635-0330 ext.5812 or visit adelbrook.org.
Ädelbrook is a 126-year-old nonprofit multi-service agency specializing in behavioral and developmental services. Ädelbrook is dedicated to meeting the unique needs of families and individuals of all ages and abilities, with expertise in supporting individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorders. From individualized education services to residential and therapeutic supports, Ädelbrook provides a high-quality continuum of care to meet the ever-changing needs of the amazing children and individuals it supports. Through collaboration, both internally and externally, Ädelbrook provides expert, comprehensive, data-driven, person-centered services with compassion. By building trust in a safe and nurturing environment, Ädelbrook helps those it serves find a future filled with achievement, dignity, happiness and hope. To learn more about Ädelbrook please visit www.adelbrook.org.