VIA OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY INC

It is essential for people to be part of the
communities in which they live. Via helps
individuals gain access to different volunteer,
educational and recreational opportunities - and
helps people to access them independently.
Via supports adults at different stages of
their lives, from recent high school graduates
transitioning into adulthood, to people of
retirement age looking to stay active and
maintain their networks.

Participants take an active role in planning their schedules and developing goals and objectives for each activity.

We work with people on a variety of life skills, such
as the use of public transportation, understanding
housing options, and the importance of money
management.

Lehigh Children’s Academy provides, nurturing care and education for young children, ages six weeks to six years, and provides before and after school care for school-age children.

The mission of Lehigh Children’s Academy is to:
Provide quality care and education to children in a safe, caring, clean and developmentally appropriate environment.
Provide a place for education, play and social engagement that is inclusive of children of all abilities.
Recognize families as a child’s first teachers and the ones who know their child best.
Function as a model for best practice in early care and education by meeting or exceeding licensing and quality standards.

Twenty percent of children at Lehigh Children’s Academy have developmental delays and receive early intervention therapies. Twelve percent of children at Lehigh Children’s Academy receive Department of Public Welfare subsidies available for low-income working parents.

CHILDREN'S SERVICES:

Early Intervention--Early Intervention therapists work with infants and toddlers in their homes, daycare facilities, and communities to address delays and provide age-appropriate therapies. Caregivers are included in the teaching process so therapy can continue across the child’s daily routines. Early Intervention services are funded by the PA Department of Human Services.

School-to-Work Transition Services--Via works with students, in partnership with their school districts and the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, to create a personalized employment plan and explore careers of interest. Pre-Employment Transition Services are also available under this service, funded through the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation.

Everyone wants to be connected to friends, family and their community, and to work, learn and be respected for their choices. People on the Autism Spectrum are no different. Via helps individuals develop social skills, create peer networks, and explore vocational opportunities so they may lead successful, independent lives.

Via provides adults with an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis (ASD) with the resources to connect with each other and community resources to explore their talents and potential. Vocational, educational and recreational activities are provided.

Via of the Lehigh Valley is an Autism Waiver provider through the Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs’ Bureau of Autism Services.

Behavior challenges can prevent people from participating fully in community activities. Via helps individuals who struggle with behavior challenges, teaching them more appropriate alternatives. Masters-level staff work with a person’s natural support system and caregivers to develop a behavioral support plan addressing: challenging behaviors, cognitive processing, communication skills, self-help activities, impulse control, adaptive skills, and suggesting environmental changes that support success.
Masters-level staff are trained in the areas of functional behavior assessment and behavior support plan development. Behavioral Supports include onsite observation, comprehensive functional behavior assessment, behavior support plan development, training for all involved team members, and ongoing support and plan modification. Behavior Support Specialists focus on changes that can be made by the individual, their team or within the person’s environment.

Creative Expressions Adult Training Services at The John E. Walson Center: This program supports the growth of people with disabilities and empowers them to participate in a wide variety of community activities.

Creative Expressions is an Adult Training Service licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of Public Welfare. Facilities maintain compliance with Title 55 PA Code, Chapter 2380 Regulations for Adult Training Services.