EASTCONN Autism program renamed

May 20—COLUMBIA — EASTCONN, a statewide leader in educational and developmental services since 1980, announced Monday its autism program located at 10 Commerce Drive in Columbia will now be known as EASTCONN Bridges Community School.

Erin Crosby, program director, said the program was being renamed to reflect the school's vision.

" Through the process of rebranding, we were hoping to land on a name that felt aligned with our vision, core values and the work that we do here," Crosby said in a press release. " All of our learners come to us with a wide variety of skills, needs and goals for the future. Our hope is that our program can support each student to build the skills necessary to meet their individual goals, thus building a bridge to exciting opportunities."

EASTCONN is a public, non- profit Regional Education Service Center that serves the education needs of northeastern Connecticut schools and communities. It provides a structured, individualized program for students from pre-kindergarten to age 22 with autism and other low- incidence disabilities.

The word community in the new name is also a part of EASTCONN's vision.

" The word community is also very important to us, as we hope to create an environment in which students, families, staff and district stakeholders each feel welcomed as part of the team, collaborating to promote positive outcomes for all learners," Crosby said.

Director of Pupil Services Amy Margelony said EASTCONN is striving to expand its community.

" Our families and students have often had difficult school experiences prior to coming to us, and we want to be the bridge that connects them to a positive learning environment," Margelony said. " We hope to continue to build community, not only within EASTCONN but within the towns and districts we serve."

For placement into the EASTCONN Bridges Community School, parents or guardians should ask their local school leaders for a referral.

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