Pathlight was the first organization in Hampden County to support people with developmental disabilities and their families. We founded the first nursery school, then the first developmental day school in western Massachusetts. Pathlight later established the first community residences in Massachusetts and the first Family Based Living options for individuals and families.
We didn’t stop there. Pathlight expanded services to include programs that strengthen the whole family. Autism Connections was founded as a parent-run program for children with autism, the first autism resource center funded by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Family Empowerment, a family program that supports individuals and their families joined Pathlight. In 2010 Whole Children, also founded by parents, joined Pathlight and offers a wide range of innovative after-school, weekend, enrichment programs (including a groundbreaking sexuality curriculum). Milestones, an individualized program for adults opened a few years later.
Recognizing that technology may enable people with disabilities to live more independently, we have partnered with Valley Venture Mentors to support entrepreneurs developing technology solutions for people with disabilities.
We have no intention of stopping. We promise your gift will contribute to the ongoing innovation of programs and services for people and their families.
We offer a broad range of services tailored to people with intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, autism, and their families. These include (but are not limited to) residential programs, performing arts, sex and relationship education, recreation and enrichment activities, behavioral supports and medical care. We also provide support and resources for families so that they can be the best advocates for their family members.
