About Us
Unique Potential is Within Reach
At Vista, we serve a wide range of students and clients and provide a variety of state-of-the-art services to children and adults with autism.
About Vista
Mission & Vision
Our Mission
To advance and innovate, to improve lives, and to inspire hope for individuals with autism and their families.
Our Vision
To become obsolete in the lives of those we serve.
We do Autism Services RIGHT Through:
Excellence
We do what it takes to employ evidence-based practices that challenge individuals, families, and caregivers to exceed their own expectations.
Dependability
We put individuals first. We don’t shy away from tackling tough problems.
Consistency
We follow the data and do exactly what we say. We celebrate small wins.
Teamwork
We listen to individuals and their families and caregivers, going above and beyond to form a true partnership.
Dignity
We strongly believe in the worth of every individual, valuing them above all, and fostering their unique talents and abilities.
The Beginning
A group of highly committed parents and professionals identified the need for improved support for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder living in Central Pennsylvania.
Opening Doors
On February 4, 2002, The Vista School® opened its doors to 4 children.
Unique Partnership
The Vista School® formed a unique partnership with a local behavioral health provider in a demonstration project to join educational and therapeutic aspects of the treatments that are primarily used for the remediation of ASD.
Medical Assistance
In 2005, Vista was granted a Medical Assistance Partial Hospitalization License from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.
Move to Current Facility
Vista moved into to their current facility in 2011 – a breathtaking 18-acre campus owned by the Hershey Trust Company that had once been used as a residential program for Milton Hershey School. The campus has four separate buildings – high school, junior-high school, middle school and elementary school.
Adult Services - Employment
Finding a job can be difficult for anyone. But obtaining suitable employment is especially challenging for an individual with autism. The Vista Adult Services Employment program was established to introduce individuals with autism to competitive, integrated employment opportunities and training to give them the skills they need to lead fulfilling lives.
Community Integration Center Opens
The doors of our Community Integration Center (CIC) opened in the fall of 2015 at 24 Northeast Drive, Hershey. The CIC provides instruction that is individually designed and targets skills most relevant to securing, enhancing, or maintaining job placement.
Residential Program
Vista saw a need in the autism community for continued support through adulthood. This was our inspiration for the Vista Residential program. Residential Services helps adults with autism find affordable housing that’s close to where they work, volunteer, engage in social activities, and use community resources.
Early Intervention Program
In November 2017, Vista Autism Services launched our brand new Early Intervention program consisting of one classroom made up of six young children. The first year of the program showed great success in improving the lives of the students and helping them achieve the building blocks for future learning.
Vista Today
Today, Vista employs more than 350 skilled educators and therapists and serves over 150 individuals and their families.
Vista Autism Services is Here for You
You can make a real difference in the lives of individuals with autism.