Our Approach

Focus on independence and community inclusion

The Guild’s approach to caring for individuals diagnosed with intellectual disabilities, including autism, and behavioral/mental health challenges focuses on increasing skills to allow for the greatest degree of independence and community inclusion. It is our belief that a positive educational and living experience must balance effectively the development of independent living skills, social skills, vocational skills and academic skills. Therefore, we address these facets in all of our goal setting and programming. Our highly trained and experienced team works closely with each individual to develop their skills in these areas with particular specialization in programming for individuals with complex special needs.

Offering flexibility within structure, our collaborative efforts and tailored curricula are based upon evidence-based and promising practices. The Guild is committed to offering services that are strengths-based, trauma-informed and outcomes-oriented. Through our individualized planning and continuous evaluation of needs, we support an environment that is the least restrictive and most appropriate for each individual served.

Our on-staff therapists, clinicians, educators, health-care professionals and direct-care school and residential staff help students improve their life skills and address complex social, emotional and behavioral needs. Our student services team and residential managers further hone social skills and work to connect students to community experiences. We tailor our supports to each individual's unique needs and preferences, and we honor and value cultural diversity. Most importantly, our approach is grounded within a framework of family and community engagement, and we value parents and guardians as partners.