The VIA Centers for Neurodevelopment (VIA) is proud to announce the grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting for the Center for Adolescent and Adult Autism Services Roanoke (CAAAS Roanoke). The event will take place on Tuesday, September 10 from 5:30-7:00 pm, and will include formal remarks, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and an open house.
On April 1, 2024, VIA opened CAAAS Roanoke, a new center that expanded specialized care, training, and support to the growing number of adults VIA serves. Whether it is building social, vocational, or independent living skills, VIA’s programs are designed to support adults with neurodevelopmental disabilities as they live, work, and play to their fullest potential in their community. CAAAS Roanoke’s adult services include job coaching, behavioral consultation, and daily, center-based programs to enhance skills and connections.
This newly renovated building at 3663 Peters Creek Road offers purpose-built instructional areas, including a vocational teaching kitchen, expanded VIAble Ventures workspaces, and a new Learning Apartment. This new space also allows future opportunities to expand services for our adults and adolescents in Roanoke to better prepare high school and post-high students for the transition to adulthood.
“Nationally, there is an ever-growing population of adults with autism that still require support and services,” says Dr. Ethan Long, President & CEO of VIA Centers for Neurodevelopment. “Once students age out of the public school system, there are fewer opportunities available to help them transition and to continue to support them as they age. We’d like to continue expanding VIA’s services throughout the commonwealth to support as many families as possible.”
VIA’s impact on the Roanoke community extends beyond its Peters Creek Road campus.
“Our Club & Hub adult participants volunteer regularly at local nonprofits,” says Lauren Shaw, Director of CAAAS Roanoke. “They also support our local small businesses, and our job coaching services employ individuals across the community, giving the people we serve meaningful work experience.”
“VIA focuses on developing individuals’ strengths throughout their lives,” says Marc Nelson, Director of Economic Development for the City of Roanoke and current VIA Board Member. “The programs and services offered support individuals’ ability to be active in their communities. But they also educate and engage others to help build more inclusive communities.”
If you, or someone you know, is in need of services or would like to make a donation, please visit viacenters.org to learn more.
VIA Centers for Neurodevelopment empowers people to embrace the strengths and meet the challenges related to autism and neurodevelopmental disabilities by providing compassionate, evidence-based services throughout their lives. We envision a world in which individuals, families, and communities support, embrace, and celebrate the differences related to autism and neurodevelopmental disabilities so that all lead more fulfilling lives.