Caldwell College Celebrates Opening of Center for Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis
Dr. Sharon Reeve (right), Executive Director of the Center for Autism and ABA gets some help with ribbon- cutting from Rowan Badalamenti, the Center’s first learner, at a celebration and reception for the opening on April 15.
Caldwell College celebrated the opening of its Center for Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) on Friday April 15 at a ribbon cutting ceremony and reception.
Community leaders, alumni, faculty, staff, and supporters gathered to tour the center where graduate and undergraduate students are learning hands-on how to provide intervention for individuals with autism and where cutting edge research is conducted. The site provides a unique learning and training opportunity for master’s and doctoral students and a hub for research.
Caldwell College President Dr. Nancy Blattner said the college was thrilled to be able to bring the community together to celebrate the opening.
“As the college began planning for the center, it received generous support from its trustees, alumni and friends, as well as from the surrounding community. From its inception, this center has been a collaboration between faculty and students, the campus and the community. Collectively, the vision was created and became a reality.”
Dr. Sharon A. Reeve, BCBA-D, Executive Director of the Center and Professor of ABA said, “The Center is a wonderful place and it allows us to all be able to experience our biggest rewards: seeing a child learn…how to make friends…or to play… or to say his or her first words. These are the moments when we ALL share hope…feel a sense of accomplishment… and come to know a true community.”
The 6,000 square foot state-of-the-art center features intervention rooms, a medical and dental examination room, a research lab, faculty offices, and a modern videoconferencing classroom that provides the center with the chance to share its research and expertise around the globe.
The college has become a nationally known leader in training autism education professionals, since beginning the first master’s in ABA in New Jersey in 2005 and the first Ph.D. program in ABA in New Jersey in the fall of 2009.
ABA is an evidence based approach to learning that is highly effective in treating children with autism. Studies show that at least half the children who receive quality ABA services in preschool will lose their diagnosis of autism.
A congressionally-directed grant allowed for the equipping and outfitting of the Center, professional staff for the Center, and ongoing professional development. Major support came from alumni, community organizations, private donations and fundraisers, which were often planned by undergraduate students.
For more information about the center, please call 973-618-3373 or visit www.caldwellcollegeautismcenter.org
