GCOS
The GCOS mission is to foster living, learning, inclusive communities that support the growth and development of individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities at both the local and national levels.

The expression “It takes a village to raise a child” can certainly be applied to the challenge of raising an individual with developmental disabilities. As children get older, the stress on the family increases dramatically. Unfortunately, few resources are available to support the continued growth of adults with developmental disabilities to ensure a meaningful and productive life.

At the local level, GCOS seeks to develop high-performing external partnerships across the adult spectrum of needs in order to:

Provide educational programs that leverage the unique skills and abilities of each individual.

Provide vocational training and opportunities that build self esteem.

Provide residential options that encourage self-reliance.

Provide social and recreational opportunities that maximize inclusion.

Facilitate strong family involvement and support.

Create generative and sustainable communities.

At the national level, through the efforts of Dr. Cyndy Hayes, GCOS has taken a lead role in Advancing Futures for Adults with Autism, a national consortium of leading autism advocacy organizations that seeks to transform public policy and programming for this underserved population.

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Board of Directors