NEIU 19 expands services with new autism support program set to open at the Hawley Center

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — The Northeastern Educational Intermediate Unit 19 is expanding its autism support services with a new program set to open this September at the Hawley Center.

The new location will bring specialized support closer to students and families in Wayne and Pike counties, expanding access to services within the community.

NEIU 19 works with families, educators, and community partners to provide programs and services that support students with a wide range of educational needs. The agency serves school districts across the region, providing educational and social services for students from kindergarten through 12th grade.

NEIU 19 Director of Special Education and Student Services Kelly Dickey explained more.

“NEIU is an organization that provides services to 20-member school districts. We provide services not only directly to students, but also in our districts for teachers and administrators,” said Dickey.

“Without our services, the community schools that are within our footprint would not be able to function in as efficient and effective ways as they can with our help,” said Dickey.

Dickey said the new autism support program at the Hawley Center will expand services for students in Wayne County. She shared that the classroom will serve eight students who require full-time autism support.

“Within the intermediate unit, we do cover a large footprint of five counties. We are currently looking to extend our center-based program opportunities into Wayne County. So, for the most part, the Hawley Center will be able to service students who are in need of autistic support. Most of those students will come from the Wallenpaupack, Western Wayne and Wayne Highlands school districts, but it will also be open to other member school districts that may be within close proximity,” said Dickey.

The new NEIU 19 autism support program at the Hawley Center will also bring services closer to students in the area. Previously, some students who needed intensive support had to travel to Lackawanna County for services.

NEIU 19’s Kevin Williams said the new location will make access more convenient for students.

“We look for a way to open a center that’s better for students. So, this keeps them off a bus for one hour. It just makes things easier for them. And it allows us to provide the services that they need,” said Williams.

The NEIU 19 autism support program at the Hawley Center will officially open in September, coinciding with the start of the new school year.