An Amherst-based nonprofit organization that provides services to those with autism is planning to close early next year, though its programming will continue once it is transferred to two other Western New York agencies.
Autism Services Inc. is on a path toward dissolving as a result of “significant operational and financial challenges, exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic,” according to an announcement Wednesday issued by People Inc. and the Summit Center, the two agencies that will assume Autism Services’ programs.
As of Feb. 1, the plan is for Autism Services’ programs that are funded by the state Office for People With Developmental Disabilities to be transferred to People Inc. Autism Services currently supports about 175 people in day programs, group homes and other programs funded and regulated by OPWDD.
Meanwhile, the Summit Center will expand its school services on or about Feb. 1 to provide school-age educational programs to current students attending Autism Services’ schools. Autism Services operates two state Education Department-certified school-age special education programs that serve about 100 students in Buffalo and Amherst.
Earlier this year, Autism Services approached People Inc. in search of an affiliation to provide assistance with administrative, back office and managerial support, People Inc. officials said.
People Inc. hired an outside accounting firm to evaluate Autism Services’ financial viability, with the findings showing “an operating deficit that threatened the continuation of Autism Services’ programs and services,” the agencies said. Despite efforts to stabilize its operations, Autism Services’ board of directors decided the only way to preserve its services was to transition them to other agencies.
“After the results of our due diligence, we are grateful to have arrived at this best-case scenario, with The Summit Center taking on what they do best, and People Inc. doing what we do best,” People…
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