New School for Autistic Kids
Monday, August 03, 2009 (09:41:20)

Posted by sylvia

WCAX By Keagan Harsha

15-year-old Kavon Kramos couldn't even say his own name two years ago.

But the eighth-grader is now stringing together complete sentences with the help of a computer.

"I'm amazed with Kavon's growth, Jake's growth. It's incredible what they learned," says teacher Stephanie Betit.

Kavon and Jake Vranos both have autism-- the only two kids at Marlboro Elementary school with the brain development disorder.

But both now need a new place to learn.

Eighth-grade graduation is just weeks away-- and their parents say there isn't a high school in the area that can adequately address their kid's specialized needs.

That's where Inspire comes in.

"We've dreamed of this type of program forever," says Jake's mom, Kathy Vranos.

Inspire is the name of a new school being built near Brattleboro for kids with autism.

Betit and Carol Ortlip will be the school's first teachers.

The 5,600 square foot farmhouse will become a home away from home for students in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts.

"There's going to be a living room, a kitchen," says Betit.

Unlike programs offered at most public high schools, the focus at Inspire will be on vocational and life training.

The students will live off campus, but will do their own laundry and shopping at school-- learning how to live independently.

"We'll have science, math, art, all of it in one in a business format for them," explains Betit.

"They're going to have jobs as soon as they get here. We're training them. We're going to have our own business right on site," says Ortlip.

The kids will help make pizzas for a Brattleboro business. They'll also be growing plants and herbs in their own greenhouse and creating window boxes that will be sold to businesses throughout the community.

"He loves coming here. He loves it," says Kathy Vranos.

Jake Vranos' parents Bill and Kathy are helping to open the school.

"Jake didn't have what he needed for the future and that means if it wasn't there for him, it wasn't there for many children in the area," explains Kathy Vranos.

The Vranos envision a day when students will live on the campus-- receiving 24 hour a day care and training all year long.

"He could have a measure of independence and dignity," says Kathy Vranos.

A dream come true for parents and teachers who are trying to make the world a better place for these kids-- one day at a time.