PACE was founded in 1989 by a group of concerned parents, community members, and educators as a private, nonprofit 501 (C) (3) organization to meet the critical need of providing education and care for children and adults with autism/developmental disabilities and their families. Prior to this time, many of our students had been placed in inappropriate classroom settings and many of our residential clients were housed in unsuitable state hospitals and development centers. The state system was clearly challenged to provide more than the maintenance of the ongoing needs of persons with developmental disabilities. Without the support of an encouraging, attentive environment, the ability to develop the skills necessary for achieving integration into the community was doubtful.
