Special Needs Support Center

Special Needs Support Center (SNSC) is a group of individuals and families throughout the Upper Valley and beyond who proudly work together to create a community where people with special needs, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, can live their best lives. Check out our website for a variety of recreational programs for children, teens and adults with special needs. Our programs include Sensory Friendly UV.

In partnership with the Dartmouth Autism Research Initiative, we support partners in creating accessible spaces that accommodates and supports the physical, sensory, communication, and social/emotional needs of people with disabilities. We offer site assessments with written recommendations to adjust the auditory, visual and olfactory stimulation. Next, we offer venue-specific training that increases understanding of disabilities and explains difficulties that may be experienced in that particular setting, why they arise and offer ways to address or overcome them. As leading experts in the field, we provide high quality training and create customized support for businesses and community organizations. Recent partners include VINS, Montshire, Vital Communities, the Lebanon Opera House, and the Upper Valley Music Center.

Educational Advocate –  Parent Educational Support and Advocacy (PESAP).  PESAP supports parents in all aspects of the special education and Section 504 process to promote understanding of the relevant state and federal rules, regulations while supporting parents in clarifying their ideas and concerns regarding their child’s education. Advocacy Intake Form.

Special Needs Information Program (SNIP) – This voluntary safety program helps emergency responders identify and respond to vulnerable residents with special needs. The benefits of the program to our most vulnerable citizens and to law enforcement make it an invaluable safety tool for our community. The tool is free to residents and provides local law enforcement with essential information prior to an emergency. Learn more or sign up here. NH Towns Served by SNIP – Canaan, Cornish, Dorchester, Enfield, Etna, Grafton, Grantham, Hanover, Lebanon, Lyme, Meriden, Orange, Orford, Plainfield, and Springfield.

Autism – Our programs include Aspire.  Aspire is a recreation program for children on the Autism Spectrum which is offered regularly throughout the year. Children enjoy activities that encourage development of communication and social skills through modeling and practice. Individualized skills and goals are identified and worked on through group play and exploration in the community.  Camp Aspire is an extension of our year-round Aspire program for school aged youth with autism.  This summer, campers will have opportunities to experience boating, cooking over a fire, hiking, horseback riding, arts and crafts, and most importantly, developing friendships in a sensory friendly, innovative, fun, and safe space! Complete our Aspire Intake Form to join us!

Teens – Art Lab for Teens is a new weekly open studio art program for Teens with special needs implemented in collaboration with AVA Gallery and Art Center. The participating artists get a chance to explore different media with an emphasis on creative self-expression while socializing.  We are partnering with the Regional Resource Center on travel training for teens coming from school. The class is taught collaboratively by SNSC staff and a certified art therapist. We offer a variety of social recreation programs for teenagers with special needs which are offered monthly throughout the year. We will enjoy activities such as movie night, sledding, hiking, and swimming throughout the year.  Complete our Youth and Teen Intake form to join us!

Adult Services include: Art Lab, Cooking Club, Book club and more. Complete our Adult Services Intake Form to join!