PerspectivesA LOOK BACK, and AHEAD. A N N UA L REPORT Allen C. Crocker, 1925–2011 Dr. Allen C. Crocker, a longtime member of May Institute's Board of Trustees, was a tireless advocate for the rights of individuals with special needs—or exceptionalities, as he would say. He lived his motto, “leave the campsite better than you found it.” We dedicate this Annual Report to his memory. Table of Contents A LOOK BACK, AND AHEAD FINANCIALS President's Message 4 Statement of Financial Position 22 Chief Executive Officer's Message 5 Financial Summary 23 A NATIONAL NETWORK 6 FUNDRAISING HIGHLIGHTS Pedaling for a Purpose! 24 perspective: 10 Josephat Combating Autism on the Homefront 24 EXCEPTIONAL SERVICES GIVING Service Centers 12 Corporations, Foundations, and Center for the Promotion of Organizations 25 Evidence-Based Practice 15 Individuals 27 Training and Research Centers 15 Combined Federal Campaign 37 Memorial 40 perspective: Riley 16 Gifts-in-Kind 41 PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Meeting the Growing Need 18 LEADERSHIP 42 Technology Facilitates Global Outreach 18 Professional Advisory Board 44 Diagnosing Autism 19 "Do You Know What Autism Looks Like?" 19 LOCATIONS 46 perspective: Kevin 20 A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT Fifty-six years ago, when the first May school opened its doors on Cape Cod, most people had never heard the word “autism.” Children diagnosed with the disorder were typically institutionalized for life. Prevailing wisdom blamed a mother’s lack of attachment to her child as the reason for the condition. Fear, shame, and a dearth of answers surrounded these families. When I joined the Institute in 1978, the organization consisted of that one small school for 38 children with autism. The next three decades resulted in tremendous growth as we responded to increasing diagnoses in multiple communities. It has been a complex, challenging, and immensely rewarding journey — for me and for the thousands of employees who have committed themselves to our mission, and to each child and adult with special needs who has walked through our doors. That journey would not have been possible without the support and generosity of each of you. As I move closer to my retirement in 2013, I have a renewed appreciation for the impact of the contributions of our extended community. I will use this time of transition to continue to do all I can for May Institute as we prepare for a new chapter in our history. Walter P. Christian, Ph.D., ABBP, ABPP President 4 Perspectives A LOOK BACK, and AHEAD. A MESSAGE FROM OUR CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Five-year-old Riley’s mother, Jessica, is one of the parents who share their stories and perspectives in the pages of this report. Faced with the challenges of raising a daughter with complex needs, Jessica is undaunted, and fiercely determined to provide Riley with the highest quality of life possible. When asked whether she and her husband, a sergeant in the army, would like to have other children, her answer is simple: “We don’t have ‘baby fever.’ We have ‘Riley fever.’ Every fiber of who we are is put into her.” In our work with individuals and families across the country, we are privileged to witness that kind of determination to do everything possible to build futures for their loved ones. As May Institute’s new CEO, I am privileged to lead a team of professionals who share that level of commitment, and who understand that effective treatment can change the trajectory of a child or adult’s life. With your help, we will continue to join forces with individuals and families to meet challenges head-on. We will invest our resources wisely, and provide exceptional care to all individuals we serve across the lifespan and with a broad range of special needs. I am excited about the possibilities that the future holds, and grateful for your ongoing support as we move forward together. Lauren C. Solotar, Ph.D., ABPP Chief Executive Officer 2011 ANNUAL REPORT 5 A National Network May Institute is an award-winning nonprofit organization that provides educational, rehabilitative, and behavioral healthcare services to individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and other developmental disabilities, brain injury, mental illness, and behavioral health needs. We also provide training and consultation services to professionals, organizations, and public schools. 6 Perspectives A LOOK BACK, and AHEAD. FACTS & FIGURES Year founded 1955 MAY INSTITUTE – Programs and sites 165 is one of the largest nonprofits in States served 14 Massachusetts (Boston Business Individuals/families served* 8,574 Journal, 2001–2007, 2009, 2010). Educators trained* 270 is one of the largest service providers Students benefiting from systemic consultation* 53,000 for adults with developmental disabilities in New England. Employees 2,111 operates the most special education Doctoral-level staff 35 schools in New England for children Behavior analysts (BCBA/BCaBA certification) 98 with autism and other developmental Affiliations 50 disabilities. Annual revenue* $108.8M is one of the largest providers of * represents fiscal year 2011 figure applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy through TRICARE’s ECHO (Extended Care Health Option) program for military dependents with autism in the U.S. Four May Institute schools serve children and adolescents with ASD operates one of only a handful of Since its founding nearly 60 years and other developmental disabili- pediatric programs in the country ago, our organization has evolved providing both education and ties. These May Centers for Child into a national network that serves rehabilitation to students with brain Development are nationally recog- thousands of individuals and their injury or neurological disease. nized for combining best practices families annually. With corporate from the fields of applied behavior has trained and supervised more headquarters in Randolph, Mass., analysis (ABA) and special educa- than 100 predoctoral interns and May Institute operates 165 service postdoctoral fellows since 1998. Its tion. Another state-of-the-art school locations across the country. predoctoral internship program in provides services to students with clinical psychology is accredited by For a young child with ASD or a acquired brain injury or neurological American Psychological Association. related disability, early diagnosis disease. and intervention can significantly Through our work with school impact life outcomes. Through our systems, we provide consultation Assessment Centers, we offer diag- services for students with special nostic evaluations and therapeutic needs, and offer technical assistance treatment. Consultation Centers pro- and consultation to administra- vide early intervention services and tors and teachers on implementing home-based therapy for children school-wide Positive Behavior and adolescents, and help families Support strategies. These services develop effective strategies to sup- promote student achievement by port their children's development. improving the school’s behavioral climate. 2011 ANNUAL REPORT 7 Our Mission May Institute is a nonprofit organization that provides educa- tional and rehabilitative services for individuals, and families of individuals, with autism, developmental disabilities, neurologi- cal and behavioral disorders, and mental illness. We conduct and disseminate the results of research concerning the education and rehabilitation of these individuals. We also train and consult with professionals and organizations serving these individuals. We also serve military families who have children with ASD, and oper- ate multiple regional centers offering The National Autism Center is ABA therapy to all branches of the our Center for the Promotion of military — Army, Marines, Air Force, Evidence-based Practice. It is Navy, and Coast Guard. dedicated to supporting effec- May Institute is the first nonprofit Through our May Centers for Adult tive, evidence-based treatment human services organization in Services, we offer a wide range of approaches for autism, and to the country to receive top national community-based services for adults providing direction to families, honors from the Society for the with autism and other developmental practitioners, organizations, policy- Advancement of Behavior Analysis disabilities. These include residen- makers, and funders. (SABA) and the Association for tial group homes and supported An active center of research and Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies living apartments, as well as day training, the Institute maintains (ABCT). We received the 2005 habilitation, vocational training, and affiliations with 50 universities, hos- Outstanding Training Program supported employment. pitals, and human service agencies Award from ABCT and the 2007 Award for Enduring Programmatic May Counseling Centers and worldwide. Our staff have authored Contributions in Behavior Analysis Centers for Behavioral Health sup- hundreds of peer-reviewed journal from SABA. port children, adolescents, and articles, book chapters, and books, adults through evaluation, counsel- and have delivered more than 2,100 ing, and therapy services. A number presentations to regional, national, of specialized programs also sup- and international audiences. port adults with a wide range of severe psychiatric disorders. 8 Perspectives A LOOK BACK, and AHEAD. Our Vision We work to provide the highest possible standard of behavioral healthcare, education, and rehabilitation. We care deeply about each person we serve and about each other as professionals. We seek to continually