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Rich Center looking for larger quarters
The Vindicator (Youngstown)
Photo
Tammy Chumley, far right, a teacher at the Rich Center for Autism at Youngstown State University, works with students at the center. The center is located on the first floor of Fedor Hall at YSU. With 70 students and 35 staff members, the center is contemplating a move to larger quarters.
By Denise Dick
YOUNGSTOWN
People come from other areas to enroll their children in the Rich Center for Autism, which is outgrowing its space on the first floor of Fedor Hall on the Youngstown State University campus.
YSU President Cynthia E. Anderson told university trustees recently that the facility is looking for larger quarters.
“There are 70 students enrolled, and there’s a waiting list,” she said.
One possible location is the spot where Carpenters Hall sits on Rayen Avenue.
The center would launch a campaign to raise $1.5 million to $2 million to construct a new facility on the site. YSU would pay for the demolition of Carpenters Hall.
Trustees have taken no action on the idea, and the center is expected to make a presentation to the board later this year.
“We use all of our space here,” said J. Georgia Backus, Rich Center director.
That’s about 13,000 square feet for the 70 students and 35 staff members.
“Our staff-to-student ratio is about 1 to 2 children,” Backus said. “It’s making sure that we have highly qualified staff. We’re only looking for the best of the best, and we do believe we have the best of the best.”
The length of the waiting list, based on a combination of the staff requirements and the space at the center, depends on the student’s needs and skill level.
“There is a continuing waiting list,” Backus said.
The diagnosis of autism- spectrum disorder has increased dramatically during the past several years.
When Backus started at the center in 1996, the incidence was one in about 10,000 children diagnosed. Now, it’s about one in 100 children, she said.
“The demand for service is there,” Backus said. “Because of the quality of the program we provide, people are moving from out of state. We have children from Pennsylvania that attend the program.”
There are more-precise diagnoses in the autism field, which likely contributes to the higher numbers.
“The Rich Center sees the numbers because they’re coming here,” Backus said. “It’s frightening when you think about the numbers and the amount of service these kids require.”
Last year, the university and the state designated the facility a Center for Excellence at YSU.
That designation includes a research component, and Backus said the center has the opportunity to work with YSU faculty and to access their expertise. She said the center is honored to be part of YSU.
“There’s stronger interaction with faculty that has occurred,” she said.