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All people are capable of success
Through flexible, diverse and responsive programs, VAC provides a foundation of life skills that prepares people to reach their full potential as contributing members of our community.
Education · Exploration · Growth
What we believe
Our values
Our history
Nearly 90 years of filling the gaps
- 1937
Founded as the Vermont Association for the Crippled
Serving children with polio, orthopedic conditions and hearing and speech needs, and helping develop cerebral palsy clinics.
- 1945
Emily Sheldon becomes program director
Over 28 years she built VAC’s habit of reassessing needs and moving resources to where they weren’t being met.
- 1974
A new name: Vermont Achievement Center
Staff and Board chose an inclusive name and kept the initials families already knew.
- 1975
Vermont’s first therapy pool
Open to VAC children and the public, supported for decades by the Rutland County Snow Travelers’ snowmobile ride-in.
- 1995
Care moves into homes and communities
As Vermont shifted to serving children at home, VAC closed its pediatric unit and built family-based and crisis services.
- Today
Special education, child care support and community
Sheldon Academy, Child Care Support Services, Children’s Integrated Services, the Community Garden and, from 2027, Early Education & Care again.
Board of Directors
- Lynne KlammBoard Chair
- Elizabeth Yaddow
- Jill Alderman
- Jim Anderson
- Alyssa Flynn
- Judy Blair