Before 1975, public schools generally did not accept children with special needs, including those with Down syndrome, autism, or developmental delays, according to advocates. Many parents were encouraged to institutionalize their children until federal laws mandated inclusive education.
In response, a small group of parents in New Albany established New Haven School around 1960. The community has supported the school financially and through volunteer efforts for more than 65 years, said former executive director Dr. Collett Cross.
After the passage of federal laws requiring public schools to accept all children, New Haven evolved into a facility that serves adults with disabilities. It remains a unique
