Wildwood's Mission

Wildwood strengthens the well-being of people with disabilities and their families, within our entire community, through innovative supports.

Wildwood's Values

Respect -Treating others the way you want them to treat you with the understanding that everyone is equal.

Integrity – Always doing the right thing by being honest, trustworthy, and responsible, and striving to be our best in everything we do.

Creativity – Seeing something that doesn’t exist and making it so, and understanding that new ideas are how we become better people and a better community.

Holism – Understanding there are many parts to someone that makes them whole, including their individual traits, choices, and community. 

About Wildwood

Wildwood provides supports and services to people of all ages with conditions described as developmental disabilities, complex learning disabilities and autism spectrum disorders. At Wildwood we value understanding each individual as a whole and unique person.

Our organization was created in 1967 when a group of parents found that their children did not fit neatly into existing programs. What began as a program for a handful of pre- schoolers has grown into an organization that provides comprehensive supports and services to over 1300 people and 2000 families every year. Children as young as three and adults enjoying their senior years receive supports and services in every life area in an environment where they are accepted, respected and valued.

Wildwood Programs was founded by families who created innovative supports and creative services as needs were identified. That same creativity and ingenuity continues today as Wildwood staff continually works with the people receiving services and their families to meet individualized needs. Everyday challenges are seen as the catalyst for growth, learning and the adaptation to the environment that surrounds all of us. The goal for everyone at Wildwood is to live a life that maximizes independence, fulfillment and productivity.

In 2022, Wildwood merged with the Alternative Living Group, another organization in the Capital District that provided supports to people with developmental disabilities and their families, with a particular focus on serving those in minority communities and other underrepresented groups. The merged organization retained the name Wildwood and now employs over 1000 people throughout the Capital Region and beyond!

Who We Support

From the child struggling in school with a complex learning disability, to the adolescent with autism trying to navigate his social world, to the adult with a developmental disability working hard to live an independent life, to the family doing everything they can to support their child with a disability, Wildwood Programs helps people grow.

Rather than developing programs based on labels or diagnoses, Wildwood has developed supports and services based on each person’s characteristics, likes and dislikes and unique personality. Wildwood Programs partners with families and offers supports and services that are individualized and tailored in a holistic way for each person.

Family Partnerships

Wildwood Programs was founded by families who created innovative supports and creative services as the needs of their children were identified. Wildwood was founded by parents and for over forty years it has remained a family focused organization. Today, Wildwood welcomes and encourages the input of family members in each and every part of our program and our Board of Directors is comprised largely of family members.

Wildwood’s staff is renowned not just for its expertise but also for the dedication and commitment to people with disabilities. For years Wildwood has been seen as a leader and a resource for people with disabilities, their families and allied professionals in the Capital Region and beyond.

Wildwood's Statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Wildwood values our diverse, inclusive team because it reflects the individuals, families and communities where we live, work and interact. We strive to continually enhance all of the aspects of diversity represented at Wildwood. 

Our core values of respect, integrity, creativity, and holism guide us in being an organization that welcomes and celebrates everyone’s individuality. 

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