Valley Educational Associates

Valley Educational Associates, Inc. (VEA), a private, non-profit corporation headquartered in Hatfield MA, has provided vocational training and employment services to adults with disabilities since 1982. Through the years, the agency has expanded from a small, eight-person workshop to its current operation serving approximately 100 individuals in three work/training facilities and various community-based jobs throughout Western Massachusetts. The guiding principle that defines the goals of this agency is the belief that all people, regardless of the challenges they face, can effectively perform "real work for real pay" and become valuable members of the workforce. The management and staff of the agency strive to ensure that all VEA programs evolve to meet changing needs and continually improve the quality of life of their clients. VEA has received seven consecutive Certifications with Distinction by the Office of Quality Enhancement of the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS). This high level of success is a credit to its long-term knowledgeable staff and the effectiveness of clinicians; the combination has fostered a competent and professional team approach to supporting individuals. The agency enters into annual contracts with the DDS to serve people with severe, moderate and mild developmental disabilities. VEA employs a staff of forty-four (44), including job coaches, instructors, psychologists and administrators. Total agency revenues for FY 2011 were $2.7 million.