History

In September, 1979, Douglas Riddell, a parent of a child with developmental disabilities, organized a group of parents and citizens interested in helping children with special needs. The first class was located in a small room on a local campus and served eight children with one teacher and limited support services. In August of 1980, this group formed People Understanding Special Handicaps, Inc. (P.U.S.H.). As a non-profit corporation, they were able to acquire funding from the state and federal governments and from the United Way of Franklin County.

The PUSH program was created as an integrated preschool program for children birth through 5 years, with 50% of the children having special needs and 50% developing typically. After many years of moving to several different locations, and with the dedication of the Board of Directors and the parents of the school, our current facility became a reality in August of 1991.