About PACE
About PACEHome » About PACE

Mission

To enhance the lives of people impacted by autism, through innovation, exceptional education, and compassionate care.

Vision

A world in which people of all abilities live fulfilled lives.

History

PACE was founded in 1989 by a group of concerned parents, community members, and educators as a private, nonprofit 501 (C) (3) organization to meet the critical need of providing education and care for children and adults with autism/developmental disabilities and their families. Prior to this time, many of our students had been placed in inappropriate classroom settings and many of our residential clients were housed in unsuitable state hospitals and development centers. The state system was clearly challenged to provide more than the maintenance of the ongoing needs of persons with developmental disabilities. Without the support of an encouraging, attentive environment, the ability to develop the skills necessary for achieving integration into the community was doubtful.

PACE was born after years of futile attempts to work within the traditional system to meet the specialized needs of persons with autism and started in 1989 with 14 students and two group homes. PACE currently serves over 60 students in our preschool and a K-12 school, houses 36 children and adults in our residential program, and provides behavioral services for Bay Area families.

To learn more about the history of PACE, we invite you to view the PACE 30th Anniversary Histogram, a graphical timeline of the key events in PACE’s history from 1989 through 2019.

We stand in solidarity. PACE stands in solidarity with all individuals who have fought and continue to fight against systemic racism in America. Our community is composed of individuals from a spectrum of races, ethnicities, abilities, and identities, and we believe wholeheartedly in the power of diversity. We have, and continue to be, advocates for inclusion and acceptance. We are committed to listening, learning, and building an even more inclusive and just environment where Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) individuals can thrive. Download our statement here.