Dedicated to meeting the unique needs of people with disabilities, BFAIR incorporated in 1994 when the agency opened its first residential home for people with developmental disabilities. Two years later, a Day Habilitation program was launched, offering individualized day services for adults with disabilities.
In 2000, the agency was awarded its first vocational contract. Today BFAIR’s Employment Services program offers employment, training and job placement services for adults and students with disabilities. Additionally, BFAIR owns and operates a bottle and can redemption center located in North Adams which provides employment and vocational training services for adults with disabilities.
Moving forward, in 2009, the agency relocated its administrative office and Day Habilitation program to a new facility on South Church Street, North Adams. Simultaneously, a satellite office was opened in Pittsfield to offer community living support services for adults with disabilities as well as outreach services to families.
In 2014, BFAIR experienced significant expansion. A residence was opened for four women with acquired brain injuries (ABI) previously residing in nursing homes. This initial home led to the development of five additional homes, three located in the Pioneer Valley, dedicated to the care of people living with ABI. In total BFAIR operates twelve residential homes for adults with intellectual disabilities, autism and ABI. The agency’s Adult Family Care and Shared Living programs offer people with medical, physical and/or intellectual disabilities in-home supports provided by a family member or qualified caregiver.
With continued growth and need for services, in 2015 BFAIR opened a second day habilitation program as well as Community Based Day Services center in north Berkshire. Services are focused on providing community integration opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities and autism. One year later our Family and Individual Supports program relocated to property the agency acquired which is centrally located in Pittsfield.
Our Clinical Department offers supports for the agency’s day and residential services using the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA). The department is comprised of Board Certified and Licensed Behavior Analysts as well as Registered Behavior Technicians.
BFAIR offers center-based ABA services as well. The focal point of this program is to teach and facilitate social interactions with both younger and older cohorts. In addition, hands-on daily living activities to promote skill generalization and independence are offered. It’s an excellent opportunity to build on previously learned skills and more importantly to have fun!
Serving nearly 600 residents of our communities and 340 staff the agency is a significant local employer. BFAIR is a Member agency of the Northern Berkshire United Way and the Williamstown Community Chest.