Dedicated to meeting the needs of our community
Metro West Learning Center LLC Receives Autism Friendly Designation from Autism Speaks
June 1st, 2023—Metro West Learning Center, LLC, a multi-specialty clinic, in Clive, Iowa is excited to announce they are now designated an Autism Friendly business! The Autism Speaks Autism Friendly Designation signals to the public that an organization is committed to creating an inclusive, accepting and understanding environment for all guests and customers. The designation was guided by national level competencies in direct support to people with disabilities.
To achieve the designation, Metro West Learning Center staff completed training and agreed to provide resources and supports developed by expert researchers and clinicians at the nonprofit organization Autism Speaks. With these resources and supports in place, businesses and destinations recognize the diverse needs of people with autism and their families.
“Creating employment opportunities and access for people with autism continues to be a need in our community. We are honored to be part of the Autism Speaks Workplace Inclusion Now (WIN) program to help move this initiative forward. The evidence-based courses are well-tailored and detailed, which helps our staff be better equipped to provide employment opportunities for autistic adults and on-going services to our community. Autism Speaks continues to raise the bar, and we are excited to be a part of this program!” -Toni Merfeld, President/Managing Member of Metro West Learning Center, LLC (Clive, IA)
Autism impacts hundreds of thousands of families in communities around the world who each experience their own unique strengths and challenges. In becoming an Autism Friendly designated business, Metro West Learning Center will continue to create an environment that promotes understanding and acceptance for all.
About Metro West Learning Center
Metro West Learning Center, founded in 2004, is dedicated to individualized, developmentally appropriate instruction that supports students with varying needs through social skills groups, speech, occupational therapy, and applied behavior analysis. Highly qualified staff members deliver research-based interventions in a nurturing, client-centered environment stressing the importance of parent and family involvement. MWLC is committed to meeting the ongoing needs of the Autism Community through innovative, flexible programming and responsiveness to student needs.
About Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is dedicated to creating an inclusive world for all individuals with autism throughout their lifespan. We do this through advocacy, services, supports, research and innovation, and advances in care for autistic individuals and their families. To find resources, join an event or make a donation, go to www.AutismSpeaks.org. Learn more by following @AutismSpeaks on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Our Mission
Metro West Learning Center, founded in 2004, is dedicated to individualized, developmentally appropriate instruction that supports students with varying needs through social skills groups, speech, occupational therapy, and applied behavior analysis. Highly qualified staff members deliver research-based interventions in a nurturing, client-centered environment stressing the importance of parent and family involvement. MWLC is committed to meeting the ongoing needs of the Autism Community through innovative, flexible programming and responsiveness to student needs.
What that means to you…
We are here to help you. Your student will work with an experienced instructor who will target the areas where he or she needs support using age-appropriate approaches. The strategies and techniques utilized by our staff are the result of decades of educational research and years of personal experience. Our caring, passionate, and knowledgeable staff will help your child be successful at home, school, and in the community.
From the Council of Autism Service Providers
The Council of Autism Service Providers is a non-profit association of provider organizations committed to evidence-based care. CASP supports its members by cultivating, sharing, and advocating for best practices in autism services.
CASP is thrilled to welcome new member Metro West Learning Center. Headquartered in Iowa, Metro West serves approximately 60 individuals with autism and is led by President Toni Merfeld.
Congratulations on demonstrating your commitment to excellence, collaboration, and continuous quality improvement.
Do you have a child recently diagnosed with Autism?
The Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT) created a wonderful resource to help support parents of children recently diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Check it out today!
“10 minutes every 365 days can save lives.”
The September 26th Project has a mission to help special needs families be prepared and ready in case of a fire or natural disaster. This project was founded by family members and providers after Feda Almaliti and her autistic son, Muhammad tragically died in a house fire on September 26th, 2020 in Fremont, California. Their website shares their story and has free downloadable resources available for you.
