MAAPS Celebrating IDEA 50 Years of IDEA Blog Series
60 Years of Transforming Students at Gifford School
Reflection submitted by Jeannine Spallone, Director of Communications
Ten years before IDEA became law, one lifelong educator believed what few others did: that students with learning differences could thrive when given the right support. In 1964, Margaret Gifford acted on that belief and founded The Gifford School, setting in motion a vision that continues to inspire how we teach, connect, and help students grow.
Many students arrive at Gifford carrying histories of struggle, anxiety, or isolation. One student shared, “I could barely get my work done and I had no friends. I was in a dark and horrible place and needed a change.”
At Gifford, that change begins to take root. George is “coming out of his shell, making friends, and feels safe for the first time in a very long time.” Katie, who once struggled to communicate and manage her emotions, has found confidence, friendships, and the tools to navigate life’s challenges. Another student reflected, “Gifford has provided me with a generous amount of room to grow through trial and error and has tolerated some of the worst internal battles I have experienced, which no other institution I know of would.”
These stories show IDEA in action. True equity isn’t just about access—it’s about meeting students where they are, building on their strengths, and fostering social and emotional growth that fuels academic progress. At Gifford, our values of community, collaboration, and a strengths-based approach ensure every student feels safe, supported, and empowered to develop the skills and resilience they need to thrive.
Families experience this transformation too. Dr. Diana Perry reflected on her son Will’s journey: “Gifford’s team taught me that Will and other students like him learn differently. For the first time in his life, he met the right group of educators who helped him recognize the gifts he brings to the table.” Students feel that same impact: “Without Gifford, I would not be the person I am today—someone who is confident in myself and ready to take the next step.”
Fifty years on, the promise of IDEA lives every day in Gifford’s classrooms, hallways, and hearts—transforming lives, strengthening families, and empowering students to see their own potential, just as Margaret Gifford envisioned long before the law existed.
