Wildwood strengthens the well-being of people with disabilities and their families, within our entire community, through innovative supports.

Wildwood provides supports and services to people of all ages with conditions described as developmental disabilities, complex learning disabilities and autism spectrum disorders. Wildwood values understanding each individual as a whole and unique person.

Wildwood Programs was founded by families who created innovative supports and creative services as needs were identified. That same creativity and ingenuity continues today as Wildwood staff continually works with the people receiving services and their families to meet individualized needs. Every day challenges are seen as the catalyst for growth, learning, and the adaptation to the environment that surrounds all of us. The goal for everyone at Wildwood is to live a life that maximizes independence, fulfillment, and productivity.

For more information, visit wildwood.edu or CLICK HERE to follow Wildwood on Facebook

From the child struggling in school with a complex learning disability, to the adolescent with autism trying to navigate his social world, to the adult with a developmental disability working hard to live an independent life, to the family doing everything they can to support their child with a disability, Wildwood Programs helps people grow.

Rather than developing programs based on labels or diagnoses, Wildwood has developed supports and services based on each person’s characteristics, likes and dislikes, and unique personality. Wildwood Programs partners with families and offers supports and services that are individualized and tailored in a holistic way for each person.

Wildwood Programs was founded by families who created innovative supports and creative services as the needs of their children were identified. Wildwood was founded by parents and for nearly 60 years has remained a family-focused organization. Today,

Wildwood welcomes and encourages the input of family members in every part of our program and our Board of Directors is comprised largely of family members.

Wildwood’s staff is renowned not just for its expertise but also for the dedication and commitment to people with disabilities. For years Wildwood has been seen as a leader and a resource for people with disabilities, their families, and allied professionals in the Capital Region and beyond.

Looking for a rewarding volunteer opportunity? Gifts of time and talent make an enormous impact and joining a committee is a great way to use your expertise to benefit a deserving organization while learning more about the mission of Wildwood.

Committee Opportunities:

Wildwood offers opportunities to join committees and lend expertise. To learn more email Nicole Babie at Nbabie@wildwoodprograms.org.

Group Volunteer Opportunities:

Does your business or organization have annual volunteer days? This is a fun and meaningful way to engage your employees and give back to the community. Group projects are based on availability and limited to 20 people maximum.

To learn about group volunteer opportunities, please email Nicole Babie at NBabie@wildwoodprograms.org.

Teach Adult Education:

Do you love helping others grow in their education, have a skill you would be interested in teaching others, or looking for a potential internship in education? Then Wildwood’s Adult Ed Program may be the perfect fit for you. This program offers numerous courses ranging from GED classes to cooking classes and everything in between.

If there is a class you may be interested in teaching, or if you have a skill you think would be great if shared with others, please contact us today!

Contact Quill Nooney at QNooney@wildwoodprograms.org or 518.640.3352.

Day Habilitation: Provides an environment where each participant can be involved in meaningful activities that allow them to grow and learn, pursue personal goals and interests, gain greater independence and make a contribution to their community.

Employment Services: Wildwood’s Vocational Services team provides businesses with competent employees and provides individuals with disabilities the opportunity to thrive in the workforce.

Adult Education Program: Facilitates individualized and group learning experiences that help individuals participate more fully in their own communities. Courses are designed to meet the needs of the students and are organized for a diversity of learning styles.

Wildwood School: A private, not-for-profit day program for students between the ages of 5 to 21. Approximately 220 students from 60 school districts in 14 counties are educated annually at the school.

Residential: The goal of residential supports is to provide each individual with a living arrangement that maximizes their independence and quality of life and supports them in pursuing their personal fulfillment. We support people with all levels of disability with the focus of creating an environment that is home and not merely a place to live.

Self Direction: Self-Direction is a fully encompassing person-centered planning program that puts the individual and their family in the driver’s seat of service delivery. Self-Direction allows an individual of any age to direct their own supports and services.

Community Habilitation Services: Provides individual support services for both children and adults who are either living at home with their families or living independently in their own residences.

Recreational / Respite Services: Offers activities for individuals of all ages. The goals of the program include not only enjoyment of leisure time, but also socialization and -Residential Services: Serves individuals with all levels of disability and are designed to provide individuals with the highest quality services while providing the feeling that where they live is truly a home.

To learn more, email Intake Coordinator, Sheri Gaylord at Sgaylord@wildwoodprograms.org.

A Spring Tradition Rooted in Community and Purpose

The Capital District Garden & Flower Show is a cherished spring tradition that began more than three decades ago with a simple but powerful goal: to support Wildwood and the people it serves.

In 1987, a dedicated group of Wildwood staff and volunteers created a community-based fundraising event that offered meaningful opportunities for individuals supported by Wildwood to participate, while also raising critical funds for programs and services. The inaugural show was modest by today’s standards, featuring just five landscape exhibits, a small group of vendors, and several generous sponsors. Approximately 4,500 visitors attended that first event, marking the beginning of something truly special for Wildwood and the greater Capital Region.

Growing With the Community

Now entering its 37th year in 2026, the event—known today as the Capital Region Flower & Garden Expo—is more vibrant than ever. Its continued success is thanks to the loyal sponsors, exhibitors, and supporters who have nurtured the show over the years, many of whom have been involved since the earliest days and have played a vital role in its growth.

While the show has evolved to reflect industry trends and changing consumer interests, one thing has remained constant: the strong foundation and purpose established by its creators in 1987. The Expo continues to provide Wildwood staff and volunteers the opportunity to connect face-to-face with the public, share information about Wildwood’s programs, and introduce visitors to some of the individuals Wildwood proudly serves.

Wildwood at the Expo Today

Wildwood Programs remains an integral part of the Expo experience. Visitors are encouraged to stop by the Wildwood booth during the Capital Region Flower & Garden Expo to learn more about the organization and the people they serve.

Although the event is no longer produced by Wildwood, it remains an important annual fundraiser.

Today, the Capital Region Flower & Garden Expo is produced by SpringThyme Marketing, a locally owned event management company committed to honoring the original vision of the show’s founders and continuing the long-standing tradition of donating a portion of every ticket sold to support Wildwood.