Construction Begins on $50 Million Campus for Autism and Developmental Disability Life Quality

Construction Begins on $50 Million Campus for Autism and Developmental
Disability Life Quality

SAN MARCOS, Calif., Oct. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Marking a new chapter in the
realization of life quality for those with autism and other developmental
disabilities, the Training, Education & Research Institute (TERI, Inc.) today
officially broke ground on construction for the Charles R. Cono Center for
Research & Life Planning. Set on 20 acres in North San Diego County, the $50
million campus will directly address the crisis of a growing and aging
population with autism and other developmental disabilities by providing a
comprehensive array of services and support programs covering their entire
lifespan in a dynamic location.

"We believe this university-like campus will be an internationally recognized
resource for research, education, training and life quality - something that
simply doesn't exist today," said Cheryl Kilmer CEO & Founder of TERI. "This
is a new model for delivering the services we've developed over the past 30
years, and incorporating the ever-evolving programs we develop to meet the
needs of our clients and their families as they age."

The campus includes an exciting variety of state-of-the-art facilities;
fitness, arts and education, life quality planning, applied research,
childhood development, equestrian therapy, horticulture, culinary arts,
extensive vocational training opportunities and aquatics. Through onsite and
online training and vocational programs, it will serve children and adults
internationally along with their families.

The first phase of construction, launched with a traditional 'Barn Raising'
celebration featuring clients, staff, community leaders and partners, includes
development of The Harriet E. Pfleger Therapeutic Equestrian Center. The
Center will include six stalls, a pony parlor washroom, veterinary center,
riding arena and walking trails, and picnic patio.

All aspects of the center emphasize sustainability - from its design and
construction to horticultural programs and vocational training in green
careers for clients. Design incorporates sensory gardens displaying original
artwork, sculpture, and unique water features, and hiking trails through lush
orchards. Nearly 80 percent of the grounds will be reserved for natural open
spaces, providing a relaxed, therapeutic setting.

Services and programs include:

-- Education: Specialized schools and vocational training.
-- Caregiver and Family Education and Services: Through the
International
Association for Life Quality, the campus will provide life quality
coach
certification programs and life quality planning for families.
-- Health & Fitness: A two-story, 23,000 square foot Fitness Center with
stadium seating, a full gym and conditioning weight room, a dance
studio, indoor sport court and indoor two-lane track. Also a 6,000
sq.
ft aquatic center offering therapeutic activities in three pools, a
yoga
studio, sensory therapy room, spa facilities, chiropractic treatment
center and juice bar.
-- Culinary Education: Culinary school including a commercial kitchen,
organic herb and vegetable garden and cafe which will supply healthy
and
nutritious meals for students, staff, and visitors.
-- Arts & Adult Education: Combining music, art, fitness and recreation
and vocational opportunities to reinforce basic life skills and
enhance
independent living skills for individuals aged 22 through retirement.

-- Vocational Training: All elements of the campus will provide job
training opportunities in a wide array of occupations including food
service, horticulture, and administration.

The campus is named in honor of the late Charles R. Cono, a San Diego
entrepreneur and philanthropist who contributed $5 million toward the center's
construction. An additional $42 million is currently being fundraised for the
next five phases.

Since its inception in 1980, TERI has been implementing its programs in a
variety of locations based throughout North County San Diego, serving
individuals throughout San Diego County.

SOURCE TERI, Inc.

Monique Uyeda of Bartell & Associates, +1-619-818-3665,
monique.uyeda@bartellassociates.com, for TERI, Inc.