SPIN (Special People In Northeast) is a nonprofit organization that provides lifespan people-first services and supports for children and adults with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities. Founded in 1970 by families seeking better lives for their children, SPIN, Inc. has continued that tradition and today is a vibrant, dynamic people to people’ organization that offers innovative services and supports for infants, children, adults and families.

Headquartered at 10501 Drummond Road in Philadelphia, SPIN’s reach now extends not only in Philadelphia but in Bucks, Montgomery, Lehigh and Northampton counties in Pennsylvania. 

SPIN is proud to have been recognized as a Top Workplace by The Philadelphia Inquirer for 17 consecutive years.

A Mission Centered on Inclusion

SPIN provides the highest quality people-first services and supports for children and adults with intellectual, developmental, and autism spectrum disabilities so that each may achieve and enjoy a life of possibilities.

Through individualized services and supports, SPIN promotes personal growth, social participation, independence, and family well-being. Every program is guided by the values of respect, inclusion, and community partnership. SPIN is committed to building inclusive communities where people with and without disabilities learn, work, live, and thrive together, recognizing the strengths, contributions, and potential of every individual.

Comprehensive Programs Across the Lifespan

Today, SPIN supports over 3000 children and adults annually. These services incorporate current leading practices as they are person-centered, family-focused, outcomes-oriented, culturally relevant services delivered by highly qualified professionals. As a nonprofit, human service organization, SPIN is widely acclaimed and is locally, statewide and nationally recognized for being a community builder, a provider of best-practice services, a world class investor in workforce development and has been named a Top Workplace for the past 17 consecutive years.

SPIN has been recognized by the Office of Developmental Programs as a Clinically Enhanced top tier provider of residential services. SPIN’s highly qualified, caring workforce delivers high-performance outcomes including:

• Integrated Clinical Services Team
• Employment Services
• Community Participation Services
• Lifesharing
• Residential Services
• Day programs

SPIN also operates inclusive early childhood education centers where children with and without disabilities learn and grow together. These programs emphasize developmental progress, school readiness, and social inclusion.

SPIN was awarded the Autism Center for Excellence designation as one of three leading providers in the diagnosis and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Services for infants and young children include:

• Inclusive Preschool Programs (including Headstart, Pre-K Counts, PHLpreK, Autistic Support and Early Intervention Classrooms)
• Home and Community Early Intervention Services
• Center-based Child Care
• Outpatient Therapy Services (utilizing evidence-based treatment modalities such as Ecosystemic Structural Family Therapy and Trauma Informed Therapy)
• Medication Management for Children
• Autism Diagnostic Evaluations
• Social Skills Groups
• Applied Behavior Analysis
• Early Childhood Intensive Treatment
• Blended Case Management
• Community Autism Peer Specialists

“I love the children’s enthusiasm and the joy they bring to school each day. I love when I see the lightbulb go on and watch them grow more confident in their abilities as learners and friends. I love hearing from their parents about the changes they are seeing at home. Amazing!” – Beth Ann Marin, Teacher

A Workplace Guided by Purpose

SPIN’s mission-driven programs demonstrate these expectant values of hope, possibility, and choice supported by the four pillars of Person-First Culture, Professionalism, Productivity, and Performance Excellence, the standard to which all employees are held accountable. 

“Every day, I get to make a positive difference and help the people I support reach their goals. It’s a job that makes me proud and motivated.” – Melvin Raymond, Direct Support Professional

1. People First

Respecting and believing in every person’s right to live a self-determined life.

2. Professionalism

Demonstrating competence, integrity, and responsibility in every action.

3. Performance Excellence

Delivering high-quality, outcome-focused services through collaboration and teamwork in a supportive environment.

4. Productivity

Being solution-focused, organized, and effective stewards of resources to ensure the mission is achieved and sustained over time.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in Action

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are at the heart of who SPIN is and why it exists. The organization’s commitment to these values is unwavering and extends to everyone, including the people it serves, their families, employees, business partners, and our community.

SPIN is led by President and Chief Executive Officer, Judith Dotzman. Judy’s dedication to her work reflects her commitment to leadership at every level, the development of a high-quality workforce, and her belief in the power of possibility. She is passionate about investing in people and building partnerships that create unique opportunities for individuals to reach their full potential, share their strengths, and contribute to a culture of belonging. SPIN is additionally led by a highly driven, results-oriented, expert Executive team of Corporate Officers.

SPIN qualifies as a Non-Profit Organization that is managed and primarily controlled by Minorities and/or Women through the School District of Philadelphia, Office of Minority and Small Business Development.

SPIN serves and employs people from diverse backgrounds and experiences. The organization values every individual for who they are and fosters a culture where all people are welcomed, respected, included and empowered to belong and thrive.

Investing in Careers That Change Lives

SPIN has cultivated a culture that promotes learning and development, and career pathing opportunities at every level of the organization. It is committed to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and fully included.

SPIN invests in its employees through leadership development as a cornerstone of SPIN’s culture, equipping employees with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to confidently lead and succeed professionally.

Through SPIN’s Career Pathways, employees have access to exceptional training, mentoring, and leadership opportunities designed to support continuous growth and advancement.

At SPIN, employees are encouraged to work, learn, and grow.

SPIN has received special recognition from The Philadelphia Inquirer Top Workplaces for its commitment to professional development and training, as well as recognition from Training Magazine for excellence in workforce development. Our employees are the gold standard! They live our values while supporting a life of possibilities in all that they do and are. We are so grateful to and for our employees for their commitment and contribution to our critically important mission.

Creating Community Impact Beyond Services

As one of Pennsylvania’s leading disability service providers, SPIN collaborates with schools, employers, government agencies, and community partners to promote accessibility, inclusion, and meaningful opportunities for all people.

Join the Mission

At SPIN, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live a life of possibility. As an employee, you can play a vital role in helping individuals achieve their goals, build meaningful connections, and become active members of their communities. As a donor, you can help expand access to life-changing services and programs to thousands of children, adults, and families each year. However you choose to support SPIN, you will be joining a mission-driven community committed to making a lasting difference in the lives of others.

Interested in Making a Difference? Learn more about SPIN, explore career opportunities, and support the mission by visiting: www.spininc.org.