[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 131 (Friday, September 28, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1665]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING DEVEREUX'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY

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                          HON. PATRICK MEEHAN

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 28, 2012

  Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Devereux 
Foundation on its upcoming 100-year anniversary.
  The Devereux Foundation, founded in 1912, was the inspiration of 
Helena Devereux. During her years of service as a public school 
teacher, Helena developed an interest in students who exhibited 
learning difficulties. Ms. Devereux theorized that students who had 
previously failed to achieve academically would thrive if given an 
individualized approach to learning as well as lesson plans that 
included social skills. She firmly believed that all students have the 
ability to become ``a contributing and valued member of their 
community''.
  Moving from the classroom to a rented home, where she could provide 
intensive instruction, Helena mastered individualized education plans 
for students with learning differences and emotional handicaps. Her 
philosophy of ``every child is a program'' empowered her to work day 
and night to help children overcome their challenges.
  As the success of Helena's methods continued to spread, the reach of 
the foundation also expanded. In 1938, the Devereux Schools received a 
non-profit charter establishing the Devereux Foundation. Today the 
Devereux Foundation has locations in eleven states across the Nation.
  The Devereux Foundation students have proven Helena's hypothesis 
correct. Students performed the National Anthem a cappella at Columbia 
University, which is a feat for even the most musically gifted singers. 
Annually 15,000 individuals receive professional and quality services 
from the Devereux Foundation to overcome their learning and behavioral 
differences.
  Although Helena is no longer with us, the Devereux Foundation's staff 
continues her legacy. Recently Dr. Megan Russell, Corporate Director of 
Clinical and Professional Affairs, has been invited to present the 
research findings of a recently completed Devereux study at the 
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. This research 
benefits not only children and adults of the Devereux Foundation but 
all individuals facing behavioral health challenges. The Devereux 
Foundation's work has been highlighted in Microsoft Case Studies. The 
Devereux Foundation uses specialized software to serve students more 
effectively by collecting data on their behavior to analyze and modify 
progress and treatment plans.
  The innovation of Helena Devereux continues in the Devereux 
Foundation as they complete one hundred years of exemplary service 
throughout the Seventh Congressional District of Pennsylvania and 
beyond. I send them my sincere congratulations and wish them continued 
success.

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