ABOUT ME
Ernst VanBergeijk, PhD, MSW
Throughout my 35-year career, I have helped parents find appropriate educational settings and solutions for their children, and helped organizations evaluate and design programming for children, youth, and young adults with disabilities.
My interest in advocacy and working with families of children and young adults with disabilities is both professional and personal. Professionally, I have decades of experience in the special education and social service fields. After earning my master’s degree, I designed and headed the social services department of a Title XX daycare system serving 1,500 children under protective service supervision. I identified infants and children at risk for a developmental delay and referred them to county Child Find services in northern Florida. As a school social worker, I have conducted special education evaluations, designed individualized education programs, crafted behavioral treatment plans, and provided counseling, advocacy, and crisis intervention for students in rural Michigan and on the US/Mexico border in California. I have also developed and implemented parent training curricula....
Testimonials
Cara Streit, EdD, MSW
"Ernst is a skilled and dedicated professional with decades of experience working with individuals with autism and learning, developmental, and intellectual disabilities, and their families. He has extensive networks in educational systems at the K-12 and postsecondary level and in associated social services for adults with disabilities. Ernst has expertise navigating complex systems and developing collaborative relationships with families and service providers. Families who are looking for support with educational planning for youth and young adults with disabilities would find a strong partner in Ernst!”
Cara Streit, EdD, MSW (She/Her)
Director of Student Accessibility Support at Brandeis University; Founding President & CEO, Embark Inclusive Travel
Fred R. Volkmar, MD
I have known and worked with Ernst for many years. He is extremely knowledgeable and effective and is a fantastic clinician as well as administrator. I recommend highly!
Fred Volkmar
Fred R Volkmar, M.D.
Irving B. Harris Professor Emeritus
Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine
Emeritus Editor in Chief, Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
Editor, Encyclopedia of Autism
Adam S.
"The VIP Program that was offered from NYIT was a terrific opportunity to make new friends and taught me about how to succeed. In my Travel Training class, I’ve studied on taking public transportation to and from New York City including airport travel. Since then, I’ve been taking the Long Island Railroad independently, and have traveled all over the world without my parents.
For finding a job, I got my career started at Modell’s Sporting Goods. I was a part-time associate, putting security devices on clothing being delivered. After the height of the Covid pandemic, I started a new chapter for Amazon, which I am currently at now at doing grocery shopping for online Customers at Whole Foods. Market. It’s the best job I have.
Dr. VanBergeijk taught me about managing our bank accounts on how we go over our bank statements and budgeting when we are doing purchases. He also taught me about exercising and to eat healthy. I continue this to this day to stay in great shape!"
Adam S.
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New York Institute of Technology Vocational Independence Program
Class of 2013
Daisy C.
"While at VIP Dr. Ernst Vanbergeijk helped me is great Deal. He was always extremely supportive, encouraging and understanding. He helped advocate for me in times I couldn’t . He helped me navigate difficult situations such as getting bullied and many others. He helped me learn and perform at my greatest potential. He talked me thru situations I had to conquer on my own by helping my find solutions or helping me find the confidence to speak up for my self. He helped me navigate different countries in the many international trips that we took as a school trip."
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Daisy C.
NYIT/VIP Class Of 2010