Our Mission

To promote research, education, service equity and excellence, and to improve the lives of individuals, families, organizations and communities.

The Foundation’s mission is threefold:

  • Protect and further the legacy of Drs. Gary LaVigna and Tom Willis’ Multi-Element Model and Multi-Element Behavior Support (MEBS™) paradigm.

  • Disseminate MEBS™ worldwide in an effort to help eliminate the use of restrictive practices in the treatment of people, replacing restrictive thought processes and treatments with creative applications for inclusive, life-enhancing, and personal empowerment oriented supports.

  • Explore innovative applications of the MEBS™ model and person-centered behavior support in order to improve the quality of life for service recipients, families, service providers, and communities.

This will be accomplished by

  • Collaborating with service recipients, family members, organizations, and communities around the world to share the person-centered philosophy and support framework of MEBS™;


  • Helping individuals, families and organizations with the implementation of dignity-driven, values-based supports for people;


  • Establishing field-standards and guidelines for the use, implementation, and ongoing evaluation metrics for MEBS™ and person-centered behavior support;


  • Guiding, facilitating, and collaborating in research related to MEBS™, and its applications in a multidisciplinary setting;

  • Developing relationships and securing funding necessary to accomplish the mission.

Our History

For the past 40 years, we've been committed to advancing the field of applied behavioral research and education through innovative programs, cutting-edge research, and collaborative partnerships. Our rich history of excellence and dedication to improving lives continues to drive us forward today.