The Kennedy Krieger Institute is located in Baltimore, Maryland. It specializes in helping to develop the lives of adolescents and children with pediatric developmental disabilities. The institute offers special education and professional training as well as patient care which includes assisting the families. It is a "Blue Ribbon School of Excellence," is nationally recognized, and provides excellent programs in education for children, adolescents and young adults with all kinds of disabilities including the mentally handicapped. The Kennedy Krieger Institute's Department of Special Education offers a number of programs that teach children with disabilities through a variety of settings. Doctors and staff work with the students' individual strengths and talents to help them develop in a way that is comfortable for them.
St. Coletta is located in the greater Washington, D.C. area. Its mission is to offer support and educate children and adults with mental or cognitive disabilities. The staff provide an environment of respect and care for both the individual student and his or her family. They work closely with the individual, helping each to develop strengths to their full potential. The school is a non-profit organization and offers school and adult day programs for children and adults with multiple disabilities. Parents of a Down Syndrome Child founded the school in 1959. In 2006 a new, state-of-the-art school building was completed. The extensive educational curriculum includes functional academics, daily life skills, arts education and computer skills.
The UCP national office is in Washington, D.C., and was founded in 1949 by the parents of children with cerebral palsy. Children and adults with cerebral palsy and other disabilities are taught to cope with many aspects of society, community and the work environment. The staff work with each person's unique capabilities and potential to help them integrate into life and become as independent as possible. UCP is one of the nations largest health nonprofit organizations. Its strength comes from services provided by affiliates which include housing, assistive technology training, social recreation programs and employment assistance. A service called IEP, or Individualized Education Program, caters to the individual's needs.
Steven Knolls School in Kensington, MD, offers an educational curriculum to students with all levels of disability from minor to severe. Opportunities include a voluntary state curriculum, general education curriculum, and/or fundamental life skills curriculum. Art, music and physical education is also provided for all students.