Dr. Gerhardt Honored at Nationals Disability Awareness Night

On Wednesday, August 5, OAR's President, Dr. Peter Gerhardt, received the EP Maxwell J. Schleifer Distinguished Service Award as part of pre-game Disability Awareness Night ceremonies at Nationals Park in Washington, DC. This award is named after the late founder and editor-in-chief of Exceptional Parent, and will be presented by EP Global Communications, Inc. and the EP Foundation for Education. EP selects honorees for their work, life, and advocacy on behalf of people with disabilities.

In order to receive the EP Maxwell J. Schleifer Distinguished Service Award, a candidate must exhibit the following characteristics:

• Has demonstrated courage in overcoming their own disability or has worked on behalf of those with special needs or disabilities
• Has been involved in scientific research leading to the early detection of disorders and appropriate intervention therapies
• Has demonstrated leadership in an effort to expand awareness about how people with disabilities can be productive citizens in our society either by his or her exemplary leadership of an organization or association, as an employer hiring and training people with disabilities including intellectual disabilities, or as a philanthropist.