The Cromwell Center
For Disabilities Awareness

Our Mission, History, Method and Staff

Sebago Elementary

Our Mission and Purpose

The Cromwell Center for Disabilities Awareness is dedicated to the purpose that no person with any kind of disability will ever again experience the profound isolation in life and anonymity at death as Jeremiah Cromwell. (Read more about Jeremiah below.) Our mission is to promote safe, respectful and inclusive schools and communities.

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A Unique Method

We don’t focus on specific disabilities or lead“show and tell” or simulations. Instead, we change attitudes. At first, our hands-on activities may seem to have little to do with disabilities. Through questioning, facilitation, and interaction, we help people discover on their own – and from each other – positive attitudes, understanding, and respect of differences.

Unlike other programs that focus primarily on physical challenges, The Cromwell Center’s programs address all disabilities — learning, behavioral, emotional, developmental, and physical.

Who is Jeremiah Cromwell?

The Cromwell Center was founded by Jamie Kaplan and Irv Shapell and named in honor of Jeremiah Cromwell, a young resident of The Maine School for the Feeble Minded (later called Pineland) who died of appendicitis in 1928 at age 14. No family member claimed his body, and his grave at Pineland was marked only by a small cement cylinder stamped with his patient ID number. In the late 1950s, the cement was replaced with a modest tombstone bearing Jeremiah’s name and the years of his brief life.

Although there are no existing records of what type of disability Jeremiah Cromwell had, we know that his life and death were similar to hundreds of thousands of children and adults with physical and developmental disabilities who lived and died in institutions throughout the United States over a 100-year period.

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Our Staff

Susan Greenwood

Susan Greenwood

Executive Director

Kate Putnam

Kate Putnam

Programs & Development Manager

Board of Trustees

Chair: Kate McCrann, M.D.

Vice Chair: Anne Nanovic

Secretary: Michael Robinson

Treasurer: Deborah Whitworth

David Abel

Ben Bornstein

Chris Clegg

John Giffune

 

Chairman Emeritus: Leslie B. Otten

Naomi Manjourides

Stephanie Perry

Heather Picard

Ken Shapiro

Program Leaders

Deb Bergeron

Ann Caliandro

Jeannie Coppinger

Colleen Flynn

Katie Ford

Sue Peterson

Amy Wallace

Kathy Welch

Testimonials

There was the perfect balance of “sitting” and “active” activities. The kiddos are vying for the books. Thank you so much for a rich experience. We look forward to your visit next year.
My daughter attended your school training program and was able to express her thoughts about her brother who has autism. This is a big step for children at this age to speak freely about a sibling’s disability.
Great presentation. Should be required for ALL parents!
Great program!! It should be mandatory for all schools.
The program is wonderful and the instructor was very effective even with challenging behaviors in some classes. The students reference activities and concepts discussed. Can’t wait for next year.
Thank you to The Cromwell Center for this wonderful parent engagement opportunity. Program leaders Heidi and Dede were a perfect pair for this important work. So valued and appreciated.
The instructors provided a very safe atmosphere for students to share personal information and experiences. This session provided enormous learning for my students about themselves and their peers. Thank You!
My uncle had mental retardation and my cousin has Down syndrome, so it touched my heart to hear your stories. You have inspired me to stand up for one another and not prejudge people by the way they look and act.
Thank you very much! We are often aware that we should be respectful and use the correct language but not always sure how to do it and how to guide our kids.
I always enjoy watching my students struggle with the ideas you present to them. They spend the entire time thinking. I thank you for consistently doing a great job.
I really got your message… I have a disability which is ADHD. I stand up for people with disabilities like autism.
Can’t wait to have you back next year! Wonderful support for my bullying prevention curriculum.
The instructor was fabulous! She was very engaging! Knew what 3rd graders needed to listen, focus, and be part of a discussion. The lessons were so important and coupled with the book, Looking After Louis, our class had a wonderful discussion about tolerance & what kids need for their learning.
I used to think that I was way different from those with disabilities, but now I know we’re all different in our own special way.

97a Exchange Street, Suite 205 Portland, ME 04101

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