Training, Education & Research Institute and Grammy Award-Winning Musician Team Up to Give a Voice to Those Who Cannot be Heard

San Diego, CA, February 18, 2011 --(PR.com)-- The Training, Education & Research Institute (TERI, Inc.), a San Diego-based private, non-profit center of excellence and social change for persons with autism and other developmental disabilities and their families, is pleased to welcome three-time Grammy award-winning songstress, television sitcom star and Broadway performer, Michelle Williams, as its national spokeswoman. Michelle will be using her voice to spread and advocate TERI’s mission that every individual with autism and other developmental disabilities has the right to lead a valued, meaningful and fulfilling life of uncompromised quality.

“Supporting those with autism and other developmental disabilities is a cause that is extremely personal to me,” said Michelle Williams. “My godson has autism and I have seen first-hand how TERI’s model programs and initiatives create the highest quality of life for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities and their families. I’ve used my voice in various projects to reach people; however, I feel truly blessed to be able to lend it to an internationally recognized organization that values supporting individuals with developmental disabilities across their lifespan. TERI is truly changing the way the world views this population and I am so honored to be a voice for TERI.”

Michelle’s partnership with TERI coincides with the building of the Charles R. Cono Campus for Life Quality, a central home for TERI’s model programs and initiatives, which is slated to open in San Marcos, California, in 2014.

TERI Founder and CEO Cheryl Kilmer added, “We are honored to have Michelle join our TERI family. TERI has always set the standard in creating, designing and providing the highest quality of programs, initiatives and care. Michelle is a shining example of what TERI stands for: talent, class, grace and perseverance. We are thrilled she is here to lend her voice to speak about TERI’s initiatives and assist us in ushering in the completion of the Charles R. Cono Campus for Life Quality, which will help us in continuing our mission of creating the highest quality of life for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities.”

To learn more about TERI, its model programs and initiatives, the Charles R. Cono Campus for Life Quality, or to give a gift, please visit www.teriinc.org. For more information about Michelle Williams, please visit www.IAmMichelle.com.

About Training, Education & Research Institute (TERI, Inc.):
Founded in 1980, TERI, Inc. is a private, non-profit 501 (c)(3) California corporation. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for children and adults with developmental disabilities and learning disabilities, specializing in serving individuals who have needs which cannot be met by other existing programs. TERI looks to the future by continuing its commitment to set new standards through establishing model programs, conducting applied research in best practices and procedures and offering training and consultation to professionals, families, and community members. Recognized as a model program in the State of California for the quality of services it provides to its clients, TERI relies on donations from the community and foundations in order to continue to set the highest standards and ensure an uncompromised quality of life to its population. For more information, visit www.teriinc.org.

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