THE CENTER FOR DISCOVERY EXPANDS GLOBAL COLLABORATION DURING LEADERSHIP VISIT TO ITALY

Leadership from The Center for Discovery recently traveled to Italy to strengthen international collaboration around disability services, research, and innovation. The delegation included President & CEO Dr. Terry Hamlin, Alyce Sherwood, M.A., SLP, Executive Chief of Residential Programs, Johanna Lantz, Ph.D., Chief of Psychology and Research, Jennifer Franck, M.S., R.D., CDN, Chief of DNA – Nutrition, Health, and Research, and Cesare Casella, Chief of DNA – Food and Farming.

The visit, organized by Alessandra Locatelli, Italian Minister for Disabilities, brought together policymakers, researchers, and service providers focused on improving care and quality of life for individuals with autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities.

During their time in Italy, TCFD leadership met with national policymakers, toured several organizations and entities supporting individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities, and participated in the Italian Minister for Disabilities Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders Conference in Turin.

At the conference, Dr. Hamlin presented alongside Minister Locatelli and Dr. Serafino Corti, addressing the rising prevalence and increasing complexity of autism in the United States and the growing need for stronger global partnerships. She shared how The Center for Discovery’s SynergE6 Healthspan Model integrates medical care, nutrition, environment, education, and behavioral health to improve outcomes and quality of life.

A key milestone of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between The Center for Discovery and the Italian Ministry for Disabilities. The agreement formalizes collaboration between the two entities to exchange best practices and strengthen international efforts supporting individuals with disabilities and their families.

Minister Locatelli highlighted the importance of the partnership in a public statement following the visit, noting that engaging with The Center for Discovery strengthens international networks dedicated to protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities and promoting autonomy and independent living.

In addition to policy discussions, the delegation experienced several inspiring examples of inclusion in action. In Milan, the group shared dinner at Pit’sa, a restaurant operated by individuals with disabilities that highlights the power of inclusive employment. They also visited Pompeii’s Parvula Domus Social and Cultural Farm, where nature, archaeology, and social agriculture come together to promote well-being and cultural inclusion. There, young people with autism serve as guides, sharing the beauty and history of the archaeological park with visitors. The project celebrates the uniqueness of every individual and creates meaningful opportunities for learning and connection.

This visit builds on two delegations from Italy that traveled to The Center for Discovery in 2025 and marks the next step in an ongoing collaboration aimed at advancing research, clinical care, and inclusion for individuals with disabilities in both countries.

As The Center continues to share its SynergE6 model of care on the global stage, it remains committed to learning alongside international partners who are shaping the future of disability services.