The world of developmental disabilities is vast and complicated, spanning a wide spectrum of chronic and life threatening conditions. Located in Baltimore, Maryland, the Kennedy Krieger Institute is the only facility in the US devoted to the study and care of children with development disorders, ranging from rare conditions such as childhood paralysis and pediatric stroke to more common disorders such as autism and attention deficit disorder (ADD). Spectrum partnered with KKI in May 2005 to elevate national awareness through a regional and national media campaign, as well as to increase individual, corporate and foundation support.

Spectrum has elevated Kennedy Krieger’s national profile by securing powerful patient stories as a way of illustrating the Institute’s advancements. Through ongoing relationships with health and medicine reporters, Spectrum seizes all opportunities to position the Institute as the leader in developmental disability research and treatment.

A recent example of Spectrum’s success promoting the groundbreaking work of the Institute is the launch of the Interactive Autism Network (IAN). To familiarize reporters with IAN and generate coverage of its launch, Spectrum developed an exclusive online Webinar featuring KKI’s autism experts. The Webinar and launch outreach led to major coverage by “ABC World News Tonight,” “Good Morning America” and “CBS Evening News,” as well as placements in The Associated Press, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Newsday, and CNN.

Spectrum has also been successful in highlighting the Institute’s work on rare diseases. In November 2007, Spectrum secured placement of new research on Lorenzo’s Oil in more than 250 media outlets, including the Washington Post, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, Reuters, Bloomberg wire service and CBS Morning News.