Greenwood Genetic Center Co-Founder Honored by SC Intellectual Disability Group

Greenwood Genetic Center Co-Founder, Dr. Roger Stevenson, Honored by SC Intellectual Disability Group

GREENWOOD, SC – November 7, 2011 – Dr. Roger Stevenson, Co-founder and former Director of the Greenwood Genetic Center (GGC), was named as recipient of the 2011 Professional Service Award by the South Carolina Chapter of the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) at their annual fall conference in Columbia. AAIDD is a national organization of professionals committed to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The Professional Service Award is given annually to honor excellence in research, education, program management or advocacy on behalf of individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.  Individuals who have enhanced the understanding of intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, provided innovate ways to offer support, or effectively advanced advocacy efforts at the state or local level may be nominated.

Stevenson has made enormous contributions to patients and families with genetic disorders and to the field of genetic medicine. He has focused largely on unraveling the causes of birth defects and developmental impairments. He has published more than 180 papers describing more than 20 intellectual disability syndromes, written two editions of the textbook The Fetus and Newly Born Infant: Influences of the Prenatal Environment and co-authored the definitive text on X-linked intellectual disability. In 1974, Stevenson co-founded the Greenwood Genetic Center and helped build it into an internationally respected nonprofit organization that advances medical genetics research and cares for families affected by genetic disease and birth defects.

“Certainly Dr. Stevenson’s work in establishing the Greenwood Genetic Center, his research efforts, and subsequent increase in our understanding of causes of intellectual and developmental disabilities is worthy of recognition,” said Renee Staggs, Chairperson of the SC AAIDD’s Executive Committee.

“Dr. Stevenson’s achievements have been substantial in all aspects related to disabilities and special needs in South Carolina,” explained Dr. Steve Skinner, Director of GGC. “For over 35 years GGC has provided clinical and diagnostic services to tens of thousands of clients throughout the state. All of this would not have been possible without the Dr. Stevenson’s vision and energy and the compassion he has for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”

About Greenwood Genetic Center
The Greenwood Genetic Center (GGC), founded in 1974, is a nonprofit organization advancing the field of medical genetics and caring for families impacted by genetic disease and birth defects.  At its home campus in Greenwood, South Carolina, a talented team of physicians and scientists provides clinical genetic services, diagnostic laboratory testing, educational programs and resources, and research in the field of medical genetics.  GGC’s faculty and staff are committed to the goal of developing preventive and curative therapies for the individuals and families they serve.  GGC extends its reach as a resource to all residents of South Carolina with satellite offices in Charleston, Columbia, Florence and Greenville. For more information about GGC please visit www.ggc.org.

About SC Chapter of AAIDD
The South Carolina Chapter of the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities is a professional organization dedicated to the development of best practices and the facilitation of cooperation among persons engaged in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities and allied fields.  We strive to offer quality opportunities for training and development of skills as well as recognition of those providing quality supports/services.