Einstein-Trained Cardozo Law Student Earns AUCD Fellowship in DC

During her second year, Kristina Majewski, an alumna of Cardozo Law School (Class of 2011), served as the first LEND Law Fellow of the Rose F. Kennedy University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (RFK UCEDD), at Einstein’s Children’s Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center, where she focused her research on the transition from special education to adulthood and on the state of available housing options and deinstitutionalization efforts. While at Cardozo, Ms. Majewski focused her studies on education and disability rights law. She then earned a prestigious Fellowship in Disability Policy Leadership from the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD), in Washington, DC, where she currently is furthering her knowledge with regard to the needs of this often underserved population.

The AUCD established the Fellowship in Disability Policy Leadership in 2001, to expand the knowledge and expertise of AUCD network faculty, staff and/or senior trainees through first-hand experience within the complex interrelationships that exist among national governing and regulatory agencies, institutions of higher learning and advocacy organizations. Toward this goal, the Fellowship provides significant experiences in national level activities related to policy and legislative development, advocacy, program development, technical assistance, and AUCD administration. Fellows gain experience in developing national policy and legislation related to individuals with dis abilities, their families and those who work on their behalf; gain knowledge of the AUCD membership, its work and issues; and are able to develop important relationships with other federal level organizations including federal agencies, associations, advocacy groups, and other public and private entities related to the disabilities field.

Through her Fellowship, Ms. Majewski has been an active member of various advocacy groups and volunteer agencies that specialize in developing community activities, administering legal aid, and providing various resources for individuals with disabilities. As the sibling of two teen-agers with special needs, she is an expert on the day-to-day challenges that they experience. In addition to her Fellowship, she is currently a member of NPAN, her town's parent advocacy network, and also serves on the Consumer Advisory Committee at the RFK UCEDD.