uniting hope with opportunity

MacDonald Training Center (MTC), Tampa’s premier provider of services to people with disabilities, is celebrating 70 years of uniting hope with opportunity.

The powerful History & legacy of mtc

MacDonald Training Center (MTC) has been a beacon of hope since 1953 when J. Clifford MacDonald and a small group of parents opened one of the first preschools in our nation for children with disabilities in Drew Park. Seeking a more equitable and inclusive life for their children, these courageous families boldly rejected the status quo. MTC has moved their vision forward for seventy years, always creating new pathways to opportunities for people with disabilities. Today, thousands of individuals with all disabilities are living and working in our community because of innovative life enrichments, vocational skills training, specialized post-secondary educational programs, community-based residential supports, and employment placement services they received through MTC.

TAMPA MAYOR CASTOR Honors MTC’s 70th Anniversary on February 16th Media Release
MTC 70 - January 31, 2023 Celebration

Pictured from left to right: MTC Board Member, Dr. Michael M. Robinson, Tampa City Councilman, Luis Viera, MTC President/CEO, Karenne Levy, MTC Board Members, Mr. Phillip A. Baumann, Ms. Cathy Baez, Mr. Eric Kreiger, and Mr. Dustin Henderson

MTC 70 January 31, 2023 Celebration

Pictured left to right: Mr. Peter Haladay, MTC Board Member/Self-Advocate, and Mr. Vincent Camacho, Former MTC Board Member/Self-Advocate

Media RELEASE

events

Join us for a year of 70th Anniversary Monthly Celebrations! Make sure to check back for updates.

  • JANUARY 2023: Tampa City Council Commendation, January 31, 2023, at 10 AM

  • JANUARY 2023: Conversations with Karenne Levy

  • FEBRUARY 2023: Tampa City Mayor Castor Proclamation – February 16, 2023, at 1:30 PM

  • MARCH 2023: Gasparilla Festival of the Arts, March 4-5, 2023

  • MARCH 2023: Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

  • APRIL 2023: Earth Day Recycling Drive, April 1-30, 2023

  • APRIL 2023: Autism Awareness Month

  • MAY 2023: Honorary Street Naming / Westshore Public Legacy Art Wall Mural – Details TBD

  • JUNE 2023: eMerge Career Collaborative, Post Secondary Program Summer Graduation – Details TBD

  • JULY 2023: Recognition of ADA Anniversary Celebration – Details TBD

  • AUGUST 2023: MTC 70 Testimonials – Details TBD

  • SEPTEMBER 2023: Project SEARCH Graduation – Date TBD

  • OCTOBER 2023: MTC Farm to Table Fundraising Dinner, October 12, 2021

  • OCTOBER 2023: Disability Employment Awareness – Details TBD

  • NOVEMBER 2023: Legacy Thanksgiving Lunch – Details TBD

  • DECEMBER 2023: Celebrating MTC 70 Overview