Dr. Temple Grandin to speak at SCC on Tuesday, February 9
The Southern Minnesota Autism Coalition and the South Central College Foundation-North Mankato have teamed up to present Dr. Temple Grandin as speaker on Tuesday, February 9, beginning 6:30 p.m., in the John A. Votca Conference Center on the campus of South Central College (SCC) in North Mankato. SCC is located at 1920 Lee Boulevard. (Free Conference Center parking is located near door #15 in the Blue Lot.)
When it comes to the autism community, no name is bigger than Dr. Temple Grandin. She is a professor at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado; an author; activist; holder of a Ph. D in animal science providing consultation on the humane treatment of animals – and is autistic. In her career she has written multiple best selling books, invented the renowned “hug box” for people with autism and is a consultant to the livestock industry. She was the subject of an Emmy-Award-winning biographical film released by HBO, entitled Temple Grandin. She continues to be an autism rights activist and livestock behavior consultant.
She was born in Boston, Massachusetts. At the age of two, Dr. Grandin had no speech and all the signs of severe autism. her mother defied the advice of doctors and kept her out of an institution. Many hours of speech therapy and intensive teaching enabled Dr. Grandin to learn speech. As a teenager, life was hard – with constant teasing. Mentoring by her high school science teacher, along with her aunt on her ranch in Arizona, motivated Dr. Grandin to study and pursue a career as a scientist and livestock equipment designer.
Dr. Grandin is considered the most accomplished and well-known adult with autism in the world, and is a leading advocate for autistic communities. She is one of “TIME” magazine’s Top 100 Most Influential People in the World in the “Heroes” category.
The public is invited to attend the event and can register online at: www.southcentral.edu/autism. The cost is $20/person before Monday, February 1, and $30 after this date or at the door. Seating is limited. Open seating begins at 5:30 p.m., with an interactive presentation by Dr. Grandin beginning at 6:30 p.m. A book signing and photograph opportunity will follow. A number of autism-related vendors/organizations will also be on-site to offer information. (Flash photography will be prohibited. No dinner or food will be served. No childcare is available, and the event is not advised for children under the age of 10.)
Proceeds will benefit South Central College Foundation Scholarships and the Southern Minnesota Autism Coalition.
Questions may be directed to: 507-389-7203.
