SUBMITTED NEWS RELEASE
The University of Nevada, Reno and the Autism Coalition of Nevada are honored to host a special evening with Temple Grandin, Ph.D., the renowned doctor of animal science and professor in Colorado State University’s College of Agricultural Sciences. Grandin is known worldwide as an activist and autism self-advocate, and for her work as an animal welfare advocate.
The community is invited to the free lecture and reception with Dr. Grandin on Monday, Nov. 28 from 7-8 p.m., in Nightingale Concert Hall in the Church Fine Arts Building on the University of Nevada, Reno campus. A book signing will be held after the lecture as part of the evening. Parking is available in the Brian J. Whalen Parking Complex just north of the Church Fine Arts Building on N. Virginia St.; a patron drop-off area is available just outside Nightingale Hall on N. Virginia St.
As an adult with Asperger’s Syndrome, Grandin is a best-selling author and has lectured extensively on autism and early intervention. Inducted into the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame in 2010, she also is a noted designer of humane livestock handling equipment in use in nearly half the cattle facilities in North America. In 2010 she was named to the TIME Magazine 100, the annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world, in the “Heroes” category. An acclaimed HBO film about her life won seven Emmy awards and a Golden Globe that same year.
As part of its annual observance of National Disability Awareness Month, the University of Nevada, Reno hosts free diversity events and lectures through November to increase awareness, accessibility and opportunities for people with disabilities within the University community and throughout the region.
National studies have shown that one freshman in 11 entering higher education each year will have a documented disability. The University of Nevada, Reno Disability Resource Center, which opened in 1996 and coordinates the University’s annual Disability Awareness Month events, provides year-round services to more than 880 students with disabilities. An interpreter for the deaf is available at all University events. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations are encouraged to call the Disability Resource Center.
In 1945, U.S. Congress designated the first week of October as National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week, with the aim of helping disabled veterans. The word “physically” was later removed to recognize the needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. In the 1970s, a shift in public policy led to further amendments fueled by the belief that discriminatory acts of exclusion and segregation against people with disabilities should be addressed through the courts. As a result, the U.S. saw passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990 and the designation, by presidential proclamation, of a full month to increase public awareness and acknowledge the capabilities of the 30 million people of working-age in the U.S. who live with disabilities.
For more information about Temple Grandin and her work, visit http://www.templegrandin.com .
For more information about the University of Nevada, Reno Disability Awareness Month events, or the University’s initiatives and services for people with disabilities, call Mary Anne Christensen at the Disability Resource Center, (775) 784-6000, email [email protected], or visit http://www.unr.edu/stsv/slservices/drc .
National Disability Awareness Month events at the University of Nevada, Reno are sponsored and supported by Associated Students of the University of Nevada; Disability Awareness Coalition; Nevada Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities; Joe Crowley Student Union; Nevada Center for Excellence in Disabilities; Nevada Department of Education; The Autism Coalition of Nevada; Nevada Wolf Shop (formerly ASUN Bookstore); University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) and University departments including Disability Resource Center; Disability Resource Coalition; Enrollment Services; Extended Studies; Office of the President; Office of the Provost; and Presidential Diversity Committees.
