2.13.2006

Greetings, Today we had yet another informative and successful meeting. (Seriously, if you’re not coming to meetings, you’re missing out!) First, two announcements: Lee will be taking photos for the website (which has been recently updated) at next week’s meeting and putting a quotation with our smiling faces. So don’t say we didn’t warn you ;-). (Don’t not come just because you’re camera shy. No one will be forced to have his/ her picture taken……remember…….we will accommodate any member.)

Secondly, Temple Grandin, a Rhodes Professor who has autism will be speaking at 7pm at Statler Auditorium this Wednesday. Tickets are required but free and available through the Willard Straight Ticket office. Dr. Grandin has done some amazing work with animals for which she credits her unique perspective.

MINUTES FROM TODAY’S MEETING:

Josephine did a stellar job of presenting on autism today. Many members had interesting insights and I have a feeling there will be significant follow up during next week’s casual discussion. Kudos to Josephine for formulating her topic in a way that encouraged participation and discussion. She brought an interesting story about a boy from her community and discussed the controversy surrounding facilitated communication. We then started talking about groups of people who are autistic who do not believe that autism ought to be cured which led to a broader discussion of rifts among specific populations as to how a “disability” ought to be addressed. This discussion focused on deaf culture and stuttering.

Good luck to everyone who has prelims.

COME TO NEXT WEEKS MEETING AT 4:30 ON MONDAY IN GS 158. The quality of discussion this year has been astounding, and we are eager to meet new people. Even if you don’t actively participate your presence will enhance our meetings.

Best Wishes,

Sharon Mack