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The ²¤ÂÜÊÓƵapp University Council for Exceptional Children will host a panel discussion on autism appreciation while honoring the former director of the Autism Initiative at ²¤ÂÜÊÓƵapp (AIM), Brad McGarry, on Thursday, April 13, at 7:30 p.m. in Mercy Heritage Room. The event will also be livestreamed.

McGarry led AIM for eight years until he was forced to step down in 2022 after a diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. As a leader in the neurodiverse community, McGarry has been an advisor and mentor to his students as well as to other educational institutions seeking to launch their own autism programs. He also has testified before the U.S. Congress on how to incorporate autism supports into college.

The panel discussion will feature three graduate students and three current AIM students. They will discuss ways in which they have been supported by the AIM program and answer questions regarding academics, independence, and social and emotional development in the neurodiverse community.

AIM is designed to support the needs of students on the autism spectrum in the AISE-V domains (Academic, Independence, Social, Emotional, Vocational). Students benefit from one-on-one advising, PEERS and CAREERS courses, vocational trips, community building, and individualized supports.

The Council for Exceptional Children is an organization dedicated to serving the needs of children with exceptionalities in the classroom as well as supporting these individuals in their academic and life endeavors.

Registration is required for both event variations: ; .

For more information, contact Brady Esham, besham89@lakers.mercyhurst.edu, 443-880-6450.