Special Event

Best-selling neurodiversity author to champion inclusion, innovation in community

Neurodiversity expert and author Dr. Maureen Dunne believes communities should think differently about people who think differently. She’ll offer guidance on the issue in a keynote address at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 3 at La Salle-Peru Township High School’s Matthiessen Auditorium. 

Beyond her message to educators, parents, and industry and community leaders is one directed to neurodiverse people themselves. She believes the time for change is now and that the world is ready to embrace their differences as strengths. 

Dr. Dunne’s speech, “Embracing Neurodiversity: Turning Differences into Strengths for Our Collective Future,” is hosted by Illinois Valley Community College and sponsored by the College’s One Book One College community reading program and the Donald E. Fike Family Foundation. 

The event is free and registration is recommended. For educators and healthcare professionals who register and attend, professional development credits and continuing education credits are available. The auditorium is accessible, and additional accommodations can be arranged by calling Taressa Edge at 815-224-0634. 

To reserve a seat through IVCC’s Continuing Education’s online registration system, follow the steps to register online by visiting www.ivcc.edu/enroll or register by phone by calling 815-224-0427. Online, new users can create a profile and returning users will sign in to their account. In the search box, type the class ID: 18274, add the class to your cart and check out.  

Signed copies of Dr. Dunne’s book will be available to the first 25 people who attend Oct. 3. For information on One Book One College and its theme, visit http://www.ivcc.edu/onebook. 

We’re realizing we can be stronger as a community when we make room to appreciate and value all different kinds of minds. --- Dr. Maureen Dunne