2025 Keynote Speaker: Dr. Temple Grandin
Temple Grandin, PhD
Temple Grandin, an internationally acclaimed animal science expert and advocate for autistic populations, was diagnosed with autism in 1949 at age 2 and did not speak until the age of 4, after receiving extensive speech therapy. Social interactions remained difficult throughout her years of formal education, during which she endured ridicule and ostracism. Grandin holds a doctoral degree in animal science and has authored numerous books and articles about animal welfare and the impact of autism on her life and others. She first spoke publicly about autism in the 1980s, at the request of one of the founders of the Autism Society of America. In 2010, HBO released an Emmy Award winning film on Grandin’s life, Temple Grandin.
2025 Opening Address: Reece Blankenship
Reece Blankenship
Reece is the inspiration, designer, and driving force behind
ReClif. As a non-speaking person with autism, Reece endured almost 20 years
unable to communicate his thoughts and desires. In November 2014, Reece and his
family were part of the first-ever communication workshop given by Elizabeth
Vosseller in Atlanta, where he was able to demonstrate his intellect and
ability via the letterboards. Very early in Reece’s journey toward open
communication, Reece expressed a desire to help others like himself. It was a
somewhat arduous process, but with the help of family, friends, and therapists,
bit by bit, Reece was able to compose and outline his vision for a
fitness-based therapy center, and ReClif was born. Reece continues to be the
driving force and “idea architect” of all aspects of ReClif and is excited to
promote a community of positivity, intelligence, and understanding.
