Author and advocate, Eustacia Cutler is perhaps best known as the mother of Dr. Temple Grandin, one of the most successful and well-known people in the world with Autism.  Dr. Grandin was the keynote speaker at the 2011 Summit, and we are delighted to welcome Ms. Cutler in 2012.  In her book, A Thorn in My Pocket, she describes the challenges of raising her daughter, Temple, in the conservative world of the 1950′s.  Like every parent, Eustacia wanted the best for her child and was willing to fight for Temple’s future.  Her message of hope and encouragement will inspire you.

Patrick Henry Hughes was born without eyes or the ability to fully straighten his arms and legs, making him unable to walk.  In spite of these physical challenges, he is a virtuoso pianist, who also sings and plays the trumpet.  With the help of his Dad, Patrick John Hughes, who tirelessly maneuvered his son’s wheelchair through complicated field formations, Patrick was a member of the Cardinal Marching Band at the University of Louisville.  He graduated magna cum laude in December 2010 with a major in Spanish, a language he speaks fluently. Patrick has been featured on television shows like ESPN, Oprah, Today Show, and The Grand Ole Opry.