Building Better Together: Lessons in Partnership from the Autism Community

UFM Community Learning Center invites the K-State and Manhattan communities to the 2026 Lou Douglas Lecture featuring Dr. Kerry Magro, Ed.D., an award-winning autistic professional speaker, best-selling author, and nationally recognized advocate.

Drawing from his lived experience and professional expertise, Dr. Magro will explore how strong partnerships among schools, families, universities, employers and community organizations can improve outcomes for neurodiverse individuals across the lifespan. He will share practical examples from education, workplace settings and media while emphasizing the importance of autistic voices and coordinated systems of support.

Monday, Sept. 14, 2026

3 p.m. — Meet & Greet + Refreshments
Fiedler Hall Atrium
Connect with K-State and community partners and keynote speaker Dr. Kerry Magro.

4 p.m. — Facilitating Learning Across a Spectrum of Learners
Fiedler Learning Commons, 1093 Fiedler Hall
Dr. Shannon Locke of the University of Missouri will lead an interactive session exploring neurodiversity, evidence-based teaching and learning practices, and ways to support different ways of thinking and learning.

5 p.m. — K-State Student Panel
In collaboration with Dr. Shannon Locke and the Student Access Center, hear directly from K-State students and continue the conversation about neurodiversity, learning, belonging and supportive communities.

7 p.m. — Lou Douglas Lecture: Building Better Together: Lessons in Partnership from the Autism Community
Forum Hall, K-State Student Union
Featuring keynote speaker Dr. Kerry Magro, Ed.D.

Dr. Magro has spoken at more than 1,400 events worldwide, including TEDx and Talks at Google. He has served as an autism consultant for Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum U.S. and HBO’s Mrs. Fletcher and as a writer for PBS Kids’ Carl the Collector. He is also CEO and President of KFM Making A Difference.

All events are free and open to the K-State and greater Manhattan community.

Registration for the 7 p.m. Lou Douglas Lecture is free and encouraged: forms.gle/2rRMPHXK9SmBa8VL8