My Story​

Mary Grigar has been an active and dynamic spokesperson for children and adults challenged by learning and other disabilities. She has presented scores of unique and entertaining programs for a variety of parent and professional groups, offering her insights into the experience of living with a disability, and focusing on the importance of emphasizing abilities and “unique learning styles” rather than disabilities.
In addition to addressing parent and teacher groups at elementary and secondary schools in and around Chicago, she has spoken at conferences sponsored by a wide range of public and private organizations nationwide that serve the needs of people with disabilities, including:
– Illinois Department. of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities
– Minnesota Assoc. for Children and Adults With Learning Disabilities
– Illinois State Board of Education
– Iowa Association for Children and Adults With Learning Disabilities
– Parents and Teachers of Children with Handicaps (PATCH)
– Ohio Association for Citizens with Learning Disabilities
– President’s Committee on Employment of the Handicapped

In 1978 she organized the Illinois Exhibit of Art by artists with learning disabilities.
In 1981 her story was featured in Family Circle magazine.
In 1982 she was featured in Reader’s Digest
In 2000 hers was one of six case studies used in the book “Hanging by a Twig”, a guide for counseling adults with Learning Disabilities, by Carol Wren, Ph.D.
In 2001 she was interviewed by Oprah Winfrey as part of the “Education Matters” series in Chicago

Mary also contributed to the planning and execution of the Museum of Science and Industry’s award-winning exhibit, “Learning and Learning Disabilities: Explorations of the Human Brain.”