Artist and Author to Deliver Keynote Presentation

Jeremy Sicile-Kira, an acclaimed intuitive artist, will be the evening keynote speaker at The University of Scranton’s 18th annual U.S. Conference on disAbility on Thursday, Oct. 10. He will present “Greatly I Dream...The Journey Towards A Colorful Life with Autism” at 4:30 p.m. in the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center.

In his early years, Sicile-Kira was placed in moderate/severe classrooms and an after-school home program. By age 17, he had little speech but learned to type and point to letters. Following assessments, his local high school placed him in general education classes, and he graduated at age 21 with a full academic diploma. Advocacy is important to Sicile-Kira, who co-authored a book, “A Full Life with Autism,” to help others transitioning to adult life.

In 2012, Sicile-Kira began to tell others about his dreams that he was painting the emotions of people into colorful abstract portraits. With encouragement by his mother to make these dreams come true, he began to paint. In 2016 his first curated solo show, which was covered by local and national media, sold out and led to many private commissions.

Sicile-Kira continues to participate in art shows and paint for commissions. To inspire others, Jeremy gives “ability awareness” talks at local elementary and high schools and does live painting demonstrations. He will share his story through a presentation including artistic expression at the conference, which is free and open to the public, with no reservation required.

The 18th Annual U.S. Conference on disAbility is presented by the University’s Panuska College of Professional Studies and the Edward R. Leahy Jr. Endowment, in collaboration with the AllOne Foundation and Autism Collaborative Centers of Excellence. The annual conference brings together national, state and regional experts to discuss a multifaceted approach to improving employment, independent living and transition for all people with disabilities. This year’s conference participants include U.S. Senator Bob Casey Jr., who will participate in a Meet-and-Greet reception at 6 p.m. in the Moskovitz Theater of the DeNaples Center.

Edward R. and Patricia Leahy serve as honorary conference co-chairs.

Additional information is available online or by contacting the conference co-chairs Rebecca Spirito Dalgin, Ph.D., director of the Rehabilitation Counseling Program, at rebecca.dalgin@scranton.edu; or Lori Bruch, Ed.D., chair of the Counseling and Human Services Department, at lori.bruch@scranton.edu.