Adult with disabilities fulfills dream by landing job at CSU Temple Grandin Equine Center in Denver

Contact for media:
Tiana Nelson
CSU System
christiana.nelson@colostate.edu
(970) 420-3316

WHO: Laradon, a nonprofit located in the Globeville neighborhood in north Denver, provides education, training, employment opportunities, and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

WHAT: Laradon’s employment programs have teamed up with the CSU Temple Grandin Equine Center to support an adult with disabilities reach his goal of working with horses. Come have an opportunity to speak with Michael McGrady about his employment at the CSU Temple Grandin Center in Denver and what it means to him.

WHEN: Monday, April 22, 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

WHERE: CSU Temple Grandin Equine Center, 4980 Brighton Blvd, Denver, CO 80216

WHY: Michael McGrady’s anxiety disorder and uncomfortable spinal condition, called cervical dystonia, which causes his neck muscles to contract and contort his head, have always made it difficult for him to pursue his lifelong dream of working with horses.

This month, however, Michael celebrates his brand-new job at Colorado State University’s Temple Grandin Equine Center in Denver, where he works once a week in a location with therapy horses.

The Temple Grandin Equine Center celebrates and elevates the role of the horse in society through the physical and emotional benefits of serving those in need. At the Temple Grandin Equine Center, Michael’s responsibilities include housekeeping duties.

The employment opportunity resulted from early-stage partnership conversations between Laradon and the CSU System. The CSU System will develop three buildings to comprise the future CSU Campus at the National Western Center, and Laradon has served the neighborhood that will house the future National Western Center for more than 70 years.

About the CSU Temple Grandin Equine Center at the National Western Center

The Temple Grandin Equine Center is currently being built on the CSU Fort Collins campus, and will establish a second location at the future National Western Center in Denver. CSU faculty members and graduate students at both Temple Grandin Equine Centers will conduct research in equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAAT), which provide physical and cognitive benefits to individuals with a broad range of disabilities.

Programming is underway at a temporary location at the existing National Western Complex, delivering EAAT to local youth and Denver area residents. For more information, contact templegrandinequinecenter@colostate.edu.

About Laradon

Founded in 1948 by the parents of two developmentally disabled sons, Laradon was the very first charitable organization in the Rocky Mountain region to offer support, education, and training to children with developmental disabilities. It is now the largest and most diverse service provider of its kind in Colorado, serving nearly 700 children and adults with developmental disabilities each year. Learn more at www.laradon.org.