tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18390633.post1061066683268547284..comments2010-11-02T07:43:28.587+11:00Ombi and Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00808191811870500363noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18390633.post-15488097062111350582010-11-02T07:43:28.587+11:002010-11-02T07:43:28.587+11:00Hi Ombi,<br />Loved your entry. You know I&#39;ve been working with people with special needs for over 30 years now both as a Physical Therapy Assistant and for the past 17 years as a Special Education Teacher. I&#39;ve worked in quasi-institutional settings, segregated schools and currently I&#39;m teach students with multiple disabilities in a neighborhood typical elementary school.My students certainly stand out as being different and they are in many ways but they are also the same. They are children. They have the same wants and needs as their peers. They want to learn, make fiends and have fun. Being their teacher has been my profound privilege. I can honestly say that over the years I have learned more from them about what is really important in life. I know that every child can learn they just may do it differently at at their own pace. I work very hard to provide opportunities for my class to interact and share experiences with their typical peers. I believe that seeing my students in this regular setting has increased their awareness of people who may look, sound or learn differently and what they can do rather than what they can&#39;t. <br />I&#39;m not surprised at all that you feel the same about this subject as I do. Continue being radical and being such a wonderful human being.<br />love to Alex.<br />your friend<br />JoanneJoanne Savastanonoreply@blogger.com