Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Inspiring Words for Special Needs Students and Some Uninspiring Actions

Tawana Williams, a woman born without arms, shared a message with special needs students in Richmond County (N.C.) during the first annual Transition Support Fair for students with disabilities, the Richmond County Journal reports. She told the students:
“Stop focusing on what you think you can’t do, or what you think you don’t have ... If I was able to overcome my challenges and trials, then no one in this room has any excuse.”
Jeanette Davis, director of exceptional children for RCS, called the message "inspirational" and empowering.

Less inspiring is this from Tremerton, Utah: Driver, Aide Leave Sleeping Autistic Five-Year-Old on Bus. Apparently, the child woke at the bus yard and walked nearly a mile before he was spotted. Both the driver and aide have been placed on leave.

Those with a print copy of the May issue will see an article ("It's Not Just About Driving..." page 26) about how our brains let us forget things like this and how we might stop it. For those who've read it, any thoughts?