As children, we are constantly reminded to not judge a book by its cover because more often than not the exterior misrepresents that which lies within.  Continuing with my previous subject of severe special needs, I cannot help but wonder whether or not we, as people, remember this token phrase when it comes to interacting with those individuals affected by the most profound disabilities.  Are we quick to judge their capabilities and mark their highest levels of achievement at merely base level?  Or do we look beyond the exterior into a world of possibilities?  

The clip below introduces us to Carly, a girl with severe autism whose story epitomizes this childhood slogan that we often forget.  She is a reminder that labels, while important for medical and legal issues, have little important on a personal level.  No matter where an individual’s mental capacity falls on a diagnostic scale, how able he is to communicate with others, or how physically limited he appears to be, a person can always be discovered.  Each child is able in some way able and has great potential to achieve, and the importance of fanning the spark of magic that lies within each child cannot be overstated.  Therefore, it is important to embrace our students for whom they are and empower them in every way we can.  We must dare to have expectations and hold our children reasonably accountable in order to provide them with a world of possibilities.         

As Carly's story depicts, the work is intensive and laborious.  Success does not just miraculously present itself; it must be developed.  In the classroom, I reserve dresses for those rare days when I am confident that everything will run smoothly, and even then I tend to resort to jeans and sneakers just in case.  But, despite the demand I have learned that if you develop perseverance and bravery, your lessons will prove meaningful to your students.  This is the greatest, most inspiring reward of all.  As special educators, we cannot promise miracles.  However, we can work wonders.