I am the child who cannot talk. You often pity me; I see it in your eyes. You wonder how much I am aware of. I see that as well. I am aware of much…whether you are happy or sad or fearful, patient or impatient, full of love and desire, or if your are just doing your duty by me. I marvel at your frustration, knowing mine to be far greater, for I cannot express my needs or myself as you do.

You cannot conceive my isolation; so complete it is at times. I do not gift you with clever conversation, cute remarks to be laughed over and repeated. I do not give you answers to your everyday questions, responses over my well being, sharing my needs, or comments about the world about me. I do not give you rewards as defined by the world’s standards…great strides in development that you can credit yourself: I do not give you understanding as you know it.

What I give you is much more valuable…I give you instead opportunities. Opportunities to discover the depth of your character, not mine: the depth of your love, your commitment, your patience, your abilities, the opportunity to explore your spirit more deeply than you imagined possible. I drive you further than you would ever go on your own, working harder, seeking answers to your many questions with no answers. I am the child who cannot talk.

I am the child who cannot walk. The world seems to pass me by. You see the longing in my eyes to get out of this chair, to run and play like other children. There is much you take for granted. I want the toys on the shelf, I need to go to the bathroom, and oh I’ve dropped my fork again. I am dependant on you in these ways. My gift to you is to make you more aware of your great fortune, your healthy back and legs, your ability to do for yourself. Sometimes people appear not to notice me: I always notice them. I feel not so much envy as desire, desire to stand upright, to put one foot in front of the other, to be independent. I give you awareness. I am the child who cannot walk

I am the child who is mentally impaired. I don’t learn easily, if you judge me by the world’s measuring stick, what I do know is infinite joy in simple things. I am not burdened as you are with strives and conflicts of a more complicated life. My gift to you is to grant you the freedom to enjoy things as a child, to teach you how much your arms around me mean, to give you love. I give you the gift of simplicity. I am the child who is mentally impaired.

I am the disabled child. I am your teacher. If you allow me, I will teach you what is really important in life. I will give you and teach you unconditional love. I gift you with my innocent trust, my dependency upon you. I teach you about how precious this life is and about not taking things for granted. I teach you about forgetting your own needs and desires and dreams. I teach you about giving. Most of all I teach you about hope and faith. I am the disabled child.

SEPTA 2002 Scholarship:

The Special Education PTA of South River is once again offering a $250.00 scholarship to a special education student of South river who will be continuing their education upon graduation. Interested students can receive an application from their special education teacher or contact Dr. Marciante, Director of Special Education, South River Public Schools at (743) 613-4073. *Applications must be recieved by April 26, 2002

Winner will be notified after May 6, 2002

Good luck to all applicants!

The Office of Recreation N.J. Department of Community Affairs Telephone: (609) 292-6243 "Guide to ACA-Accredited Camps"	Information Line of Middlesex County Telephone: 1-888-908-4636
Middlesex County NJ Assoc. of County Offices for the Disabled, Inc Telephone: (732) 745-4013	State Office on Disability Services (for local recreation resources) Telephone: 1-888-285-3036
Or visit these websites: www.kidscamps.com www.summercamps.com