disabilities

As a child, Christine was close to her cousin Daniel, who has a developmental disability. She later mentors young adults with disabilities. (full text)

The Art of Shotokan

Despite his physical disability, Otis sticks with and excels in Shotokan, a karate-like martial art.
(full text)

Will the Tortoise Win the Race?

A learning disability and the difficulties of living in foster care have caused Eric to fall far behind in high school. (full text)

Facing Reality

Confined to a wheelchair by a genetic disease, Tania faces many challenges but emerges stronger in spirit. (full text)

Struggling With a Learning Disability

As she gets older, Sarah finds ways to deal with her learning disability, but it never entirely goes away. (full text)

My Sister’s Keeper

The writer finds a way to help her twin sister, who is mentally retarded, feel confident and empowered.

Tongue-Tied

Donald is self-conscious about being tongue-tied. But when he has an operation to correct the condition, his life isn’t drastically changed.

Why People Stutter

Gamal interviews an expert on stuttering to find out what causes it and whether it can be cured.

Getting the Words Out

Gamal, 20, has stuttered since he was 5. He learns some techniques for overcoming his stutter, but has a hard time sticking to them.

No Such Thing As Normal

Fabio has a learning disability that makes it hard for him to understand language and express himself.

I Can Do It Myself

Confined to a wheelchair, Tania has to fight harder than most teens for her independence.

Thanks, I'll Do It Myself

In elementary school, Emily is teased, her creativity is stifled, and she is diagnosed with a learning disability. She drops out in junior high to pursue home schooling, and learns more in weeks than in years of traditional school.

Tongue Tied

Joanna overcomes a stutter through speech therapy and her courageous decision to join the high school debate team.

Listen, and I'll Learn

In special education, Zizi gets the attention she needs.

Deaf but Not Dumb

At 14, Oni decides she no longer wants to be isolated from the hearing world and transfers to a public high school.

From Sore Loser to MVP

A wheelchair won’t stop Michelle from playing basketball—or beating the boys.

A Classmate in a Wheelchair

A classmate in a wheelchair helps Esther confront her prejudices about the disabled.

I See the World Through Different Eyes

Donna learns a lot from her experience working at a summer camp for the blind.

Moving Into the Mainstream

Slade makes the transition from a school for the blind to a regular public high school.

What's It Like Being Blind?

Slade answers common questions sighted people ask him, such as how he knows where he’s going and whether blind people have fun.

My Uncle's Chair

Tonya recalls how much her uncle added to her life, even though he couldn’t walk or talk due to cerebral palsy.

Below the Poverty Line

Coming up on a year in the shelter system, Otis is looking hard for a job and trying to get Social Security payments for his disability. (full text)

Special Education

For too many students, special ed becomes a trap. A lawyer describes how to make it work for you.

Keeping My Distance

Hattie has learned the hard way that she’s not responsible for something she never could control—her mother’s mental illness and substance abuse.

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