As the gym echoed with 200+ fourth graders collecting their thoughts to begin the question/answer time following a blindness/guide dog presentation I had just concluded, I heard the principal call upon the first questioner. A computerized voice rang out to my right, not asking a question but thanking me for coming and complimenting me for the message I had shared. My heart jumped into my throat as I realized that the child communicating the question through a talking computer was nonverbal and likely had severe disabilities. I had not known that this child was in my audience, but his compliment moved me deeply as it apparently did the larger audience too, given the stillness that settled in...
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