Exceptional People: Lessons Learned from Special Education Survivors
Dr. Andreasen has done a masterful job of telling the stories of several students who had varied experiences in school and special education programs. Their honesty about what did or did not work for them provides insight into how children who have disabilities are treated by their peers, teachers, doctors, and other professionals and how these people can profoundly impact their lives—for good or bad. Dr. Andreasen makes concrete suggestions for working effectively with students who have disabilities, as well as suggestions for the students themselves. Her goal is to ensure that the students are not lost in the bureaucracy of special education and that the humanity and dignity of these children are respected by those of us privileged to know and work with them.Exceptional Peopleshould be required reading for professionals, parents, and students; for only by becoming aware of injustice can it be avoided in the future.(Sheila Breen, former director of the American International School in Vienna, Austria; former superintendent of Grand Canyon Unified School District; former director of special education and gifted programs for the Phoenix Union High School District; and former speech-language pathologist)Exceptional Peopleis a true-to-life saga which clearly depicts the trials and tribulations students with exceptionalities face on an ongoing bases. Dr. Andreasen captures the sorrows, challenges, and successes that many students with exceptionalities, and their parents, experience throughout their school careers.(Tom Gambino Ed.D, associate professor, Northcentral University)