How can we get people to relize people with special needs are not to be avoided?
341562
I really believe that people with special needs are treated differently because we as humans do not want to deal with some of the emotional attachments that come with knowing them. If we can overcome this (the same way we do with race) everything will be better.
214444
This would be a real challenge for me since I've never met such a person. I would definitely try to communicate with him/her using body language or signing or maybe writing down what I would like to say. \nIn general dealling with such a person in my opinion shows us how "disabled" we "normal" people are in dealing with others!\n: )
653875
I agree(although I hate the word retard). People with a learning disability, particularly Down's Syndrome, seem to have such a sweet, uninhibited disposition about them. It's like they have never thrown up the same emotional walls as the rest of us. I take a good deal of inspiration from my dealings with them.\nBrave question by the way, nice one!
232622
treat people in a good manner
1173222
Being handicapped is a frame of mind. Anyone can do anything if they want it bad enough. Those who cry "handicapped" are weak and a disgrace to tose with disabilities as a whole. The strong ones don't whine and cry, throw a pity party or expect a free handout.
891811
I think there is a lot of confusion about this issue.  The radicalists shout  "We are people and there is nothing wrong with disability" ....OK fair enough.  I dont have a problem with disability or disabled people.  But why do others need to be born that way if there is a cure?  Its like saying Cancer is a fact of life, we have the drugs to treat it but we wont do it cos cancer sufferers are people too!  It is not logical.  Disbled people should be a real part of the community, REAL inclusion, not just lip service and to be able to fulfill their potential.  But if I had the choice of gene therapy and a child free of disablilites I would want to take the therapy.  There is surely no question that disabilty causes suffering whether that be physical, mental or emotional, and I would want to avoid that for any child of mine if I could.
338699
some for attention...some believe they are special
449865
Do what the negative folks do and scare them silly of some external threat. Our motivate them through love of something in common. Love of family, an ideal, the earth, home in general. Remind them everyone is a minority somewhere, its prejudice imagined difference,that separates us, so let it not divide us in our struggles.
231888
Just tell them they have to think about other people once in a while. They might get defensive at first, but they'll think about it and come around.
1137201
I have a son with mental retardation. (this is a more correct way of describing him rather than "he is mentally retarded").\n\nThrough his school years, he had a few classes with "normal" school kids involved.  These became good friends over the years.  Our school system had special activities which included both "normal" and "disabled" kids in the same activity.  These included a Circle of Friends program (movies, bowling, parties, etc.), Unified Sports (part of special olympics where teams are mixed), etc.\n\nWhy don't you check with your school or community and see what's around?  Check with Special Olympics in your community and see if you and he/her can get involved together.\n\nSet an example for others by being first to spend time with him/her.
1012903
There is no right way to tell these people to take a hike, at least in terms that their small brains would understand. The best way that I have found is just to look at them and shake your head and tell them that you hope that they never have to suffer with a disability, so that other won't make fun of them. Sometimes it works, sometimes not. But just remember when you look at them, they have the brains of road-kill, and should be pitied for their stupidity.
430675
Just continue being ourselves, and show them love and compassion even to the most ignorant of people. Don't force them to accept us, that will only fuel their hate towards us.
878820
Special Ed... you spelled a four syllable word.... YAAA! (smile)\n\nThere will always be too many self-rightous or egotistical people in this world who will treat others with disdain.  However, many treat others with respect and dignity.  The issue here is...  what we choose to do and who we choose to be.
838059
to be different and get attention for the attention starved.
743296
Where will it end? Start with the babies with the most severe disabilities, then those with lesser disabilities, keep going until we achieve a master race of sameness.\n\nI doubt there is any going back. It will be done in the name of saving money, but let’s be honest. Many in modern societies simply do not want the inconvenience, the bother of dealing with anybody different, anybody who may need a little extra care. \n\nIf the churches won’t stand up for the most vulnerable among us, who will? \n\nVery sad.
783531
I have a son with Autism. He brought into my life a new dimension, a new and different meaning of 'special'. \nWhat I mean is, the beauty in his sole, the love for me in his heart and the way I view the importance of various things in my life (environment) is even more grounded and realistic than ever.\nNothing is superficial. Nothing is taken for granted. \nI feel that it's not so much my environment that tends to influence my views anymore, but being blessed with my son has influenced my views on my environment.\nDon't forget that people with disabilities, whether thay can successfully communicate with you or not, still have a sole, heart and 'feel' just like you and me. Unfortunaltely, some people by-pass them in the playground or elsewhere, because they can sometimes look different. But get to know their soul, see what's in their heart and you'll be touched by something 'special' too.\n:)
408205
Because in order for people to feel like they are important, they fell like they need the validation of other peoples opinions. Many people don't want to be judged for being different or weird, and they are scared of being pointed out for these things. Everyone wants to be liked and accepted, no matter what they say. People who go out of their way to be different still care about what other people think, they are just looking for negative attention. =.>