When I was in elementary school, it was common to see a student pushed down the hallway in a wheelchair. My school was co-housed with the Longview School, a school for students with severe and profound disabilities. Longview students were integrated into our classrooms, and it was typical for us to see them participate in school functions such as assemblies and family events. This inclusiveness enabled the student body as a whole to recognize and appreciate some of the issues faced by students with severe and profound disabilities. This showed us that although special needs students may look different on the outside, they are as deserving of friendship and educational opportunities appropriate for their abilities as we are.

For the past four summers, I have volunteered at Longview's Extended School Year Program working directly with many of the students. One student, in particular, touched my heart. “Mel” cannot walk or talk, but she can communicate using the school-provided technology. I helped her with activities; for example, I held her hand on the marker while she drew a picture. She would smile and laugh as I played with her. Without her ever speaking a word, we connected. We both made a difference in each other's lives. Since then, when I visit her classroom, she recognizes me immediately. 

This year, I was introduced to a new organization, Friendship Circle, whose goal is to find “buddies” for special needs kids who share similar interests. My buddy, “Em,” is an adorable girl, who also loves to dance and do yoga. I visit her house once a week, and we just play. I have learned through this program that what kids with special needs want most is the opportunity to form friendships.

I was shocked to recently discover that children with special needs are two to three times more likely to be bullied than their non-disabled peers. I have noticed a lack of acceptance and open-mindedness among my peers in regard to special needs children, and I want to change this. My experiences at Longview and with Friendship Circle have shown me what great people children with special needs are if you just give them a chance. 

Every signature this petition receives is a promise to accept special needs children and teens for who they are and to have an open mind towards forming friendships with them. I hope that next time you are at school and see someone with special needs, you will just make a small gesture to include them. Even saying “hi” or including them in the conversation could mean the world to them, and you never know, you might even become best friends.