[The bottom of an old copy of this essay reads: Dedicated to Daryl Hayes, Jr., The Little Boy Who Cannot Talk; Reprinted from "Education Update", Vol. 14, No. 2.]

I am the child who cannot talk. You often pity me. I see it in your eyes. You wonder how much I am aware of... I see that as well. I am aware of much... whether you are happy or sad or fearful, patient or impatient, full of love and desire, or if you are just doing your duty by me. I marvel at your frustration, knowing mine is far greater, for complete it is at times. I do not gift you with clever conversation, cute remarks to be laughed over and repeated. I do not give you answers to everyday questions, responses over my well being, sharing my needs, or comments about the world around me. I do not give you rewards as defined by the world's standards... great stride in development that you can credit yourself. I do not give you understanding as you know it.

What I give you is so much more valuable... I give you instead opportunities. Opportunities to discover the depth of your character, not mine; the depth of your love, your commitment, your patience, your abilities; the opportunity to explore your spirit more deeply than you imagined possible. I drive you further than you would ever do on your own, working harder, seeking answers to your many questions, creating questions with no answers. I am the child that cannot talk.

I am the child that cannot walk. The world sometimes seems to pass me by. You see the longing in my eyes to get out of this chair, to run and play like the other children. There is much you take for granted. I want the toys on the shelf. I need to go to the bathroom, Oh, I've dropped my fork again. I am dependent on you in these ways. My gift to you is to make you aware of your great fortune, your healthy back and legs, your ability to do for yourself. Sometimes people appear not to notice; I always notice them. I feel not so much envy as desire, desire to stand upright, to put one foot in front of the other, to be independent. I give you awareness. I am the child who cannot walk.

I am the child who is mentally impaired. I do not learn easily, if you judge me by the world's measuring stick... What I do know is infinite joy in the simple things. I am not burdened as you with the strife and conflicts of a more complicated life. My gift to you is to grant you the freedom to enjoy things as a child, to teach you how much your arms around me mean, to give you love. I give you the gift of simplicity. I am the child who is mentally impaired.

I am the disabled child. I am your teacher. If you allow me. I will teach you what is really important in life. I will give you and teach you unconditional love. I gift you with my innocent trust, my dependency upon you. I teach you respect for others and their uniqueness. I teach you about the sanctity of life. I teach you about how very precious this life is and about not taking things for granted. I teach you about forgetting your own needs and desires and dreams. I teach you giving. Most of all I teach you hope and faith. I am the disabled child.