Whenever I tell people that I work with the special needs community, I usually get the same response: "Wow, that must be so difficult on you." They would ask me, "Why do you even want to work with special needs children?" and "Isn't it just so terrible?" At first, I was confused by this response. I knew that not everyone could work with individuals with intellectual disabilities. However, I have realized that many people don't really know what working with the special needs community is like and why I am so passionate about it. So here I have just a few of the many amazing reasons I love working with these amazing people.

Everyone has their moments.

Anyone who has ever spent time with a child with special needs knows that they may have their moments. They may fuss or start a fit, but so does every other child. Everyone has their moments. Sometimes, I find that the tantrums of the kids I babysit are wilder than those of my special needs class. When you work with the special needs community, you continue to see that these individuals are just the same as everyone else.

They are determined.

Honestly, those in the special needs community are the ones who never give up and continue to persevere. People automatically look at them and think they are not capable of doing anything due to their disabilities. But that's not the case. As a dance instructor for dancers with intellectual disabilities, I know that dancing can be difficult to pick up. Even I struggle sometimes to understand choreography or technical terms. However, not once have the kids I worked with sat down on the ground and said "I don't want to try anymore." They continue to put in their best effort even if they don't get it right the first couple of times. They have inspired me to continue to persevere and strive to achieve.

They understand.

Just because they are in a wheelchair or take longer to process information does NOT mean that they do not understand. So many people I see tend to give certain looks to those with special needs, thinking that they won't understand what that glance will mean. They DO understand and can feel the judgement radiating off of your face, just from one look. So rather than giving them odd glances, talk to those who are in the special needs community and really get to know them. You may be surprised.

There is no "different" in their eyes.

Those with special needs are the happiest people I have ever met. Their smiles are bigger than Kobe Bryant's (after scoring 60 points in his last game). There is no better feeling in this world than seeing the sparkle in their eyes when they see something wonderful, beautiful, or hilarious. They don’t see “different”. They don't see skin color, religion, race, gender, or disabilities. I have found that the special needs community is so loving, welcoming, and eager to open up to others. They see everyone for who they are in the inside, not just from outward appearances.

They teach you life long lessons.

When I'm at Abilities Dance, I am not always their instructor. Instead, they are mine. They teach me patience, kindness, forgiveness and love. But mostly importantly, they taught me what it means to be happy. They feel happiness in a way that most of us don't. When something makes them laugh, they will laugh. And I mean laughing till you're crying kind of laugh. I've found that I was happiest when I was surrounded by people who loved me more than I loved anyone else before. Every week, I look forward to seeing the people who can light up even my worst days

The special needs community is diverse.

Those who don't know about special needs believe that those with the same diagnosis are the exactly the same. They think that they face the same challenges and have similar personailties. However, not one person in the community has the same needs as another. I work with children with differing strengths and challenges. Even if two children have the same diagnosis, they both have their individuals strengths and gifts. I've found that the special needs community is such a beautiful group of people, each unique and special in their own ways.

But they are like you and me.

Just because a person is diagnosed with a physical or intellectual disability does not mean that he or she is different from you and me. They are NOT defined by their disabilities, but rather by what they are capable of. Don't think that because a person has a disability that they aren't capable of becoming great people. So many people I have met in the special needs community INSPIRE me to become a better person. This is because they strive to do great things, just like you and me. No disability stops them now from chasing after their dreams, and it never will.