For republicans thinking it is ok to mock Gus Walz:

[SWBTATTReg]

18. As we can tell from the nice write-up you provided here, on how to diagnose this and other similar learning

disabilities is not an easy thing to do. I was finally diagnosed w/ a profound hearing loss (both ears) instead of the original diagnosis of being mentally handicapped. Their science back in the early 60s was very embryotic, and just starting to develop, despite my Mom even telling the doctors that all the problem this kid (me) has is that his hearing is messed up...they wouldn't listen. I was finally nine years old when they finally, finally realized this.

Since then, I've been a strong proponent of always make sure that in fact they are truly handicapped. Check their hearing out (they do now in the state of MO when they realized that a kid was not properly diagnosed as having a hearing disability until nine years old.). When they realized this, they sent me to a lip reading (summer school), got me a hearing aid, and after intense speech therapy over the Summer, I went into regular school for the first time ... I was nine years old (fourth grade, behind one year). For those who wonder, I had choices offered to me, either learn to lip read, or sign. I chose the lip reading. Now, the standard is signing, but I have issues w/ that being that so many of us use our hands too, in communicating (you're not signing but gesturing to emphasize a point or points).

And of course, hearing is not the only sense that needs to be checked out in all kids. Everything possible should be checked, and checked often.

I have a little saying about the handicapped, and that is to stay strong for the handicapped, and be there for them. They are part of our community too.