LETTERS: DISABLED ARE WATCHING FOR RESULTS

To the editor:

Kudos to your newspaper's coverage of little Elijah Wingo's quest to obtain the individual educational program he needs not only to survive in this world, but also to thrive. Because we process knowledge in different ways, it is our professional educators' job to find the key that opens the door, which lets in the light of understanding.

Education involves two aspects: learning what works and learning what doesn't work. When we learn what doesn't work, we try another way and keep trying until a way is found that does work. As an example, Annie Sullivan's working and working with Helen Keller until she found the key to open other worlds to her. What an opportunity this presents. The Applied Behavioral Analysis program seems like a win-win situation for everybody. The educational system wins by being progressive in its programs. One could envision a cooperative effort in the academic community between the school system and the university in implementing programs where the college students in this field of study get hands-on experience and the younger children get the educational assistance they so desperately need. Society wins on all levels, financially and morally. Elijah wins a whole other world and the ability to be able to be a productive member of society. He should be allowed this dignity. I speak out for two reasons: I know and love Elijah and his family. I have personally seen phenomenal results in several weeks -- a very real transformation in the quality of his life. I have seen him transform from the little boy who would hardly look at anyone to the little boy who ran up to his grandma and said, "Tickle me." Time is the insidious factor. It is a proven fact that time is of the essence in treatment of this disability. The sooner the program is started, the greater the chance the child will be able to lead a normal life. The time to decide for Elijah and all the other little Elijahs is now. As vice president of the board of the Independent Living Center of Southeast Missouri, I am representative of the disabled community. As a member of that community, it is my responsibility to participate in advocacy to bring awareness of our needs and concerns so they can be dealt with in a fair and compassionate manner. The disabled community in this state is watching and awaiting with great interest the results of Elijah's quest for the right to light.

MARY S. JENKSFairdealing