Here is an article about bringing dance to those not ordinarily considered ....but certainly should be.

LEAP STUDENT BRINGS DANCE TO DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED STUDENTS

<img src="http://www.stmarys-ca.edu/mission_community/smc-online/vol01_no05/archives/vol01_no04/campus_news/Images/CJ_4.jpg" alt="" />

MORE...

There was also a discussion along these lines some time ago in The Studio and here is the link:

[url=http://forum.criticaldance.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=7&t=000226]
THE SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENT[/url]

[This message has been edited by Admin (edited March 22, 2001).]

<font size = -2><center>(Edited by salzberg to fix link)</center></font>

<small>[ 08-11-2002, 10:09: Message edited by: salzberg ]</small>

This is a sadly neglected group, in my opinion. My involvement with this population happened quite by accident, as you can read in the thread provided in the above post.<P>There were a lot of interesting subsequent posts made by teachers involved in teaching various groups of challenged students. The overwhelming consensus of the teachers was how enjoyable and worthwhile the experience was. <P>There is a book out - I wish I could remember the exact title showing a dance class done by students in wheelchairs. I only got to look at the pictures - I didn't get to read the book. What a wonderful idea - nothing is impossible if a teacher can be found who is willing.

I know a couple of teachers who just love their disabled students. There is indeed a special and rewarding bond that develops between the teacher and his/her students.<P>The programming and development of dance programs for such students and for public schools is a monumental feat. There are so many obstacles, such as funding, prejudices and plain lack of interest.<p>[This message has been edited by Azlan (edited March 22, 2001).]

You are very right Azlan - if one reads the thread that I linked in above - "The Special Needs Student" - that is the overriding theme of what everyone posted - what a very special experience it was for both teacher and student.