I have been giving lots of interviews recently. Here are two I did together with my mom. For those wondering, I received my questions in advance because my typing, while reasonably fast for one finger, is extremely slow for radio. It would be tedious to listen to me slowly type out my answers.
The hosts graciously accommodated my disability and I typed up my answers and saved them in my iPad. Still, the interviewer heard my answers for the program the first time during our conversation. I Hope you enjoy these interviews and share them with people you think they might help.
Here you can check out our interview on the Special Needs Family Hour and here on In the Author’s Voice.
Hello Ido,
My name is Bridget. I just got accepted into grad school for my M.Ed. in Inclusive Special Education. I just wanted to thank you because you are actually one of the few that inspired me to fulfill my dream of becoming a special education teacher. “Ido in Autismland” is actually my favorite book. I recommend it to everyone. Individuals with autism are so underestimated. I want to help change that. I believe that just because some students can not communicate verbally does not mean they have nothing to say, and just because a student seems not interested does not mean that they aren’t. One of my missions as a special educator is to advocate for inclusion for all of my students because I know they will be capable, just like you are. I don’t want to teach students with “severe” disabilities ABA all day. What I want to do is actually teach them the common core just like the rest of their peers. As you know, there’s differential instruction and assistive technology to help with this. Sorry this is such a long post, but what I am trying to say is that I am so thankful that I read your book and please do not stop writing and advocating. I swear you are a better writer than I am. Thank you for everything. I honestly would not be the same person without reading your book.
Warmly,
Bridget
P.S. I’d love some teaching suggestions if you’re willing since I will be a first year teacher once I receive my teaching license 🙂
Hi Bridget,
Congratulations! I am happy my book inspired you. I hope you will achieve great things.
Ido
Thank you for the links IDO- listening to the NPR now