Parents dream that their children will work to benefit society. While every parent may not anticipate raising a doctor or lawyer, the desire for the child to contribute to society is strong. Children with special needs may make a difference in many ways and to many people, including:

• Family: Parents of children with Down syndrome know the compassion their child has for others. Smiles and hugs are freely given. A child with Down syndrome continually reminds his family and everyone around him that compassion is an important character trait. And he can make this understood without ever speaking a word.

• Peers: A child with cerebral palsy may work hard to walk and to accomplish small self-care tasks like buttoning his clothes or feeding himself. He is often the self-declared cheerleader for his peers. His can-do attitude can encourage others to keep trying.

• Community: In community activities, a teen with a disability strives to be a team player. He is anxious to pitch in where he can make a difference. His motivation and cooperation encourage others to do the same.

• Job: Any person can have a vast range of jobs. Some individuals with special needs are prominent on TV and in sports. Others have more commonplace jobs alongside their non-disabled peers in an office.

Does everyone with a special need have a positive, encouraging attitude toward the world? Of course not, but most respond to the challenges they have overcome in a way that is inspiring to others.