As a special education teacher, Ralph by Himself hit home in so many ways. When we get new students each year, it is difficult to really know how the students feel and what is easy or challenging for them; it takes a lot of time. We make assumptions about people and have predetermined ideas in our heads about how people will act or react to different environments. We are wrong most of the time. As teacher's we've all had a Ralph - not just special educators - all teachers. This story opens our eyes to the variety of environments, experiences, and situations that can be triggers/challenges to people with special needs. This story reminds people to advocate for themselves, in whatever way they can, to get their needs and wants met. And Santa, well Santa shows us how we all need to respond. We modify environments, experiences, and situations and make accommodations so ALL people have access to the same things. Ralph is no different than me or you, he just prefers things a different way.

Adriene Mannis, M.ED.