by Bill Clements Reader's Digest April 2002
Stanford James, 24, has autism. Autism is a brain disorder that alters how a person processes information. As a person with high functioning autism, James has a remarkable visual memory. He is also passionate about trains and maps. In an unexpected way, his disability is a gift that enables him to become the best employee working at a help desk assisting customers of Chicago's Regional Transportation Authority via telephone.
Despite his special abilities in visualizing how to get from point A to point B, by foot, bus, train or subway; he can't handle his own pay. Until last year, he could not shave himself in the morning. Special education is what brings out the best in a learning disabled person, the goal is to enable the person to become a contributing citizen in society. Very often, young folks like James would require on-going help as well as training to lead meaningful lives.
I am very happy to see that happening in A Ray of Hope, a church based organization that owns a bakery and a cafe where their special young people are being trained to bake and serve in a controlled and friendly environment in Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia.
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