From Stu Harper:
Dear Imaginal Education folks: Greetings and Salutations! This is Stu Harper, 2nd born son of Gordon and Roxana Harper, and grudging sibling of Geoffrey and Elena. For the past 16 years I have lived and worked in Kentucky as a guidance counselor for K-12 students who are deaf/hard of hearing. Part of my duties this year is to teach (1 hour/week) a small class of 7-9 year-old students who have multiple disabilities, including severe cognitive disabilities. Their disabilities are to such an extent that all four are profoundly deaf; three of the four students cannot independently hold a crayon; two know fewer than 5 words (and it can take months of repetition to learn a new word); and two of the four have their own aide to help with mobility and educational tasks. I'm writing to ask for your assistance in brainstorming some ideas of appropriate topics to teach and effective methods of delivery. My prior education and experience have left me woefully unprepared for teaching a class of this nature, and so I am reaching out into cyberspace today in the hopes that one or more of you may be able to assist me in this endeavor. Please feel free to write directly to me at our home email ( wolfharper5@roadrunner.com). I appreciate your time to read this, and any assistance you may offer. Peace and Joy, Stu.