A Special Education: One Familys
Journey Through the Maze of
Learning Disabilities by Charlotte
Farber
The Emotions Run True
Designer Dana Buchmans chronicle of her daughters struggle with
learning disabilities and of her own journey to become the mother
Charlotte needs her to be. The celebrated designer Dana Buchman knew
almost nothing about learning differences when her daughter, Charlotte,
was diagnosed with disabilities as a toddler. She soon discovered that the
hard work and determination that had taken her from the Ivy League to
her own fashion label wouldnt be enough to deal with Charlottes
disabilities; she would have to acquire a new skill set--to be able to see
Charlotte as a person with unique abilities. A moving mother-daughter
story, A Special Education is an inspiring account of one mothers journey

to acceptance and understanding, as well as a familys triumph over
daunting circumstances.
Personal Review: A Special Education: One Familys Journey
Through the Maze of Learning Disabilities by Charlotte Farber
As the mother of a 10 year old with learning differences -- and yes, that IS
what we refer to them as in 2007 -- I felt as if I was reading my own story.
Denial. Fear. A drive to *cure* my child, who cannot be cured.
Sometimes describing him to others in terms of his disabilities, instead of
as the incredible, talented person that he is. Buchman doesn't have any
answers; there ARE NO ANSWERS. But it is tremendously helpful to read
about her feelings and her journey, to know that we're not alone.
Some comments have criticized Ms. Buchman for using her considerable
financial resources to help her child, or have indicated that her story
cannot be universalized because of her wealth. That's simply not true.
Buchman points out that she had her daughter evaluated by the NYC Dep't
of Education, and that she was receiving resources from them. In fact,
Charlotte's high school, Churchill, accepts DOE funding, and I believe that
a substantial percentage of its students are placed there with tuition paid
by the DOE. The LiPS program that Charlotte took in California is also
now available throughout the world. Finally, one poster criticized Buchman
for not insisting that her daughter be mainstreamed. While my son is
mainstreamed, its not one size fits all. Most of the parents I know who
have children with more extreme learning differences, like Charlotte, prefer
a special school, where all of the teachers know about learning
differences, and are specially trained to deal with them.
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