holy shit, I mean I'm VERY disappointed in IEP as I didn't know
  it was this bad. I'm shocked but not surprised.. if that makes
  any sense. I worked with kids with cerebral palsy, autism and
  downs back in 1993/94 at a cerebral palsy center in NJ. I helped
  the kids + teachers, set up the computers with alt.interfaces,
  sometimes I'd go out with them on outings and assist. Best year
  I ever had honestly. Did it full time. Life had to move on
  'cause it was 100% volunteer and I needed money, alas. I *was*
  going to go into special education, middle school. Special ed
  include both "talented and gifted" as well as... that STUPID
  WORD I HATE... "slow learners"... I hate that phrase slow
  learners. They're not slow. They're DIFFERENT. Anyway, I'm kinda
  glad I didn't become a part of the system and I help more on the
  outside I think than I would've from the inside.