We Are All the Same Inside

I recently had the pleasure of being a guest in Timothy Bellavia's graduate class in general and special education at Touro College in New York City. I enjoyed speaking about my career in special education and giving the students an overview of It's OK to be Different.

Most importantly, I have been honored to connect with Mr. Bellavia and his amazing work to promote tolerance. Not only is he an assistant professor at Touro College, but he is the author of the award winning, We Are all the Same Inside children's book and corresponding Sage doll-making workshop that teaches tolerance. In addition, he serves as the curriculum specialist and creative art director for Touro's Project Aspire public health and education program at P.S. 197 in Harlem.

Mr. Bellavia and I met on Facebook! The philosophy behind both our programs brought us together. I look forward to future collaboration and I will be including a lesson in the Be a Buddy curriculum that involves the Sage doll-making. For more information about his program visit: www.weareallthesameinside.com