Rouda's only paid work experience was occasional employment in childcare facilities. But without recognized credentials, she could obtain only part–time or occasional work. Her reason for entering the employment preparation program was to obtain a job placement in one of the school board's childcare sites. She explained that she also wanted to find a job in order to be a positive role model for her children. She said she didn't want her children to see her at home everyday and not working.

If the mother sit at home, not doing anything, you know, she don't care about nothing, about work. So the children, they don't focus on nothing at all. They think it is the same, like normal, when mommy she is sitting so she is not doing nothing. When they grow up, maybe they take bad example for you. Children, they learn from you, but if you're very, very careful, your children take good example of you and also you get respect even.

Rouda is an honest, direct and sometimes outspoken woman who talks and acts as if she doesn't care what people think of her, but can be very hurt by the criticism of others. Although she is Somali and Muslim, she has chosen not to wear the traditional hijab or head scarf. This choice once made her the focus of comment and rebuke when she was in the general literacy program. She continued not to wear a hijab but was visibly hurt and upset by the comments of her Somali classmates.

STUDENTS WITH MILD DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

Tom

Tom was 33 years old during the study. He has a mild developmental disability and lives at home with his parents. He also receives a monthly disability pension. He is a very easy–going and handsome man who readily smiles and is always offering to help others. In the past, his parents have been very protective of him and he has had to struggle to become more independent, to travel on buses alone, to visit friends, and to attend school alone. His two sisters have supported him with his gradual but steady progress towards a life that he alone controls.