She knew her training as a teacher for D.C. children with disabilities wouldn't be easy. But she found obstacles in places she didn't expect.

As a deaf man in Nigeria, Godwin Irokaba was an object of pity. A fellowship at Gallaudet University is transforming him into an agent of change.

Special education teacher Samantha Cleaver fields questions and comments about her experiences teaching in D.C. public schools.

Read more stories from Washington Post Magazine's fall 2006 Education Review.