This is Lucas, from rural Northern California. I teach students with disabilities in Humboldt County. I have worked with several non-verbal students with autism and watching your ‘light-the-world’ video and reading your writing lights a fire under me to help those students unlock their voices. My mother-in-law is a speech language pathologist assistant and she works with non-verbal students with autism and my father-in-law drives students with disabilities to school, so it’s basically a family business at this point.

The school I work at is becoming more inclusive, but there are still some teachers who feel uncomfortable with the idea of inclusion. I think that exposing them to your words might be enough to tip the scales in favor of inclusion. You’re an inspiration to me and my teaching practice will always be different because of you and the loving and persistent people who helped you find your voice.

I appreciate you, brother. If I ever meet you in real life I’m probably going to be stoked and give you a big hug so I’ll ask for your forgiveness advance if I’m too emotionally expressive. Excited to read more of your writing.

– Lucas Youngblood

P.S.
I’m not sure if you have made any other videos after Light-the-World, but I know that video content that tells your story would have a huge impact on other schools considering more inclusive practices. Food for thought.

You have a great mission too! I have been watching you grow up and have loved seeing what you are doing here. Everything you say helps me to be a better person and a better Director of missionaries with challenges. Thank you so much!