Cerebral Palsy

"These kids have to learn to crawl, to stand, hopefully to walk," said Marvin Leiken, executive director of the center.

"Some have to learn to chew and swallow." Despite the children's disabilities, Leiken and his staff focus on possibilities, not limitations.

"Every kid in this school has a chance to become ambulatory and learn to communicate," he said.

All the students have the potential to move at least into some sort of "supported employment," Leiken added.

Just how much potential some of these children have is often hidden.

As a teacher used music to encourage a class of children to move their arms and grasp a toy, an aide helped 5-year-old Jessica try to open and close her hand.

She is - for now, at least - trapped in her wheelchair, with the barest of motor skills.

Jessica has She cannot speak.

But inside that severely limited body lives a bright little girl.

"She is aware of everything," Leiken said.

"She's been tested for cognitive skills, and she tests above grade level." What are her possibilities?

Leiken paused before answering.

"She's basically a kindergartener.

She's reading.

She recognizes colors.

She's lear...

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