Welcome to the Family Village! We are a global community that integrates information, resources, and communication opportunities on the Internet for persons with cognitive and other disabilities, for their families, and for those that provide them services and support.

Our community includes informational resources on specific diagnoses, communication connections, adaptive products and technology, adaptive recreational activities, education, worship, health issues, disability-related media and literature, and much, much more!

So stop in, stroll around, and visit some of the Family Village's attractions. Simply click on a place to explore and discover a cornucopia of useful information! Let us know what you like (or dislike) and visit often, for our village is constantly changing.

The Family Village

Waisman Center,

University of Wisconsin-Madison

1500 Highland Avenue

Madison, WI 53705-2280

E-mail: familyvillage@waisman.wisc.edu

(1) What is the web page about?

(2) What might be the value of such a website?

(3) What kind of information would be included in the web page?

2. Lead Ss to the reading text by telling them the following information.

As the information in the pre-reading activity explains, this reading text is typical of the many stories which appear on the Family Village WebSite.

　The text is written by a high school student Marty, who has a rare disease that affects his muscles. He is weak and he has not been able to take part in some activities. The text explains some of Marty's difficulties but also describes the good side of his life. The article is very positive and the author is optimistic about life.

Step 3. Fast reading

1. Ask Ss to read the text quickly and then answer the following questions.

(1) What kind of person is Marty?

(2) What's the most difficult thing for Marty in her life?

(3) What would you do if you were to develop a muscle disease like Marty's?

Suggested Answers:

(1) Marty seems to be a very positive person. He is realistic about his disability but does not let this stop him doing as much as he can. He is a mentally strong, independent boy.

(2) Missing lots of school. Not being able to run about and play sports like other boys at his age, people not understanding that he has a disability.

(3) Various answers are acceptable.

2. Ask Ss to finish Ex1 on P3 and check answers in pairs.