Biography - Larry Gallagher

Let me introduce myself. Some of you may know me as Larry, Dr. Gallagher, or Larry Gallagher. That is not my real name. I am "John's brother." Ask anyone in Tucson who knows our family. "Yes," the will respond, "he is John's brother." There is a John's father, a John's mother, and 5 other "John's brothers." You see everyone knows us in relation to John, my brother with Downs syndrome.

It seems as if I have always been in special education. You see, John is 4 years younger than I am. Since John was born so early in my life, all my memories of family, community, and schooling incorporate his presence. I can remember the day he was brought home from the hospital. How we were all so excited about a baby brother. To us, John was just like everyone else. Sure his eyes were a little different but he looked like most other babies to us. I can say, in reflection, that all my brothers felt the same. As I aged, John fell further behind. He did not dress like most children. Nor did he feed himself as well. His academic skills did not develop as one would expect. But he was still our brother. He did not seem different to any of us.

I have had the wonderful opportunity in my 20 years in special education (formal special education, that is). to have worked in state institutions, group homes for persons with mental retardation, public schools, volunteered for the Special Olympics, behavioral clinics, and universities. Each of these settings has taught me a great deal about what special education can do and what it should be doing. I have seen the good sides of special education and the sides that I wish were not around. I have watched children make wonderful strides while others remain static despite our best efforts.

After a while, I had the opportunity to get a doctorate degree under a personnel preparation grant. When I went back east to attend school, I remember thinking that I would be the luckiest man alive if I could return to Flagstaff. I used to dream about coming back and working at NAU. My co-workers were probably sick of me talking about Arizona and the west. I am indeed lucky since I was hired on the faculty here in special education last fall.

Special education, however, is only one part of my life. I am married to a wonderful woman, my wife Debbie. Debbie works for the Flagstaff Public Schools as a C.L.I.P. trainer for northern Arizona. We are fortunate to have two great children, Kerry our daughter, and Robert our son. Kerry is attending the UofA and plans to become a lawyer. Robert is in high school and has the world in front of him. As you can imagine, we lead a pretty full life. Hobbies are an important part of my life. I enjoy hiking, photography, and pencil drawing when time permits I think that these persuits keep me "centered" and renew my enthusiasm for teaching and working with people with disabilities.

I feel a strong calling to share knowledge and to help you in your quest to understand disabilities, if in fact that is possible. I have enjoyed my time in special education and hope that you will find this as rewarding and important as I do.

Larry

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