There are remarkable programs for special needs kids in El Sistema. Manos Blancas, the White Hands Choir, is by far the most well known and features hearing impaired, special needs and non-special needs students in a glorious ensemble of singing and sign language performance.

In Barquisimeto, we saw scores being translated and printed into braille. In Mérida we saw teachers use colors and visual cues to conduct autistic children.  In the tremendous El Sistema spirit of inclusion, special needs students are heralded and there are exceptional and innovative teachers in this program who are inspiring a model of social unification that is to be greatly admired and emulated.