Kenton Darrow Koszdin

Kenton Darrow Koszdin have had experiences in his life that have given me great insight into disability and facing life’s challenges.

When I was a very little boy, I did not have the ability to speak. My parents were very worried and took me to be examined and tested by many specialists to figure out what could be done.

Most of these specialists told my parents that I was mentally retarded and that I would never amount to anything. My mother cried at night with worry but she was not willing to give up.

After four years at the Dubnoff School, they felt that I could transition to the public school system. However, it was recommended that I stay a grade behind and that I attend a learning disability group class half the day.

In 1975, I was enrolled at Kester Avenue Elementary School in Van Nuys, CA, I attended the Learning Disability Group in the afternoon and regular class in the morning. This caused significant social challenges for me as the children in the regular class drew negative conclusions as to why I was in the Learning Disability Group.

In 1976, after 3 semesters, the teachers in the learning disability program had enough confidence to transfer me to a regular class for the entire day. Expectations were still low for me.