No-Cook Recipes for Special ChefsForward to the BookI first met Joyce Dassonville when she visited M.B. Sanford Elementary in 2004. As a tireless advocate for her daughter, Dominique, she was committed to finding the best school for her daughter. I was immediately impressed by Joyce's determination and skilfulness, as well as her deep understanding of how the school could most effectively meet Dominique's diverse and complex needs by working in close partnership with the family. What I came to appreciate even more was that Joyce's determined advocacy was fuelled by unconditional love for Dominique, and a mother's love is a powerful force indeed. That same love is beautifully represented in The Picture Cookbook. A cookbook should be a representation of love; we all love to eat, and a cookbook celebrates our passion for food. But The Picture Cookbook is unique in that it reflects Joyce's conviction that all can learn to cook — that the mysteries of the kitchen can be unlocked. A parent's love has found new expression in The Picture Cookbook, and in sharing her hard-won insights, Joyce Dassonville opens the door of opportunity for all learners. As an educator who has observed the gradual, but dramatic transformation of the public education system as it embraced an inclusionary model for special needs students, I know that effective inclusion depends upon educators finding strategies and techniques for unlocking the potential in every child. In her cookbook, by skilfully breaking each step into all the required steps, and by representing each step with pictures, Joyce has made the art of cooking accessible to all. I hope all will enjoy this special opportunity to employ the kitchen as a place for learning. And even better, to delight in the tasty products of that learning. John Ormond
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