"We tell them about every right that they have, and we teach them how to speak up, " Ntaiya said.

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Through intensive one-on-one exchanges with teachers and special tools like picture cards, Spike started learning how to speak up, rather than act out, when he was uncomfortable.

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His implant gave him the ability to hear, but he had to play catch-up to learn how to speak vocally.

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Like Freeland, I hope many others will speak up on how to best save the middle class in America.

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"What the president wants to do is get up Monday night and speak to the American people about how far we've come and about where we can go in the future, " Lockhart said.

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One CEO got up to address the room and he mentioned how nervous he was to speak in front of the group.

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"It only became an offence a very short time ago as victims dared speak up about the damage it caused them and people woke up to how serious it was, " she said.

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The extent to which those around you will be willing to speak up, think outside the box, and act courageously, will be influenced by how willing you are to do the same.

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