Knowledge is the key as well as communication. Without communication, you cannot truly know an individual. Poor or lack of communication tends to lead to a misconception of the individual. Unfortunately, this misconception is widespread regarding people with disabilities. It is assumed that people with disabilities have no idea about the world around them and need guidance. Although the focus of the film is Mr. Holland's Opus, Cole's deafness reveals the impact a disability can have on a family as well as the characteristics of the disability and the individual themselves. Holland's Opus is about musician and composer Glenn Holland who becomes a music teacher at John F. Kennedy High School in hopes of having more time to spend with his wife, Iris, and to compose. However, having no previous teaching experience, Mr. Holland despises his job due to the students' apathy towards music and the fact that he is a marginalized figure in the school hierarchy. With the help of school principal Mrs. Jacobs and coach and friend Bill, Mr. Holland uses rock and roll as a way for students to...