In 1967 Sally Smith needed a school for her son Gary, who suffered from dyslexia, among other learning disabilities. Finding none, she founded one, the Lab School of Washington. In the process, she developed the Academic Club Methodology, by which children with learning disabilities can be engaged and inspired in school, where they had previously suffered only frustration and defeat. While directing the Lab School, Smith taught her system and ran the master's program in special education at American University for 32 years, inspiring a new generation of teachers to pioneer innovations in education. Smith also wrote books, starting with ""No Easy Answers"" in the late 70s and in various editions thereafter, that serve as the definitive works in the special education field. Smith was driven, creative, unique, and unforgettable.