hopinso
I was going to reply, but you gave the same answer I had-word for word!
Never negate the potential value of any individual, no matter what his (or her) circumstances. There are great teachers everywhere, not just among those we perceive to be the winners in life.
Someone once called me the biggest loser on Curezone because I have not regained my ability to walk. If walking is the chief criteria for an "expert", then the world is full of experts. The same goes for most situations, don't allow prejudice, either personal or societal, rob you of untapped sources of wisdom.