In particular, the work of two early 19th century Frenchmen, Jean-Marc Itard, who had made his name working with the ‘wild boy of Aveyron’, and Edouard Séguin, his student. This work initiated a deep interest in the needs of children with learning disabilities. Montessori joined a research program at the psychiatric clinic of the University of Rome as a volunteer. She became known for her high levels of competency in treating patients, but also for the respect she showed to patients from all social classes. Montessori became involved in the Women’s Rights movement. Despite facing many obstacles due to her gender, Montessori qualified as a doctor in July 1896. After initially being refused entry, Maria was eventually given entry to the University of Rome in 1890, becoming the first woman to enter medical school in Italy. Despite her parents’ encouragement to enter teaching, Maria wanted to enter the male-dominated sphere of medicine. When Maria Montessori graduated secondary school, she became determined to enter medical school and become a doctor. Breaking conventional barriers from the beginning of her education, Maria initially had aspirations to become an engineer. The Montessori family moved to Rome in 1870 and in 1871 the young Montessori girl enrolled in the local state school. Her father, Alessandro, was an accountant in the civil service, and her mother, Renilde Stoppani, was well educated and had a passion for reading. Maria Montessori was born on Augin the town of Chiaravalle, Italy.