First, support your daughter. Help her understand why people stare and whisper. Explain to her that it's their problem, not hers -- and that she is beautiful and wonderful and strong. Emphasize that she is differently-abled.
When it comes to community children, it's usually best to work at a systemic level. For example, find out if your school system would be interested in partnering with you to develop a disability awareness curriculum. Your child isn't the only one in the community suffering silently. There are several established curriculum that can be tailored to the disabilities of a variety of children.
Depending on the age and ability of your daughter, she might even be interested in doing a presentation herself on her specific challenge. This way your child is proactive in helping to teach kids about herself and others. Through understanding comes acceptance. Good luck!
Marilyn Augustyn
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I have to agree with the recommendation above, but I would also add that maybe a step further should be taken. I grew up with "handicapped" children included, part time, in regular classrooms. It was wonderful for me to have the experience of seeing someone who wasn't exactly like me. In second grade, Lauren became one of my best friends, even though she has MAJOR disabilities. I distinctly remember in the spring of that year cheering with the rest of my class when she learned how to drink orange juice straight out of a cup without a lid or straw. I believe that making sure your child has "normal" friends is a big help. Not only will she have the support system from peers, but they will also learn about her, to help her overcome her differences, give her the strength to stand up because she knows others love and respect her, and give her someone else to be with when things become difficult. I am not saying she will never get picked on because she has friends. What I am saying is she will know that there are people her age who will understand her, her feelings, her abilities, her likes/dislikes, etc to make things more managable for her. My greatest memory of having Lauren (and another severely "handicapped" student) in my grade, and life, was graduation. I was chosen to help Lauren walk across the stage to receive her diploma. When she got to the front and I moved her tassel for her, I looked up and witnessed a standing ovation for a young woman who wasn't supposed to live to her teens (the other student received one as well). I would be lying if I said I didn't start crying right there because I was not only proud to be her friend, but I was proud of everyone around me who thought to include her and recognize her for everything she has done in her life. I don't know if it's possible to have this in your child's school system, but if not, it's something to discuss with them. It's a huge benefit to your child and the lives of the other children she will touch. I hope your daughter is given the benefit of this because she will be proud of herself when the times comes for her to be recognized.