Two years ago, our school
district brought all special needs students from the Jenkins facility in Pine
Bluff to our school. We have 11 students who have been transferred to our
campus. Two of those students are on homebound currently. Nine are on campus
for learning. Two of those who are on campus for learning are in wheelchairs.
These students are currently unable to access any equipment on our playground.
The other students from the
class are mobile and are more able to play although some do require assistance.
I also have a student who is in regular education classes that must use a
walker. He can access the playground with his walker, but there are limitations
to the things he can play on with his mobile limitations. Another student in
regular education classes uses her wheelchair only as needed. On days she must
use her wheelchair on the playground, she has limited access. We would love to
create a place on our playground where all students can play together.
On another note, if the two
students who are on homebound do come to our school, they are both in
wheelchairs. In the future, our school will continue to have students with
multiple disabilities who will need equal access to our playground. Not only
does this equipment provide equal access for wheelchairs, there are certain
parts of it that provide sensory output opportunities for students with ADHD,
Autism, and other sensory disorders. We have many students on our campus with
these diagnoses that will benefit from this piece of equipment. We expect that
these opportunities might also improve their behavioral and academic
performance in the classroom.
For questions or help regarding this fundraiser, please contact Tammie Canada
