For most kids, recess is their favorite part of the school day, but for wheelchair bound students, it can be far from fun. No one likes to sit on the sidelines and watch other kids play. All children benefit from stimulating playtime and a break from the regular classroom structure. That’s why the Westview Primary school in Goose Creek, SC is raising funds to build a handicap accessible playground.
Their mission is to help students with handicaps or disabilities have a special playground to use. After the death of her grandson who was born with a skeletal disorder, Westview teacher Karen Poston made it her goal to raise money for an adaptive playground. She and another teacher started the “Promoting Awareness and Learning Service” or PALS Committee.
“We’re looking for high back swing chairs so our children that need that support and the back support will be able to swing, wheelchair swing, a large piece of equipment that will have ramps that go up, covered flooring like the miracle league has so our children in wheelchairs and walkers will be able to use those,” Poston said.
This state-of-the-art playground equipment will be wonderful for increasing inclusion, but it doesn’t come cheap. They need to raise $75,000 to build the playground. Over the past year, they have raised about $10,000 and are well on their way!
Of the 800 students at Westview Primary, over 100 of them have special needs. The school is a leader in inclusion practices through their other programs for students with disabilities, such as the Special Olympics.
We love seeing schools that are devoted to championing accessibility. Have you talked with your child’s school about the importance of having an accessible playground?
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