National AccessAbility Week was recognized this year from May 25 to May 31. Each year, the week celebrates the valuable contributions and leadership of people with disabilities in Canada; the work of allies, organizations and communities that are removing barriers; and ongoing efforts to become a more accessible and inclusive Canada. This year's theme was "Breaking barriers together: Paving the way for an inclusive future."
The District has an Accessibility Committee that focuses on an accessibility audit, researching accessibility centres, and celebrating inclusion and accessibility. The District is especially proud of the contributions from those with lived experience who are integral parts of the eight-member Accessibility Committee.
Ben Fullerton, an accessibility professional with the Rick Hansen Foundation, is one of the members of the Accessibility Committee and a former Langley School District student. He said that he shares his experiences and knowledge with the rest of the committee members to ensure that students have more success than he did when he was in school.
"I want to see students, especially students with disabilities, feel more welcome by the education system," said Fullerton.
"My parents and I went through a lot of barriers just to have me equally participate in the regular curriculum," he added.
As part of National AccessAbility Week, the District highlighted a few students with disabilities and heard from them about their experiences in schools and found out how they are supported by staff.
At James Hill Elementary, an intermediate student named Jun has had positive experiences as a leader and continues to be an inspiration to her classmates. With the help of staff, she educates her school community about who she is and celebrates accessibility and inclusion. Jun makes an effort to visit with Kindergarten classes to read a book that teaches the students about her dwarfism condition.
"I'm really proud of the book because it helps explain what I have, but in a way that people will understand, and in a way that's not too complex, but it makes sense," she said. "I want them to feel welcome. I want them to think I'm just like them."
At Langley Fine Arts, a grade 6 student named Mickey has also had success at his school when it comes to physical activity. In part, thanks to staff including SEAs and district occupational therapists who have done everything from adapting wheelchair soccer guards and developing ball launchers with leaf blowers, Mickey is able to play sports.
"There's a lot of sports. I partake in most of them because there are a lot of sports opportunities that they open up here," Mickey said. "This is something I really value about my school, they always find ways to include (everyone)."
Mickey, in fact, was instrumental in helping his school set up a visit from a very high-profile accessibility advocate - Rick Hansen, who has been raising money and awareness about accessibility issues since his famous Man in Motion world tour in 1985.
Last Friday, the school held an assembly for Hansen - students in the gym alternated between cheers for Hansen and chants for Mickey. Hansen spoke to the school about breaking down barriers, keeping a positive attitude and about disabilities both visible and invisible.
Grade 6 students also read letters they'd written to Hansen, and the school's jazz band performed a version of Hansen's Man in Motion theme that had been arranged by an LFAS alum. After Hansen spoke, students went outside and participated in their annual colour run, which each year raises money for the Rick Hansen Foundation.
"That was really cool to do the colour run that we've been doing for Rick Hansen while Rick Hansen was here," said Langley Fine Arts principal Adam Moore. "It was just a very heartwarming, inspiring day."
