HAMILTON-WENTWORTH CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
St. Thomas the Apostle continues to go “Above and Beyond” for an inclusive community

Anthony Frisina has one goal: "make Canada accessible for all."

A big task, sure, but students at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Elementary are up for the challenge.

His goal was inspired from Rick Hansen who travelled 40,000 km in his wheelchair, visiting 34 countries in 26 months. As a teen, Hasen was left paralyzed from the waist down after a car accident. The purpose of his journey was to "create a world that is accessible and inclusive for all by removing barriers for people with disabilities through the Rick Hansen Foundation." (Rick Hansen Foundation).

Taking the Rick Hansen model on a more local level, Frisina founded "Above and Beyond" where he, too, advocates for accessibility, inclusion, integration, and equal opportunities for people of all abilities.

On February 11, he was invited to speak to the St. Thomas community where he asked staff and students to think about ways in which they can make their school more accessible to all. Using the acronym "MICEE" (Motivation, Inspiration, Celebration, Education, Empowerment) as a base, Frisina's talk helped students add their voice to a conversation he says should be ongoing.

Ideas ranged from ramps and elevators to inclusive language and closed captioning on videos.

"It's about making sure that everyone feels like they belong," he said.

Born with Spina Bifida, which resulted in paralyzed legs, Frisina uses a wheelchair to get around. Despite obstacles he might face surrounding mobility, Frisina embraces every day by seeing past negativity and looking for opportunity.

"Everybody matters and everybody belongs."

His message mirrors that of the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board: "Each belongs not because he or she can do something or cannot do something. Each belongs because he or she is."

For some students St. Thomas the Apostle who also have accessibility challenges, this model is crucial to ensuring they have a safe learning environment.

It's also about helping empower others so they can keep their own independence, noted Frisina.

"For the rest of your day, think about everything you do, from at home to school," said Special Education Teacher Shay Standish, who joined Frisina in his presentation. "Is it wheelchair accessible? Is it accessible for anyone? If it's not, ask yourself why not' and think of what you can do to help."

"When we have the opportunity to have someone like Mr. Frisina to talk to us about these major concepts and big ideas, you will carry them throughout your adult life," said Principal Dean Younger.

As students went back to class, some took on Frisina's challenge right away, designing their own accessible schools using Minecraft.

A plan to do an audit of the actual school, with Frisina, is set for a future date so every student can succeed to the best of their ability.

To learn more about the Rick Hansen Foundation, please visit: https://www.rickhansen.com

To learn more about Above and Beyond, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/abovebeyondtv/