Making schools accessible

ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS FROM MORGAN LOUDEN B.KIN, PRESIDENT, CAN-DAN

As we strive for inclusivity and accessibility in Canada, it is important that we ensure that all children have access to schools. Not only is this a place for education, but it provides opportunities for a child’s psychosocial skill development essential for building confidence and independence. Each child, regardless of their abilities, has a right to be treated with respect and dignity. Additional support may be necessary to assist students with access, caregiving, and learning challenges.

Creating accessibility awareness is the first step in ensuring that students with mobility and behavioural challenges can function in the school environment. How do students enter the building? How do they move between rooms and floors? What is necessary for the safety of students and caregivers in bathrooms? Are classrooms and workspaces suitable? How are students with mobility equipment safely evacuated in cases of an emergency? Can the building accommodate or be modified to provide the necessary spaces and are the costs of renovations realistic? These are some of the questions we need to consider when developing each student’s care and learning plan.

When we are exploring accessibility within a school there are three primary considerations.