Creating a More Inclusive School For All
Boy in Motion tells the story of Rick Hansen’s journey of courage and bravery after he became paralyzed at age 15. This children's story teaches young readers how everyone can achieve their dreams and how after a big life change, Rick set his own dreams in motion.
Last year, Alanna Hageraats-Boucher, Grade Three Teacher for Huron Heights Public School, read this story to her third-grade class. This set in motion a journey of teaching about accessibility, immersing the students in creating an inclusive school for all.
“It began with the story of Rick. Third Graders are so curious, and I wanted to keep that curiosity alive and foster their love of learning. As they began to ask more questions, our class journey began,” she explained.
Hands on learning
Ms. Boucher and her class decided to audit their school for improved accessibility and potential solutions. This capitalized on the student's natural curiosity and allowed for hands-on learning opportunities for the 20 young students in Kincardine, Ontario.
Over a few months, the students went around their school with clipboards, looked at different barriers in the built environment, worked together and brainstormed possible solutions.
"The students just got more and more excited by the activity. We started to research other community buildings and discussed some of the ways in which they are accessible, such as ramps, elevators, and even considered sensory opportunities. The sky is the limit for them in terms of cost and possibility, so it was nice to discuss out of the box solutions,” she said of the enthusiastic third grade class.
In May, Ms. Boucher and her class were recipients of the Rick Hansen Foundation School Program (RHFSP) Difference Maker of the Year award for their work in auditing their school.
Each year, RHFSP accepts nominations to learn more about the wonderful work youth are doing across the country to make their communities more accessible.
“It was an incredible honour to receive the award,” Ms. Boucher said. “The students were very proud and this aware allowed us to be able to continue the conversation even further.”
Creating an inclusive classroom
Ms. Boucher has been involved and interested in learning more about accessibility before this project. While working with the local Community Living organization, she began to hear about the Rick Hansen Foundation and her school had already begun fundraising for a more accessible playground. From her experience, she decided to bring more lessons on inclusion into the classroom.
“I want to create an environment where every student can be themselves and has access to everything that is offered at school,” Ms. Boucher said.
Part of building an inclusive classroom is talking with students who have disabilities and their parents to learn how best to make the learning space as inclusive as possible. Asking questions and building relationships is key. This is something Ms. Boucher is really proud of. She stands by the phrase, Do the best you can until you know better, and then do better!
The natural curiosity that allowed for the hands-on learning of auditing their school is also how students learn from each other and learn to be more inclusive. By talking to one another and Ms. Boucher, the class creates a culture of inclusion that she hopes these students will carry forward.
Moving forward with accessibility
After auditing the school for where access could be improved for all students, the students successfully made a few changes around their school.
To date, the class’s advocacy has resulted in more inclusive learning materials, accessible gym equipment, and a deeper connection with the local Community Living organization.
The students also sought to continue to fundraise for the accessible playground. As of March 2024, the fundraising goal has been met and plans to install the playground are underway.
“I want students to be champions for inclusion going forward and helping everyone be included in school and life,” she said. “Accessibility is making sure that everyone can reach their full potential.”
The RHFSP Difference Maker of the Year Awards celebrate and recognize youth, youth groups, and classrooms from ages 5 to 18. Our award recipients are leaders in making a positive impact for inclusion and accessibility for people with physical disabilities in their school and community.
The nomination deadline for the 2023/2024 School Year was April 7th, 2024, at 11:59 pm PT. Individual award recipients will each receive an honorarium of $500 to recognize their work, while classrooms and youth groups will receive $1000 to share. Learn more about our past recipients and get inspired with unique ways to make a difference in your school or community.
