Imagine wanting to swing, but not being able to hold on to the chains. Imagine trying to swing without the ability to balance your body. Imagine watching your peers swing while you dream of doing the same.
We are located in a public elementary school.
My Special Education Inclusion Preschool students range from 3 to 5 years in age. Their needs include physical impairments, developmental delays, Autism, speech and language impairments. Our specific playground has equipment that the students enjoy, but it does not adequately meet the needs of students with disabilities. My goal is to make sure the playground becomes more accessible for all students and allows opportunities for students with special needs to participate in engaging and much needed stimulating activities.
My Project
We have three sets of swings on our playground at this time. They are tall, over-sized, and have flat rubber seats. The items that I have requested will provide a sturdy metal frame for supporting a specially designed swing. The swing has a back and head rest for students with low muscle tone, and it also has a five-point harness system that will keep the student safely and securely in the swing set. I have one student that can not use his arms from the shoulders down. He is such an amazing little boy! He wants to swing so badly, so I swing with him in my lap. I wish you could see his face when we swing. If he could swing on his own, while still using his legs to control his stops and starts, just imagine his empowerment! I also have a little girl with a multi-organ transplant that keeps her from developing adequate muscle tone. She would benefit from the entire swing system as she participated with adult assistance. I wish you could see her smile!
Smiling faces, happy thoughts, positive reinforcement, vestibular stimulation, and feelings of normalcy.......
With your support, my students with disabilities could forget about their differences for just a few moments as the swing along beside their peers.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Ream and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.