Kids Can Do It: Making Our School Accessible For All Kids

Emily Wegener, Literacy, Albemarle Road Elementary School

Final Unit (PDF)     Implementing Common Core Standards (PDF)

200 Word Synopsis

A large group of students taught in schools around the country are students who have a disability of one kind or another. Another large group of students taught in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools and in schools around the country speak a language other than English at home. Many of these students have at least two barriers to overcome in order to communicate easily, fluently, and functionally with their school community: language and a disability of some sort. I see the need for better access for all our students, including those with communication barriers, language barriers, and those with disabilities. When I say access I mean the feeling of belonging that comes when you can give a visitor a tour of YOUR school. Access is the ability to take ownership of the places in your life where you live, work, and play. When someone can effectively communicate and interact with their school and community life they are inherently more involved and feel more accepted. Access is a door that gives people who have disabilities opportunity. Students in our school will use critical thinking to make our school more accessible and a more communication free environment.