KINGSTON, ON, FOUR September 4, 2024 – This week, nine-year-old Grayson returns to James R. Henderson Public School to start Grade Four, with the support of specialized equipment that helps him participate more fully and actively in his school day. Born with a rare chromosome disorder known as Angelman syndrome, Grayson experiences seizures, is nonverbal, and cannot walk on his own. However, with the right equipment, he can join his classmates at school, participate in activities, and feel included. Like many children with physical disabilities, Grayson relies on several pieces of mobility and accessibility equipment to complete basic daily tasks. From joining in during phys. ed. using his adapted tricycle to giving a class presentation with his communication device, equipment plays an essential role in Grayson’s ability to attend school and fully engage in the learning experience. Grayson’s mom, Linda Clouthier, explains, “When Grayson has the right equipment at school, he is not just sitting in the classroom, he is part of the class. Grayson can use his wheelchair for traveling through the hallways, but then he can transfer to his walker to interact with his classmates more easily and take part in different activities, like circle time.”
Unfortunately, the high cost of accessibility and mobility equipment items can create significant barriers for students with disabilities. While there is some assistance available through government programs for certain items, many families, like Linda and Grayson’s, depend on the support of charitable organizations, such as Easter Seals Ontario, to help cover the cost of equipment.
Easter Seals Ontario has been helping to improve the lives of children, youth, and young adults with physical disabilities for over 100 years. In 2023, 963 Ontario families received funding from the organization to help with the purchase of essential equipment for their child. Linda, who works as a Community Engagement Officer for the organization, describes the impact of receiving funding for the installation of Grayson’s communication device: “With his communication device, Grayson has been able to take part in ‘topic of the week’ discussions – going to the front of the classroom and sharing his presentation. He can even respond to questions from his classmates. And having this opportunity to present to his class, taking part just like every other kid, it means the world to Grayson… When Grayson can join in, when he can do something as simple as read the attendance list at the start of the day, it doesn’t just affect Grayson, it affects the whole class – it changes how they see him.”
Watch Grayson’s story here: https://youtu.be/jRH7bxZI9Mw?si=OPRlgtcOBRJmPwRA
As schools across Ontario welcome students back to their classrooms this week, it is important to keep in mind that thousands of these young people have reported having at least one physical disability. Having access to the right mobility and accessibility equipment will play a pivotal role in their ability to engage in the learning experience throughout the year ahead. Support from charitable organizations like Easter Seals Ontario is essential to making this possible. When kids like Grayson are able to fully participate in school activities, it not only benefits them directly but also helps to break down misconceptions surrounding disabilities, fostering a more inclusive learning environment for all students.
Easter Seals Ontario has been a leading provider of programs and services for children and youth with physical disabilities since 1922. The organization is a registered charity committed to empowering individuals with physical disabilities to reach their full potential and make their own positive impact on the world. Easter Seals offers a wide range of programs and services, including mobility and accessibility equipment funding, accessible and inclusive summer camp, post-secondary scholarships, youth ambassadors, and advocacy and public awareness. Easter Seals is only able to provide these programs thanks to the generous support of its donors and sponsors. For more information or to donate, visit EasterSeals.org or connect on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.
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Media Contact:
Robyn Visheau
Easter Seals Ontario
Tel: 416.510.5078
Email: rvisheau@easterseals.org