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Empowering Abilities

This series shines a light on the abilities of students with physical and mental disabilities and approaches to teaching them.

Program uses stories to build literacy, connection

Kent ISD Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Books on the tables. Books on the floor. Books everywhere you look in a classroom at Kent Education Center Oakleigh — and all of them have a purpose.

Peers build relationships, practice social skills

Caledonia Alexis Stark

Caledonia’s peer-to-peer program promotes friendship, inclusion and belonging amongst young students.

‘Blast Off!’: Finding focus & fun on sensory path

Kelloggsville Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

A new sensory path gives students a structured way to manage emotions, stay active and take breaks from classroom routines.

Sixth-grader draws attention with art skills

Godwin Heights Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Weston Minnema earned a Yes I Can! Award for art from the Michigan Council for Exceptional Children.

Creating art ‘in a way that works for them’

Grandville Beth Heinen Bell

Adaptive tools are making a big difference for elementary students in this teacher’s ASD art class.

Braille & beyond: Students learn about navigating an unseen world

Grand Rapids Riley Kelley

Children’s House students at Grand Rapids Montessori Academy spent a day exploring what life is like for individuals with visual impairments.

ASD classroom now serving your morning pick-me-up

Sparta Riley Kelley

ASD students at Sparta Middle School are learning valuable life skills in the brand new Neuro Brew Crew coffee shop.

Lowell grad who has autism pens folly-filled comedic play

Lowell Erin Albanese

Lowell High School graduate Vaughn Outman has written his first play, a folly-filled comedy about actors performing a play.

Speech, occupational therapy blend during weekly class

Lowell Erin Albanese

A new class brings together speech and occupational therapy — proving to be a good mix for Lowell middle-schoolers.

New communication boards give students an outside voice

Caledonia Alexis Stark

New communication boards at all five elementary schools plus the Early Childhood Center promote inclusivity.

New bus allows transportation for all students — together

Wyoming Erin Albanese

A new wheelchair accessible bus allows students to ride with their classes to field trips

Young brains, big potential: From birth onward, special-ed services can make a lifetime of difference

All Districts School News Network

"Study Hall" talks to Lindsey VanDyke about how intervening with children’s special needs from the time they’re born can best prepare them for school and life.

Level playing field offers connection for students of all abilities

Godwin Heights Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

A new program brings students together through sports to make connections and friendships.

What would closing U.S. Dept. of Education mean for special education in Kent County?

Podcasts Charles Honey

President Trump has vowed to shut down the U.S. Department of Education. What’s at risk for special-education programs locally if this happens?

Through his eyes, he communicates

Kentwood School News Network

Kentwood Public Schools and Aves Films features Mo, a student who uses an eye-gaze device to communicate, in its latest episode of “Through the Eyes of Our Students.”