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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.

Sign language boards help ‘start the conversation’ while at play

Northview Beth Heinen Bell
Hearing students at West Oakview have been learning ASL this fall — and everyone’s making new friends — thanks to sign language communication boards that have been installed on the playgrounds.

Swimmer headed overseas for world competition

Kentwood Erin Albanese
East Kentwood swimmer Gus Perton is competing at a world-class level in Portugal in November.

Seniors and teammates bring royal twist to inclusion

Wyoming Erin Albanese
Teammates on a basketball team that brings together students with and without intellectual disabilities represented Wyoming High School on Homecoming Court last Friday.
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With alum’s creative engineering, fifth-grader makes music dreams a reality

Caledonia Alexis Stark
Thanks to a 3D-printed device and determination, fifth-grader Kendall Heiss is able to play cello alongside her peers, despite being born with a partial arm.

Grant makes beautiful music therapy possible

Caledonia Alexis Stark
Thanks to a grant from the Caledonia Education Foundation, Paris Ridge’s ASD program included weekly music therapy throughout the school year.

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
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