Parent advocates for accessibility improvements in schools during community meeting

The North Kingstown School Committee convened on June 3, 2025, to address several key issues impacting the local educational community, particularly focusing on accessibility for students with disabilities. The meeting featured poignant testimonies from parents advocating for improved facilities and resources.

One parent, who has been actively involved in advocating for accessible spaces for 13 years, shared her experiences navigating the challenges faced by her child with profound disabilities. She highlighted the lack of appropriate playground equipment and the barriers posed by inaccessible school facilities, such as locked gates and the absence of automatic door openers. Her testimony underscored the need for an accessibility coordinator to ensure that the voices of families with disabled children are included in planning and implementation processes.

Two specific agenda items received particular attention: the proposed accessibility audit and the development of a preschool playground at Davisville Elementary School. The parent emphasized the importance of conducting a comprehensive accessibility audit to identify barriers at school venues, including parking and playground access. She expressed her willingness to contribute her time and support to this initiative.

Regarding the preschool playground, she called for greater input from current parents and caregivers to ensure that the needs of all children are met. She reflected on her own experiences of feeling excluded from discussions in the past and stressed the importance of including diverse perspectives to create inclusive environments for all students.

The meeting also acknowledged the positive impact of a recent Mythbusters video, which showcased the integration of neurodivergent and neurotypical students, fostering a sense of community and pride among families.

As the meeting progressed, the committee members were encouraged to consider these insights and prioritize the needs of students with disabilities in their future planning. The discussions highlighted a collective commitment to creating a more inclusive educational environment for all students in North Kingstown.