Accessibility upgrades roll out in classrooms and hallways

Thanks to your generous donations of $63,704 last school year NCS is becoming a more accessible school.

Students, staff and visitors are enjoying several new accessibility upgrades to the buildings and classrooms at Nanaimo Christian School thanks to generous giving last year of more than $60,000. The impact has been profound for students of all abilities. Thank you to everyone who gave!

Automatic doors have been installed at building entrances. Evacuation mats are mounted on walls near upper level exit doors, and a collapsible wagon is outside the Building B music room. Several new tools have also been added to classrooms.

A new classroom SoundField amplification system has been installed in 20+ spaces, where teachers can now use lanyard microphones connected to wireless speakers. Teachers say the increased volume and improved speech recognition benefits all kids, whether or not they have hearing loss. The impact in classrooms is profound:

“It's been a great addition to the classroom and has definitely made a difference for the students. Specifically when it comes to giving instructions, I am able to explain key learning concepts in a clear way without raising my voice. This allows me to talk in a calm tone but still be heard. Also, I have some students in the class who have a hard time concentrating when many different things are going on in the classroom. The SoundField system allows my voice to become clear and easy to pay attention to.” - Jaime Krastal, Grades 1/2 

“It has been a great tool for all students, especially for one student with a hearing impairment. Students can hear my voice clearly without me having to strain it, even those in the back row. I can effectively use whisper talk, and attention-getters like "Class, Class!" or "One, two, three, eyes on me!" are easily heard and well-received. The clarity of my voice also encourages me to speak more precisely and articulate more clearly.” - Heidi Penner, Grades 1/2

Here's how the new upgrades and tools are impacting students:

• Noise cancelling headphones are being used in one of the grade 1/2 classrooms as a tool for ALL learners. During rotations, where it can be hard to maintain focus, all students have access to headphones when they are at an independent seatwork rotation. This has improved their ability to focus and improved their sense of accomplishment as they are able to complete a task independently, without distraction. 

  
  

• Sensory tools are being used in all K-5 classrooms by a variety of students. These tools are helping students to focus during instructional times when they need an outlet for some of their energy. Grade 1/2 classes have done some direct teaching around how different learners need different tools to be successful. This has helped them to understand why some students need focus tools regularly and others do not. 

  
  

• Floor lamps are being used in a few different classrooms to offer an alternative to the brightness of fluorescent lighting that can be overwhelming to some students. They make a difference when the class is in need of a calming break or when an activity lends itself to a dimly lit atmosphere, such as writing in prayer journals while listening to worship music.

“Last year we sought the advice of the Society of Christian Schools of BC and put together an accessibility committee of parents and staff who drafted the NCS Three-Year Accessibility Plan (2023-26) with recommendations for school upgrades. It's exciting to see how they are making a difference for students." -- Hayley Dueck, Director of Student Support (3-12)

• Automatic doors at entrances are making it easier for parents pushing strollers at drop off and pick up; promoting inclusion and independence for anyone with limited mobility.

• Evacuation mats near upper level exit doors are giving students, staff or visitors with limited mobility the access to a quick, safe evacuation in an emergency.

• Stand mixers are helping students with weak muscle tone participate fully in cooking classes.

• Headsets/mics are increasing clarity for students using speech-to-text technology and making it easier for them to communicate.

• A tablet/stylus is allowing students with graphmotor needs to have adaptive software and more tools available.

• Alternative rocking/wobbling seating is helping students with self-regulation and developing key motor skills, allowing small movements during instruction without impacting those nearby.

• Disposable ear plugs are helping students with sensory sensitivities to temper noise so that they can concentrate.

• Sport pack equipment is allowing students to take a movement break to help with their self-regulation and exercise.

• Pro D training will give one teacher in each division the opportunity to take a one-day course on a specific disability, study techniques, anxiety and/or executive function.

Thank you to all who came together to make these upgrades possible! How blessed we are to be part of a community that seeks to remove barriers and improve access for everyone.