To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing this letter in regards to an individual student’s needs. I have been working
with this student who has physical and mental disabilities. The student uses a communication
device and there for needs much support. The Life Skills class that this student is in goes out into
the community about 3 times a week and we struggle to get in and out of the building due to the
building not having ADA compliant doors. This particular student can at times walk with
assistance, but doesn’t have the strength to open the doors on his own. The class is teaching and
encouraging the students to have skills that they will use in everyday life so they can be more
independent.

I have noticed that the school doesn’t have appropriate ADA access into the building.
The doors don’t have electric doors for students like this. I, on occasion, also have been asked
by parents of other students why the school doesn’t have this type of access. They notice there is
ramp access, bathrooms that are ADA accessible, and that the doors to classrooms are at the
proper width for wheelchairs. Students, parents, and staff that come to this school and need this
type of assistance will face the same challenge as we do.

We, as a school, should be accommodating to all so that no one faces this struggle. As an
educator I know how I feel, imagine how the parents and students feel. This is important to
remove any barriers and to empower people to have access to improve their mobility in everyday
situations and in any emergency that might arise at our school. If we fix this problem the
situation would bring better support and teach the students to be safe and independent in their
environment.

I am sure this is a costly fix for our school. Maybe we can brainstorm on how to reach
the goal for all our students to be accommodated and treated equally.

Sincerely,
Teri Maurer