By Derek Schlennstedt
Hoddles Creek Primary School student Angus is enjoying a new sense of independence at school.
The primary school recently received funding from the Department of Education and Training to improve wheelchair access throughout the grounds for Angus who has cerebral palsy.
School principal, Ben Zimmerle, said that prior to the ramps the school grounds were quite challenging for Angus to get around in his wheelchair, and he would often require assistance from a teacher.
“The school grounds were quite hard and complex for Angus to navigate before the implementation of the ramps, and he would often need assistance from an adult in order to get over ledges and down stairs,” Mr Zimmerle said.
The construction of the ramp facilities has meant Angus, who is in Grade 1, can now independently traverse the school grounds and play with his friends.
“He’s absolutely thrilled; the ramps mean he can travel around the school yard with relative ease,“ Mr Zimmerle said.
“It’s given him independence and the ability to play with his friends, and he can now follow them throughout the school yard.”
The funding has allowed the school to build five major ramps, including to the basketball court and the oval, previously the most difficult for Angus to access, and an edible garden which also provides for wheelchair access.
The ramps, built by commercial builders John Lyngs give the school the ability to cater for students who require wheelchair access and more.
Angus is of course overjoyed with the new ramps which have given him independence and the capacity to play with his friends.
“I like them, they’re excellent,” he said.
“I can get everywhere!“
