{"id":3385,"date":"2015-09-07T14:00:48","date_gmt":"2015-09-07T18:00:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/huntsville.dopperonline.ca\/?p=3385"},"modified":"2015-09-08T00:28:37","modified_gmt":"2015-09-08T04:28:37","slug":"huntsville-public-school-accessibility-improvements-almost-complete-finally","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/doppleronline.ca\/huntsville\/huntsville-public-school-accessibility-improvements-almost-complete-finally\/","title":{"rendered":"Huntsville Public School accessibility improvements almost complete…finally"},"content":{"rendered":"

[ratings]<\/strong><\/p>\n

By October, Huntsville Public School students with mobility challenges will be able to use the school\u2019s new elevator, housed in an addition that also includes a new stairwell and accessible washrooms.<\/p>\n

Principal Ross Jewiss had hoped that the project, which broke ground in April after being re-tendered when initial bids were too high, would be complete by the beginning of the school year to minimize impact on the school\u2019s 500 students. He is, however, pleased with what the addition will mean for HPS students.<\/p>\n

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\u201cWe don\u2019t currently have any students in wheelchairs but we do have two who are legally blind. We are excited to offer them this option so that they don\u2019t have to navigate our two stairwells with the 250 other students that use them,\u201d said Jewiss. The elevator will only be for use by those students who need it and only with assistance from an adult, he noted. Security features will ensure that students can\u2019t just get a lift whenever they feel like it.<\/p>\n

Mechanical rooms were also included in the HPS addition. \u201cWe hope to later install an air ventilation system,\u201d said Jewiss. \u201cThis is a big, old building and the air gets stagnant.\u201d<\/p>\n

The area at the school\u2019s front entrance has been reconfigured as well. Roots from blue spruce that graced the entryway were causing cracks in the foundation and the trees\u2019 needles were causing drainage problems. The offending trees were removed and a ramp has been built to the front door where there is expanded turnaround space for a wheelchair.<\/p>\n

The need for the accessibility improvements was identified by Trillium Lakelands District School Board\u2019s Multi-Year Accessibility Plan<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cEach year our Facilities Department reviews each school<\/a> to see what repairs and modifications are needed at the school,\u201d wrote Earl Manners, TLDSB Human Resources Administrator. \u201cUsing the funds available, items of most urgent need are added to the renewal plan and where possible this will include accessibility features such as the elevator at Huntsville Public School.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pine Glen, Spruce Glen, and VK Greer already have accessible entrance ways and accessible washrooms, according to Manners. Construction of a new accessible ramp at Hunstville High School will be completed by the end of September 2015 as part of the board\u2019s annual facility renewal.<\/p>\n

In the future, Jewiss hopes to refurbish the space adjacent to the addition and add more outdoor classroom space. \u201cThe students love our current outdoor classroom,\u201d he said. \u201cA second one would be just as popular.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\t\t