In the lead up to National AccessAbility Week at the end of May, many schools have explored learning and community building opportunities that support inclusion and accessibility. Some recent examples follow.
The first-ever Unified Basketball playoffs in the District were hosted by Burnaby Mountain Secondary at the end of May. Teams from Alpha, Byrne Creek, Burnaby Mountain, and Cariboo Hill Secondary schools joined in on the fun and action. In the 2023-24 school year, youth at Burnaby Mountain became the first to have a Unified Basketball team in the District. Teams are made up of students with disabilities or diverse abilities, alongside neurotypical youth and athletes. The hallmarks of Unified Sports include building inclusion, friendship, and understanding through sport. Watch a student-created video capturing some of the magical highlights from the playoffs here.
Following a week of workshops at the school, children at Westridge Elementary had the chance to learn wheelchair basketball from a world-class athlete. Paralympian Amanda Pinheiro shared her powerful story with students and joined them as they took part in the BC Wheelchair Basketball school program. In addition to being a lot of fun, the program aims to provide awareness through empathy, experience and education.
Several classes across the District are participating in the Easter Seals National AccessAbility Week Contest, including students in Grades 8 to 10 who are taking media arts and design classes at Alpha Secondary. Each year, students in elementary and high schools from BC and the Yukon are invited to submit a design that promotes inclusion and accessibility. This year, the chosen artwork will be used in the production of tote bags celebrating National AccessAbility Week.
The 2024 winner of the Easter Seals BC/Yukon contest for National AccessAbility Week was Sophia from Second Street Community School. Her design was printed on t-shirts.
Students in several grades at Brentwood Park Elementary have been learning about accessibility, including this work by Grade 2/3 students focusing on ASL and exploring the meaning of accessibility.
Learn More
Accessibility in Burnaby Schools
Burnaby School District Accessibility Plan 2023-2026
Forward Together: AccessAbility Week – May 2024
Breaking Down Barriers: New Plan Toward Greater Accessibility – December 2023
Students and Staff Shine: Awards and Competitions – July 2021
Posted May 2025