On March 21st, 2024, Forest View Academy, District 214,  held their first ever, Disabilities Awareness game.

This was the first time all four schools came together to support a cause. Students from the LIFE program, Vanguard, Academy, and International Newcomer School, played some hoops to raise awareness for students with disabilities.

Amy Wisnewski, and Instructional Assistant for the hearing impaired, organized this special event.

“I didn’t know how this was going to go, but all the students enjoyed participating and working together”.

Amy is an advocate for the hearing impaired since she was the only hearing person in her family.  Amy’s mom, dad, and brother are all part of the deaf community.  Wisnewski is currently working on other events for typical and non typical students to come together.

Rose Ignas, a student in District 214’s LIFE Transition program, made the final bucket for the red team to win the game.  Using Touch Chat, a communication device, she said,

“I am excited to play and to play for all my classmates”.

Rosie has down syndrome and is non verbal, but communicates through a device which allows her to use her voice.

The crowd went wild and cheered “Rosie! Rosie!”

“I am so excited to play and show off my skills”, said Sindi Siduko, a LIFE Transition Program.  “I love to play hoops and I can’t wait to play with my friends in the other schools”.

Siduko  has a passion for basketball and even with his disability is able to play the game he loves with neurotypical students.

Students from Vanguard helped the LIFE teams with plays, running, and passing the ball.  Students made plays and took shots together which made it memorable for all students involved.

“I never thought helping the LIFE students would be so much fun and rewarding all at the same time”, according to Malik Johnson, a Junior at Vanguard.

The Disabilities awareness game was able to bring all specialized students together for a fun filled activity that students at every level could participate in.  Val Norris, Principal at Specialized Schools, hopes this tradition continues to bring students together in a safe and fun environment and create memories students will never forget.