Young Advocate Pushes for Inclusive Playgrounds

Amelia Burbank, a 10-year-old student at Schilling Elementary School in Homer Glen, aims to make playgrounds more inclusive for children with disabilities. “I just want to help,” she said, advocating for over a year to allow all children, including those in wheelchairs, to enjoy recess together.

To achieve this, Amelia and her family organized ‘Amelia’s Act of Kindness Yard Sale’ at Heritage Park last May. They collaborated with Homer Glen’s Ability Awareness Committee, participating in events like HomerFest. The fundraiser received widespread support, with donations from California, Nevada, and Arizona, thanks to a relative’s radio show promotion in Arizona.

Their efforts raised over $11,000 for playground equipment, celebrated during the school’s fourth-grade farewell party. Principal Candis Gasa noted the perfect timing of Amelia’s donations, complementing a district plan to replace mulch with wheelchair-accessible turf. The Schilling Parent-Teacher Organization raised an additional $25,000.

The new turf enables year-round use of the playground by preventing closures due to frozen ground. Gasa recognized Amelia’s contribution with a heart-shaped wand, symbolizing the positive change she inspired.

Tim Russ, the district’s director of building and grounds, reported that playground improvements exceeded $250,000. Funding included PTO and district contributions alongside Amelia’s fundraising.

Enhancements feature improved drainage, the addition of musical instruments for sensory experiences, and new structures like a handicapped-accessible apron and rock climbing features. Amelia also helped fund a Gaga Ball Pit, providing an inclusive dodgeball experience for all skill levels.

Amelia initially considered a basketball system that accommodated various abilities, but high installation costs made it impractical. Despite this, the experience offered her valuable insights into turning ideas into reality.

Amelia’s friends Georgia McGoldrick and Kinsey Hellmuth participated in the fundraising efforts and celebrated the new playground features. Kinsey emphasized that all children deserve equal treatment, and Georgia expressed interest in further supporting inclusive playgrounds.

District 33C board member Melissa Chandarana, with a child of different abilities, appreciated the move towards inclusivity. “The Gaga pit is beyond exciting,” she said, praising its accessibility.

Karen R. Adamczyk, co-chair of the Ability Awareness Committee, admired Amelia’s enthusiasm and presentations to board members. Adamczyk, a retired school social worker, highlighted the significance of including students with special needs in play.

Committee member Joyal Akkawi and Carly Bos, a mother of a child with developmental delays, lauded Amelia’s consideration of other children’s needs. Gasa, the principal, stressed teaching values of community and inclusion at the school.

Freelance reporter Michelle Mullins covered this story for the Daily Southtown.