New collaboration aims to make learning inclusive and accessible for all students

FREDERICTON, Dec. 12, 2017 /CNW/ - The Learning Bar and the Rick Hansen Foundation (RHF) have teamed up to help educators assess the level of inclusivity and accessibility within their school environments. Through the collaboration, the OurSCHOOL Student Survey, developed by The Learning Bar, now includes questions of students' awareness of the barriers facing peers with physical disabilities, and their willingness to take action. The data will enable educators to monitor the success of programs aimed at increasing awareness, accessibility and inclusion.

"We are excited about working with the Rick Hansen Foundation and what this means for educators across Canada. They will be able to get the inclusion and accessibility data they need to deliver informed initiatives for change and monitor their success," said Dr. J. Douglas Willms, President of The Learning Bar. "The Rick Hansen Foundation School Program is a powerful program that is breaking down barriers for people with disabilities. Working together allows us to help schools understand whether they are providing equal opportunities for all children to thrive."

The Rick Hansen Foundation School Program provides educators across Canada with free bilingual, tools and resources to empower youth to improve accessibility and inclusion in their schools and communities. "This is the first time educators will have the ability to measure their students' awareness of barriers and their willingness to create positive change in their communities," said Rick Hansen, Founder and CEO, Rick Hansen Foundation. We are delighted to be teaming up with The Learning Bar to make this happen. This partnership will enable us to inspire a new generation of champions for inclusion and accessibility."

The Learning Bar
The Learning Bar is dedicated to improving the outcomes of all children and reducing childhood vulnerability. Student assessments and survey solutions are developed by in-house researchers and educators, whose work on student learning is being used to affect local and national policy. This knowledge is the foundation of our evaluation tools which provide educators with the insight they need to make informed school planning decisions.

The Rick Hansen Foundation
RHF was established in 1988, following the completion of Rick Hansen's Man In Motion World Tour. For 30 years, RHF has worked to raise awareness, change attitudes, and remove barriers for people with disabilities.

SOURCE The Learning Bar

Robert DiDiodato, The Learning Bar, [email protected], 200, 527 Queen St, Fredericton, NB E3B 1B8