Access Barriers for Disabled Students in Idaho
Despite federal law, disabled students in Idaho face significant barriers in accessing playgrounds, lunchrooms, classes, and bathrooms.
A notable example is an elementary school in southwest Boise, where a 3-year-old boy in a wheelchair was unable to join his classmates on the playground due to loose woodchips and a lack of accessible equipment.
The boy was relegated to watching his classmates play as a staff member stood with him, often spending recess inside his classroom instead.
A historic $2 billion funding allocation is expected to have a limited impact on addressing these accessibility issues, leaving school districts unable to make necessary fixes.
Author's summary: Disabled Idaho students face accessibility barriers in schools despite funding.