A wheelchair, A Bus and a Park, Trip to Spaulding

Hello My name is Michael Crowley, and I work for Boston Public Schools in Dorchester MA.

Today I am writing to ask for your help. PLEASE help us raise the funds needed to send our students with Multiple Disabilities on a field trip to Thomas Menino Park in Charlestown on Friday June 7th.

All too often our students with severe multiple disabilities are unfortunately not afforded the same field trip opportunities as many of our other students enjoy for several reasons. It can be difficult to find relevant trips for our students and transportation is incredibly difficult given our program needs multiple buses with wheelchair access. The cost of renting the accessible buses is extremely expensive.

This year we are working to raise funds ($5000) to pay for eight wheelchair buses so our students may have the opportunity to go to Thomas Menino Park. This is an inclusive playground located at the Charlestown Navy Yard near Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. The Thomas Menino Park includes a new boardwalk, 63 pieces of play equipment on a rubber playground area, as well as accessible paths and gathering spaces for children with disabilities.

As a former patient of Spaulding Rehab Hospital in Charlestown, I fully understand and appreciate the dedication of the Doctors, therapists and the support staff. This same understanding of compassion and resilience is also exemplified by our students and my colleagues.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story. We hope you are able to make a donation towards our field trip, and on behalf of our staff and students, THANK YOU !