Portland Public Schools supports the full inclusion of all students with disabilities, including those students with higher mobility and medical needs. It is important to consider accessibility when planning school-related activities, both inside and outside PPS school buildings.

When planning school-related activities, it is mandatory to ensure the inclusion of all students with disabilities. This includes, but is not limited to, field trips, outdoor school, work placement, overnight camps, etc.

All students with disabilities that are accompanying you on school-related activities will need to be able to access the main areas of the activity site. Accessibility of the sites should be assessed on the basis of the needs of the most impacted student attending. If any area of the site to be visited is NOT accessible to these students, another site/activity will have to be planned.

Things to take into consideration when looking at the accessibility of off-site areas:

• Type of transportation to/from activity - students making use of specialized transport are required to be included with typical peers.

• Drop-off/pick-up areas at field trip sites need to be as close as possible to site entrances, to ensure the shortest distance to be traveled by students in wheelchairs or for students making use of mobility devices, as well as to allow for dropping off of equipment.

• Site entrances need to be accessible to accommodate students making use of mobility devices.

• All areas at the planned site that will be used by typical peers, need to be accessible for students making use of mobility devices.

• The sites need to offer larger/accessible private restrooms/areas to manage personal hygiene care.

• The sites need to offer private areas to manage feeding procedures or medical protocols as needed.

• Identify equipment that may be needed to ensure hygiene care and to perform medical procedures.

• Ensure that support staff on field trips is trained to perform hygiene care and medical procedures.

It is the responsibility of the school teacher or case-manager, in charge of the activity, to ensure adequate transportation, ensure that the planned sites are accessible, and to problem-solve to meet the student’s needs.

The physical therapy (PT) team will be available for consultation regarding individual student’s needs. With proper notice, the PT team may be able to support the various activities with portable equipment and/or provide additional staff training to manage the student's needs during field trips. Your physical therapist needs to be notified at least 4 weeks in advance to ensure the availability of equipment and/or training times.

It is greatly appreciated if upcoming field trips are communicated to your PT team at least quarterly to ensure timely planning and problem-solving.

Your assigned school-based physical therapist may be able to help with:

• Collaboration with school teams to determine the accessibility of the field trip locations.

• Collaboration with school teams regarding additional equipment required for access (i.e. hippocampe wheelchairs, change tables, restroom equipment).

• Collaborating with school teams regarding the transportation needs of the student to/from field trip locations.