Kauri Sue Hamilton School

The Kauri Sue Hamilton School educates and supports students with severe, multiple disabilities.

Located in Riverton, Utah, the school houses the district Child Development Center, Placement Office for Special Education, Health Services, and the Jordan School District Audiology Team. It includes a swimming pool, two playgrounds, two multi-sensory environment rooms, therapy treatment rooms, a health clinic, 16 classrooms, a cafeteria, and gymnasium. Open since August 2009, the school accommodates approximately 165 students from Kindergarten through 12th grade with a team of over 100 staff members.

This school replaced Jordan Valley School, which was also singularly dedicated to serving disabled children. Land for the new school was donated by the parents of a former student, Kauri Sue Hamilton, freeing resources for the completion of the project, including extensive equipment considerations.

Challenge

The severe and multiple disabilities of the student body, of which approximately 80% require diapering care, means that facilities need to be not only wheelchair accessible, but also wheelchair friendly - easy to use for both student and attendant. The former school location was outfitted with only stationary changing tables, and teachers and aides frequently changed students on the floor to avoid an additional lift.

Solution

Pressalit Height Adjustable Tables (19 total) provided by MAX-Ability, Inc.

Effect

Attendants who are responsible for changing duties many times during a school day can accomplish their tasks ergonomically with minimal risk of injury or fatigue. Physical therapists use the height adjustability to make transfer goals for their students, encouraging as much self-sufficiency as possible for these students.

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