Naismith Memorial PS Shines on CTV Morning Live for Student-Led Accessibility Initiative

From the Upper Canada District School Board

Grade 6 students at Naismith Memorial Public School are making a real-world impact—and getting recognized for it!

On Wednesday, April 24, they were featured on CTV Morning Live in Ottawa to share their inspiring Real-World Learning (RWL) project focused on accessibility. The idea for the project was sparked by a conversation with the school’s office administrator, who lives with achondroplasia and shared some of the daily challenges she faces with accessibility. Motivated to make a difference, the students, led by their teacher, launched an initiative to improve access within their school.

Students Olivia Anderson and Quinn Suwala-Bratton joined Joe Chalmers on air to talk about their successful fundraising effort, which raised more than $1,800. The funds went toward bringing the Step 'n Wash to Naismith – a secure step stool that makes sinks in public and commercial restrooms more accessible for all.

In December, the class met with the Mississippi Mills Accessibility Advisory Committee to explore local accessibility challenges and propose solutions. Now, they’re bringing those ideas to life. Inspired by the students’ efforts, the president of Step ‘n Wash donated units to the John Levi Community Centre, where they’ll be unveiled on April 29 by the class with Mayor Christa Lowry in attendance.

Watch to the entire interview with Naismith students on the CTV Morning Live website.