Amelia Burbank has a simple, but powerful, message.
“I just want to help,” the 10-year-old said.
For more than a year, Amelia advocated for ways to make the playground at Schilling Elementary School in Homer Glen, where she is in fourth grade, more inclusive to individuals with disabilities. She said she wants children, especially those in wheelchairs, to be able to participate in recess alongside their friends.
Seeing someone sit along the sidelines makes her sad, she said.
To help accomplish this, Amelia and her family held Amelia’s Act of Kindness Yard Sale last May at Heritage Park. They also reached out to Homer Glen’s Ability Awareness Committee, which advocates for differently abled individuals, and worked their dunk tank and beer tent during last year’s HomerFest.
A relative in Arizona promoted the fundraiser on his radio show, and donations poured in from California, Nevada and Arizona.
All together, Amelia and her family contributed more than $11,000 toward playground equipment, which was celebrated Thursday at the school’s fourth grade farewell party.
The timing of Amelia’s donations was perfect, Principal Candis Gasa said.
Homer Elementary School District 33C was preparing to replace its mulch with wheelchair-accessible turf, and the Schilling Parent-Teacher Organization raised $25,000 for the equipment.
The turf allows the students to use the equipment during colder months, so they don’t have to close the playground when the ground freezes, Gasa said.
Gasa presented Amelia with a heart-shaped wand, thanking her for creating magic.
The playground improvements cost more than $250,000, including PTO and district funds and Amelia’s fundraising efforts, said Tim Russ, the district’s director of building and grounds.
The school improved the playground’s drainage system, added turf, created a handicapped-accessible apron, added a new rock climbing structure and added musical instruments that children could play, which creates a sensory experience.
Amelia helped fund the new Gaga Ball Pit, an enclosed area to play a gentler form of dodge ball that is accessible to all skill levels. Its manufacturer describes it as bringing “equity to the playspace.”
“A lot of people are using it,” Amelia said. “It’s going to help the community and make kids feel more included.”
She originally looked at a basketball system that offered variations for different abilities, but installation was too expensive, her mom, Kim Burbank, said. But it was an important life lesson and put into perspective all the challenges that come with making an idea a reality, she said.
Georgia McGoldrick, 10, and Kinsey Hellmuth, 10, worked with Amelia on her fundraising efforts and were excited to see the results.
“Everyone should be treated equally and fairly,” Kinsey said.
Georgia said she would like to continue making playgrounds more inclusive so everyone has a chance to enjoy them.
“Inclusiveness matters to me for all children,” said District 33C board member Melissa Chandarana, who has a child with different abilities. “I think that our district is moving in the right direction as we are getting our playgrounds to be accessible. The Gaga pit is beyond exciting that everyone can participate regardless of abilities.”
Karen R. Adamczyk, the co-chair of the village’s Ability Awareness Committee, said Amelia gave presentations before board members and was enthusiastic about wanting to help others.
Having an inclusive mindset wasn’t prevalent 20 years ago, but it means the world to students with special needs, said Adamczyk, a retired school social worker.
“They are kids first,” she said. “They want to play with their classmates. They want to be included.”
“This is the next generation and it’s beautiful,” said Joyal Akkawi, an Ability Awareness Committee member.
Carly Bos, whose 10-year-old son Nolan has developmental delays, said accessible playgrounds gives her child a chance to bond with his peers.
“It’s wonderful (Amelia) is thinking of other kiddos like him,” Bos said.
Gasa said the school teaches about community and unity to make sure everyone feels welcome and included.
“This is a big deal to be thinking this way, especially as we grow up and be good citizens and help change the world,” she said.
Michelle Mullins is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown
