What started as a spark has transformed into a flame of passion for inclusion for one Elk Point-Jefferson High School junior. Growing up, Kayla always looked up to her parents. Her mother is a nurse, and her father is a law enforcement officer. The one thing she says they have in common is their desire to help people. Aware of this, she knew she wanted to help people, too, when she had the chance.
Kayla became a Unified partner with the high school in August 2024 after her little brother was diagnosed with autism and dyslexia. At that time, she was able to see that he got the help he needed and was inspired to see him finally succeed.
He then joined the Unified Champion Schools® team at Elk Point-Jefferson for the 2024 State Summer Games in Vermillion. She watched him compete and witnessed the joy on his face – everyone’s faces – and how inclusion was the focus. Kayla knew she needed to join and said it was the best thing she’d ever done.
She joined Educators Rising, a student organization that inspires and raises current and rising educators to become community leaders and advocates for high quality education. With her Special Olympics South Dakota background, she wanted to do something to help individuals with disabilities beyond competition. Kayla saw a need for more teacher-created materials for Special Education students.
What she came up with was a fidget apron to help students focus in their classrooms and learn important regulation skills.
Over time, she noticed a need for her aprons to be even more inclusive, so she made half-aprons for the students who didn’t like the feeling on their neck, or the full apron was too big for them.
Then, she created a wheelchair-accessible mat format that is to be put on a table.
The aprons can be part of the daily classroom routine or used when students show signs of distress or distraction. She says teachers and aides will show students how to use the apron and how it can help them during breaks, moments of anxiety, or when struggling with staying still or focusing.
In February, South Dakota held their State Educators Rising Competition. Kayla remembers being extremely nervous before getting up to give her presentation. But, she nailed her speech and presentation!
During the awards ceremony, she found out that she qualified for the National Competition in Florida in June – but not only that – she got two perfect scores!
“The support I have received from my peers and my community makes me feel beyond blessed,” she said.
We at Special Olympics South Dakota want to wish Kayla good luck at the National Competition in Orlando, Florida on June 26-29!
If you are interested in learning more about her project or to donate, you can email her at KS5037@k12.sd.us.
