Make a Wish Foundation Teams Up with Centennial Public School to Grant a Musical Wish
The Make a Wish Foundation recently granted a very special wish to a student at Centennial Public School. Elaan D., a grade 5 student in the Physical Support Program (PSP), has received an accessible music station designed by school staff, so that he can experience music in a fun and interactive way.
Elaan, who has cerebral palsy, uses assistive technology to communicate and access the world around him. This music station includes drums, guitars, a piano keyboard, and other instruments that he will be able to control using switch and bluetooth technology.
Elaan has been in the Primary/Junior Physical Support Program for four years. When his Special Education Teacher, Jennifer Bygrave, and Educational Assistant, Sean Fredette, learned that the Make A Wish Foundation was granting a wish, they volunteered their time after school to design and select instruments for the station. The Foundation granted funds to support the project.
The cart is designed to be a musical sharing experience for Elaan and his family. His parents, Natasha Bakht and Lynda Collins, are also musical and have visited the school and performed mini-concerts for the class.
An avid learner, Elaan loves going to school and visiting everyone in the PSP program. He has learned how to use switches and an eye gaze computer system. He has a great sense of humour and often gets his classmates and teachers laughing along with him. He specializes in knock-knock jokes and loves music. He also thrives in nature, and enjoys walking in his walker and going on community outings in his wheelchair.
Thank you to the Make a Wish Foundation for your support in helping Elaan’s wish come true!