Legislation Document

SPONSOR:

Rep. Heffernan & Rep. S. Moore & Sen. Gay

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

152nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 147

HONORING THE BRANDYWINE HIGH SCHOOL ALL-WOMEN STEM TEAM OF OLIVIA ERSKINE, KATHERINE MCDERBY, ISABELLA CHERMAK, AND MALTI JOHN FOR THEIR INNOVATIVE REDESIGN OF BOARD GAMES TO ENHANCE ACCESSIBILITY FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENTS.

WHEREAS, the Brandywine High School All-Women STEM Team from Wilmington, Delaware, has demonstrated outstanding innovation and commitment to inclusivity by redesigning traditional board games such as Chutes and Ladders and Connect Four to accommodate the needs of special education students; and

WHEREAS, the team engaged in meaningful dialogue with district special education teachers to understand the challenges faced by special education students in making meaningful connections with their classmates; and

WHEREAS, the redesigned games incorporate adaptive and interchangeable buttons and color schemes, making them accessible for visually impaired students and those who are colorblind, thereby fostering an inclusive environment that promotes social interactions; and

WHEREAS, these redesigned games have generated significant demand from schools and assisted living facilities around the county, highlighting their potential to make a positive impact on the community; and

WHEREAS, social interactions play a crucial role in the development and well-being of special education students, and the Brandywine High School STEM Team’s initiative addresses this often-overlooked aspect of assistive special education.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the 152nd General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the Senate concurring therein, commend and honor the Brandywine High School All-Women STEM Team of Olivia Erskine, Katherine McDerby, Isabella Chermak and Malti John, for their exemplary dedication to creating inclusive and accessible educational tools, and for their significant contribution to enhancing the lives of special education students and the broader community.