Custom Tables Create Inclusive Outdoor Space

Thanks to the generosity, skill, and collaboration of Islip Academic Center, students at Premm Learning Center now have a more inclusive space to enjoy outdoor learning and leisure. IAC students Marvin Holmes (William Floyd School District) and Frankie Velasquez (Central Islip School District), under the guidance of Carpentry teacher David Rosman, assembled custom-built, wheelchair-accessible tables that are already making a meaningful impact on the daily experiences of Premm students.

The oversized tables address the unique needs of students who use custom wheelchairs. Unlike traditional picnic tables, even those labeled ADA-compliant, these were crafted at a custom height to allow wheelchair users to roll up comfortably and access the tabletop without restriction. Each measure approximately 4 feet by 10 feet, providing enough space to accommodate nearly an entire class, with ample room for brakes and maneuvering between chairs.

"The tables will be used for multiple activities," said Allison Rosso, special education teacher at Premm. "So far we’ve enjoyed lessons outside, including art class, and we’ve even been able to eat lunch outdoors on nice weather days." With this addition, outdoor learning has become a more inclusive and enjoyable experience for many students at PLC.

This project reflects a long-standing collaborative relationship between the programs. "The teachers and staff from IAC and PLC have formed strong connections that benefit all of our students," Rosso added. "Our administration has truly fostered a lasting, cooperative partnership between the two programs."

IAC’s generosity is a powerful example of how creativity and the ESBOCES spirit can have a meaningful impact – and a reminder that even something as simple as a picnic table can become a barrier to inclusion when accessibility isn’t considered. “A heartfelt thank you to Marvin, Frankie, and the entire IAC carpentry team for their exceptional work and commitment to making a difference,” said Rosso.