Students at Airline Drive Academy are spreading good vibes and strengthening their communication and writing skills at the “Kindness Cart.”
Created to make students’ habilitation therapies more engaging, the Kindness Cart is a student-led iced coffee station for staff that operates bi-weekly.
The Kindness Cart was started by
three Airline staff members, Speech Therapists Rebecca Lyon and Heather Hopke and Occupational Therapist Megan Martin, who had a vision to develop a functional activity to help teach students communication skills.
At the cart, students with diverse needs are responsible for collecting money, scooping ice, pouring coffee and offering a variety of creamers and sweeteners—activities that have allowed them to exercise vital functional skills such as counting, reading, writing, following instructions, critical thinking and engaging in conversation.
“I like having a job, especially scooping,” said Jakob Rickson, a middle school student from Schenectady City School District. “It makes me feel happy,” said Liam Brannigan, from Guilderland Central School District.
Mira Chumakova Grime from Albany City School District said, “I like being part of a team,” and Yasmeen Badmaxx-Richardson, from Lansingburgh Central School District said, “It makes me feel excited!”
What’s more is that the Kindness Cart has allowed students to socialize and develop stronger bonds with school staff, which was one of the main goals of the program. During occupational therapy, students write, cut out or create little notes with quotes, kind thoughts or thank you messages to be given with each cup of coffee.
“The idea for the Kindness Cart became more than just an opportunity to teach functional communication skills, as occupational therapy and academics became involved. This collaboration allowed for communication, academic and motor skills in a fun and functional way,” said Lyon. “Not only does the Kindness Cart provide opportunities for social language skills, but it also allows us to target motor and academic skills.”
Special Education Teacher Ella Sickles agreed that time at the Kindness Cart has helped her students exercise critical functional skills.
“The Kindness Cart has been a great opportunity for students to practice functional skills in a setting outside the classroom,” said Sickles. “It allows students to practice social skills as well as academic skills. The students truly look forward to having their turn with the cart.”
Taking on a life of its own, the Kindness Cart has become an event that staff look forward to just as much as the students. Staff have even purchased personalized cups for their coffee, and students have Kindness Cart branded aprons—all made by Special Education Teacher Jen Yamin.
The Kindness Cart team said their sales have helped with their startup costs and weekly supplies.