Born with spina bifida, a condition wherein her spine and spinal cord don’t form properly, wheelchair-bound Ryan Neighbors from Louisville, Ohio often misses out on school activities and anything that involves either physical activity or going to places that are ‘inaccessible’.
Now 10 years old, Ryan was about to miss another field trip to the Falls of Ohio when a teacher stepped in to offer help.
Photo credit: Shelly King / Facebook
Ryan’s mom Shelly King had already prepared for an ‘alternative field trip day’ for her daughter, knowing that she can’t possible join the field trip to the falls when Mr. Jim Freeman, a teacher at Tully Elementary School, told her he’s happy to bring the girl on his back so she wouldn’t miss the field trip with her classmates!
It’s the sweetest thing Shelly ever heard from a teacher – and she took to social media to thank Freeman for the generosity.
Photo credit: Shelly King / Facebook
“If I haven’t bragged on my kids school enough – well, listen to this.
They are going on a field trip to Falls Of The Ohio today. Obviously, NOT accessible. I was preparing for an “alternate field trip day” when a male teacher reached out and said “I’m happy to tote her around on the falls all day!”
She is sooooo excited to do this independent from me. Omg MELT MY HEART.
Thank you Christie Pile for giving me these back pack carriers, making this possible for Ryan. I CANT wait for pics today.
We are sooooo blessed to have an ENTIRE school that is so compassionate and empathetic and NEVER make her feel left out.
*** These are the things that the news should be talking about. These beautiful people should be shared with the world, to see and inspire. If you come across this post please share this post, let’s make love go viral***
Needless to say, the kid had a great time at the field trip! It’s her first time to explore a place like this and it is obvious from the big smiles on her face that she truly enjoyed the experience. Kudos to Mr. Freeman for making this happen!
Photo credit: Shelly King / Facebook
Are Field Trips Important?
There’s a long-standing debate about the importance of field trips, particularly because such usually involves additional expense on the parents’ part. But education experts continue to recommend field trips because these are important in helping bridge the gap between education the kids learn in school and hands-on experience.