Students with visual impairments across St. Vrain Valley Schools recently gained confidence and built community connections during a special climbing event at the Longmont Climbing Collective.
The initiative, organized by teachers of students with visual impairments and funded through a Teacher Innovation Grant from the St. Vrain Valley Schools Education Foundation, brought together visually impaired students for a new learning opportunity.
The climbing sessions were divided into three age groups: lower elementary, upper elementary, and middle/high school, allowing students across schools and grades to connect in a new environment. For many participants, this marked their first opportunity to meet others who share similar challenges.
The experience aligns with the Expanded Core Curriculum framework, which supports essential life skills development for students with visual impairments, including orientation and mobility, social interaction and recreation.
Every student achieved success during the sessions, whether by reaching the top of the climbing wall or simply building confidence with each attempt.
The event brought unexpected benefits beyond the climbing gym, as parents and students formed new connections. Wieder emphasized the value of these interactions and shared the story of a fourth grader who uses a cane and had been worried about feeling different from her peers. “She got to see a high school student who uses a cane. That made a difference for her,” Wieder said.
The Education Foundation’s Teacher Innovation Grant program funded the project, supporting creative, student-centered learning experiences.
“Our goal is to spark creativity in the classroom by supporting forward-thinking ideas,” said Lark Rambo, executive director of the St. Vrain Valley Schools Education Foundation. “We love seeing proposals that are imaginative and grounded in the needs of students.”
District educators are encouraged to apply for Innovation Grants to support various initiatives from STEM experiences to wellness programs. “Why not apply?” Wieder said. “Think of that big moment kind of impact—and what that could look like in your own classroom.”
As these young climbers descended from the walls with newfound confidence, they carried with them the thrill of achievement and the foundation for lasting friendships, stronger self-advocacy skills, and the powerful knowledge that they are part of a supportive community ready to help them reach new heights, both on and off the climbing wall.