East Brainerd Elementary Installs New Wheelchair Swing
November 19 , 2025 – East Brainerd Elementary recently added a wheelchair-accessible swing to its playground, giving students with mobility challenges the chance to enjoy the same outdoor play experiences as their peers. The project is the result of teamwork, creativity, and community support.
The idea began with Floyd West, Exceptional Education assistant at East Brainerd. Working with a student who has cerebral palsy and relies on a wheelchair, he realized there was no playground equipment that she could safely use. “We have one swing with a restraining seat, but she was too large for it, and transferring her from her wheelchair would have required two people which we don’t always have,” West said.
West’s personal experience helped shape his approach. When he was twelve, his older brother became a quadriplegic after an accident. Growing up, he saw firsthand how the world was often not built for people with mobility challenges. He and his wife previously worked as certified equine therapy instructors, helping people of all ages participate in activities they might not otherwise experience. He drew on that experience and his lifelong perspective on accessibility to develop a solution for the school.
“I had seen wheelchair swings years ago while coaching the Special Olympics, and I knew this was something our students needed,” West said. Once he discussed the idea with Principal Hannah Hudson, he began exploring funding options, including a grant from the Hamilton County Health Department. The total cost for the project, including a concrete pad and safety fencing, was around $20,000.
The project took a major step forward when County Commissioner Lee Helton visited the school to deliver breakfast and learned about the swing. Commissioner Helton, whose two daughters grew up in Hamilton County schools, understood the importance of play for children of all abilities.
“Play is how we learn, grow, and connect as humans,” he said. “When I learned about the need at East Brainerd Elementary, I immediately reached out to fellow commissioners and the mayor’s office. Together, we developed a plan of action to make this project a reality.”
With Helton’s support, the school secured funding before winter break last year, and the swing was installed on a smooth concrete pad surrounded by safety fencing. The swing can accommodate a full wheelchair, allowing students to experience the thrill of motion without needing to transfer out of their chair. East Brainerd typically has at least three students each year who rely on wheelchairs, and many more will benefit from the swing in the years to come.
Principal Hudson said, “We are so grateful to Mr. West for his dedication and to Commissioner Helton for helping make this project happen. The new swing provides students with mobility challenges the chance to enjoy play and be part of the playground experience just like everyone else.”
For West, the project is a reminder that creativity and determination can make a difference. “I’ve learned that people with physical disabilities are only limited by imagination and what we are willing to make possible,” he said. The swing allows students who use wheelchairs to take part in more of the same activities their classmates enjoy. In the end, the swing represents a shared commitment to making sure every student has a place to play and belong.
