Almonte students lead ‘Step ‘n Wash’ accessibility project in Mississippi Mills

A Grade 6 class at Almonte’s Naismith Memorial Public School has helped improve accessibility in their community through a student-led project unveiled April 29.

The initiative began after students spoke with school office administrator Nicole Koscielski, who shared her experiences living with achondroplasia. Inspired to take action, the students launched a real-world learning project focused on access for all.

Using the book Break the Mould by Sinead Burke as a guide, the students conducted accessibility audits around Almonte and raised funds by hosting a 3-on-3 basketball tournament. The money was used to purchase Step ‘n Wash foot-activated sink steps for their school. Step ‘n Wash units are Canadian-made, foot-activated steps that extend when in use and retract safely afterward—making public washrooms more accessible for children and individuals with disabilities.

“We wanted to make it more accessible for everyone—even little kids—so they wouldn’t get their sleeves soaked just trying to wash their hands,” said student Olivia Anderson. “This is our first step into accessibility.”

Naismith office administrator, Nicole Koscielski, using the newly installed Step ‘n Wash. – Submitted photo

Their efforts gained momentum when they presented their work to Mississippi Mills Town Council.

“We wanted to help people with disabilities have better access in the community,” said student Quinn Suwala-Bratton. “It was nerve-racking presenting at town hall, but it was worth it.”

The president of Step ‘n Wash later donated three additional units—two of which are now installed at the John Levi Community Centre, with a third headed to another public building.

Mayor Christa Lowry joined the students for the unveiling and praised their leadership.

“A top priority for any municipality is to be welcoming and inclusive,” said Mayor Lowry. “This is a great example of learning from our youth—they identified a problem, and now we have a more accessible facility because of it. They’ve been professional, focused, and have done an excellent job.”

“This shows the incredible impact of student voice,” said teacher Joe Chalmers. “They didn’t just study accessibility—they changed it. It’s gone way beyond our expectations. The fact that these units are now in the arena, the school, and soon in other places—I couldn’t be prouder of the students.”