New Castle, DE- When Frank Hughes isn’t teaching physical education to his students at John G. Leach School, a school for students who have physical disabilities, moderate to severe cognitive disabilities, or serious health impairments, he can usually be found tinkering with one creation or another, most of which ends up being used as adaptive equipment for his students. During the pandemic, Hughes decided he needed to make a virtual baseball game by using PVC pipes, clear vinyl, and more. So far, Hughes has made more than 50 adaptive devices thanks to his dedication to his students and his love to tinker with materials typically used for other purposes.
“This year is the first year where I have been able to build multiple devices that have multiple functions for them, which give my students the ability to all play the game using the same devices but the device can be modified to fit each student’s individual ability,” Hughes says.
Some students have returned to Leach for in-person instruction, while others remain at home for virtual instruction. Hughes is available to demonstrate how he interacts with all students via the internet, and/or reporters can join a virtual class to observe on Wednesdays from 2:00-2:45 p.m., or Thursdays from 1:00-1:45p.m. until the unit ends the week of March 22, 2021. Due to the pandemic, in-person interviews inside the school are not permissible at this time.
Anyone interested in this story must contact Public Information Officer Lauren Wilson at the number or email address above so arrangements can be made. Photos and video produced in-house are also available.