Sophomores Cole Sandrich, JP Acker and Rosstin Pouradib lead the Community, Helping, Accessibility, Inclusivity and Resource Acquisition (CHAIR) Club, in which they have raised money towards essential equipment for wheelchair users, focusing on improving wheelchair accessibility by spreading awareness. They are planning on organizing fundraisers such as barbecues, sports events, and equipment drives in the future.

According to Acker, a co-founder of the club and a wheelchair user himself, equipment such as wheelchairs, specifically electric wheelchairs, can be difficult to acquire. Acker also recognizes the financial strain that the cost of equipment poses for wheelchair users.

 “I’m lucky that my family is privileged and has the money to afford good wheelchair equipment. But there are many people out there who don’t have access to this equipment like I do,” Acker said.

Sandrich, working alongside Acker, has been involved with wheelchair accessibility since freshman year through the Unified Track team, a program that encourages students with special needs and physical disabilities to compete in track meets. 

CHAIR has worked to collaborate with the Unified Track team, as Acker is an athlete on the team and Sandrich is a member and is involved with helping the team.

“One thing that’s great about Unified is that it allows you to connect with the members of the special education program in a way that you wouldn’t otherwise,” Sandrich said.

CHAIR hopes to make an impact on the greater community through fundraising. Pouradib is excited about planning their upcoming equipment drive, similar to a clothing drive but accustomed to the needs of those who utilize equipment. At the drive they will be collecting wheelchairs, crutches, and other equipment. 

“The purpose of the club is to raise funds so we can offset the price [of equipment], both on an individual level and on the more macroscopic level, focusing on individuals with needs for certain equipment, as well as broader communities,” Sandrich said. 

Additionally they plan to host basketball players from around Marin County for a basketball game in which they will charge an entry fee, and snacks to raise money. They are donating to organizations such as Dedication to Special Education, and People in Need

Acker emphasizes the importance of accessibility as he knows firsthand the difficulties of using a wheelchair, and how necessary it is for those to have easy access to the equipment that they need.  

“Having the necessary equipment is key for social life and being able to hang out with people and connect with others,” Acker said.

Not only are they working towards raising money and accessibility, but they strive towards creating a more inclusive community in which people are enthusiastic towards helping and supporting those in wheelchairs. 

“I feel like a lot of people with disabilities don’t necessarily go unnoticed, but there needs to be more talk about inclusivity everywhere. [We want to promote] the idea that disabled people can do things too,” Acker said. 

However, as the club moves forward they have encountered some challenges, one of them being the lack of genuine passion to create change through action on campus from students.

 “There’s a lot of general desire to create change, but a lot of it isn’t always channeled towards the most specific actions,” Sandrich said.

The CHAIR club began with a turnout of 55 members at signup, though it has lost some members over time. However, despite the decrease, it has still maintained its popularity. 

“Although the intent is there, it really takes a lot of leadership to create actionable change at Redwood,” Sandrich said.

In order to have a larger outreach the CHAIR Club is collaborating with the special education program, intending to collaborate ideas and actions.

“The special needs community has reached out to us, and there’s been all sorts of responses from that community,” Sandrich said.

The heads of the special education program have suggested ways that the CHAIR Club can make influential changes here at Redwood using both of their influences. 

“The head of the Special Education classroom has given us some names of people

who have different disabilities, who could potentially help us grow CHAIR Club and spread awareness,” Acker said.

CHAIR is in the process of planning their first fundraiser. They will host a barbecue otherwise known as Grill n’ Chill which will be held on April 27 at Belvedere park in Tiburon.