Naomi Jones, a 17-year-old with osteogenesis imperfecta, often known as brittle bones, has lamented the “really frustrating” situation she finds herself in due to a lack of resources in her education.
The wheelchair-bound Alexandria Senior High junior claimed she has been isolated at her own school ever since the elevator broke during the summer, separating her from her teachers and classmates.
Since the elevator is broken, Jones, who uses a wheelchair, has been forced to remain downstairs in the art room while her classmates and teachers are upstairs.
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“It’s frustrating because I need to learn what they’re learning in class so I can stay up to the same level that my other classmates are on,” she told KALB.
The teen expressed dissatisfaction over the fact that she tends to work alone without clear instructions, which makes assignments even more difficult.
“I don’t know what they’re really like doing, so I can’t really put what they expect me to put on the paper,” she said.
Jeff Powell, the superintendent of the Rapides Parish School Board, told KALB back in April that 14 projects were being planned under the $100 million District 62 bond that voters had approved in 2022. The initiatives at ASH include the replacement of boilers and chillers as well as synthetic turf for sports.
Jones said a school official informed her that the elevator wire had been cut during ongoing construction at the school.
Jones doesn’t know when it will be repaired as the principal told her that she had yet to receive an update.
She fears that being separated from her teachers, particularly in math, could hinder her dream of becoming an architect.
“I need my teacher to come teach it to me, but he’s busy, so I try to figure it out on my own, which always ends up being wrong,” Jones said.
The Rapides Parish School Board acknowledged the uncomfortable circumstance in a statement to KALB.
The statement read, “We are aware that the elevator at Alexandria Senior High School is currently out of service due to needed repairs. We are working closely with school administrators to ensure all students maintain full access to their educational programs during this temporary disruption. The health, safety, and educational needs of our students and staff remain our highest priorities. We will provide updates as additional information becomes available and appreciate the patience of our school community during this time.”
Meanwhile, on August 28, the Louisiana Democratic Party Disability Caucus (LDPDC) expressed its support for Jones.
The statement read, “The Louisiana Democratic Party Disability Caucus is standing in full support of Alexandria Senior High School student Naomi Jones, who has been denied equal access to her education due to the school’s broken elevator.
“Because of this neglect, Naomi has been prevented from attending classes alongside her peers and is missing valuable instruction other students are receiving. This is not only unacceptable—it is a violation of her basic rights under federal disability law, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
“Every student deserves equal access to education, and Naomi should not have to fight for the right to learn in an inclusive environment. We call on Alexandria Senior High School and the Rapides Parish School Board to take immediate action to repair the elevator and ensure accessibility for all students with disabilities.
“The Louisiana Democratic Party Disability Caucus will continue to advocate for Naomi and for every disabled student across Louisiana who faces barriers to education. Accessibility is not optional—it is the law, and it is a matter of justice, dignity, and equality.”
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