Partnership in action: Advancing Zeke’s independence at Elroy Elementary School
BY JEFF NELSON
When it’s time for outdoor recess, you’re likely to find Ezekiel “Zeke” Bush playing soccer with his fifth-grade classmates at Brentwood Borough’s Elroy Elementary School. Despite vision and physical challenges, Zeke approaches each day with determination. If he had to choose a career today, becoming a soccer player or teacher would top his list.
Keeping pace on the playground isn’t always easy for Zeke. He has cortical visual impairment (CVI) and muscle myopathy, conditions that impair visual information processing and contribute to increased fatigue. With coordinated support from Elroy Elementary staff and Allegheny Intermediate Unit (AIU) professionals, Zeke is making meaningful progress in independence, confidence, and academic success.
Zeke attended kindergarten at the Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children, where he thrived. Based on that success, his family made the decision to transition him to Brentwood Borough School District for first grade. “Brentwood was very open to helping him transition into the district,” said Zeke’s mother, Katherine Bush. “They asked, ‘what can we do to help make this happen?’”
That commitment extended into a partnership with the AIU. As an Elroy first grader, Zeke began working with Melissa Kenderes, Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) and Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS). Over the past four years, “Mrs. K” has provided vision and mobility services designed to help Zeke safely access his school environment and build independence.
"How his brain processes the information that his eyes are seeing" is the challenge Zeke faces, according to Kenderes.
“Busy hallways, intersections, and areas with a lot of traffic can be overwhelming.”
To address those challenges, Kenderes works with Zeke both inside and outside the school building, gradually exposing him to more complex environments. They take short walks from Elroy up to busy Brownsville Road, where Zeke practices assessing traffic patterns at a four-way stop and determining when it is safe to cross. As he prepares for the transition to middle school, their focus continues to shift to self-advocacy.
“He will likely use a wheelchair more frequently in middle school,” said Kenderes, noting that it will help him navigate a larger and busier building.
In addition to vision services, Zeke receives regular occupational and physical therapy through the AIU. Occupational therapy assistant Megan Pack supports his fine motor skills and handwriting, while physical therapists work closely with Zeke, his parents, and teachers to provide activities designed to improve his sitting posture, core strength, and endurance. They also collaborate with his physical education teacher to ensure he can fully access class activities. “Zeke enjoys physical activity and always tries his best,” said Holly McElhinny, director of the OT/PT support program.
Technology is another key component of Zeke’s support plan. Working with Mrs. K on the laptop, he is able to complete assignments efficiently and independently. “She taught me how to type and how to use keyboard commands,” said Zeke, who is a strong student with primary interests in math and science. He is also a two-time Scripps Spelling Bee champion at Elroy.
Zeke’s success is the result of more than direct services. The collaboration between the AIU and Brentwood Borough School District extends beyond individual sessions, with intentional planning and ongoing communication among educators and specialists.
“We meet before the school year begins,” said Jamie Dobson, Zeke’s homeroom teacher. “The AIU staff come in and discuss how frequently they will meet with Zeke, on which days, and then determine a time that is the least disruptive for him.” She noted that maintaining a steady routine is especially important for him.
Dr. Ali Rendulic, Brentwood’s director of special education, emphasized the value of working with the AIU. “Our partnership with the AIU for related services has been very productive and beneficial for our students,” Rendulic said. “The referral procedures are easy to navigate, and the staff are helpful and collaborative.”
Through the combined efforts of AIU professionals and Zeke’s own willingness to learn, he has grown significantly both as a young man and in how he manages his disabilities.
More than two years ago, Zeke began walking part of the way home from school with friends, independently navigating a long outside stairway before he’s met at the bottom by one of his parents, Katherine or Timothy.
“I’ve seen a lot of growth in his confidence and his physical abilities,” Dobson said. “He’s speaking up more for what he needs. He has friends. He’s running around at recess. It’s great to see him growing into his own individual. He doesn’t let his diagnosis stop him.”
Elroy Principal Jennifer Zunic echoed that sentiment. “Zeke’s a wonderful kid. He’s not afraid to ask for help. He’s been getting better advocating for himself,” she said. At home, Bush sees those skills translating into his everyday life. “He’s more aware of what is happening around him,” she said. “I can see he remembers to stop, look, and listen when we come to an intersection.”
As Zeke prepares for the transition to Brentwood Middle School, AIU services continue to focus on future readiness. “The strength of the team is that they’re proactive,” Bush said. “We have a lot of conversations not just about what’s happening now but setting the stage for the future when the asks will become heavier. I really value that.”
Zeke is a typical fifth grader, despite the challenges he faces. He plays the clarinet in the Elroy Band and sings in the school chorus. He likes playing video games, working on jigsaw and logic puzzles, completing crosswords and Rubik’s cube, and playing basketball in the driveway with his older brother, Gideon.
“Zeke is an amazing fifth grader,” Dobson said. “He perseveres during challenging tasks. He is respectful, thoughtful, organized, and a great role model.”
Zeke’s journey reflects the impact of a strong, coordinated partnership between the AIU and Brentwood Borough School District. Through collaborative planning, specialized services, and shared commitment, the team is helping Zeke build the skills he needs not just for school — but for life beyond the classroom.
AIU Blind/Visually Impaired Support Program provides specialized instruction and support for students with visual impairments. Services focus on building academic, mobility, assistive technology, and independent living skills that help students access learning and participate fully in school and community life.
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