Taking Two Steps Further—Together

At All It Takes, we believe that growth doesn’t look the same for everyone. For some students, it means speaking up for the first time. For others, it might mean stepping into a leadership role, reaching out to a peer, or simply choosing to participate. Every young person has their own version of courage—and their own “two steps further.”

At a recent field trip for sixth graders, that belief came to life in extraordinary ways. Every student faced something that stretched them—whether it was trusting a new teammate, confronting a fear, or stepping outside their comfort zone. Two students, one who uses a walker and wheelchair and another who experiences limited mobility, arrived with some understandable caution. They both shared that they planned to spend most of the day inside, observing from the sidelines. That was what felt familiar and safe. It also reflected a story they’d heard before—that some things just “aren’t for them.”

But that’s where community changes everything. AIT facilitators met them where they were, with patience, encouragement, and understanding. They didn’t demand—they invited. And as the day went on, the invitation to take two steps further was extended to everyone—students of all abilities, backgrounds, and personalities—each finding their own way to grow together.

By the end of the day, transformation filled the air. On an adapted nature hike, one student discovered a praying mantis resting in the middle of the trail. As she gently scooted it out of harm’s way, it hopped up on her arm and stayed with her for the rest of the walk—a small but powerful reminder of connection and curiosity beyond comfort.

Another student, who had been asking “When do we go inside?” from the moment he got off the bus, found himself up on the ropes course. At first, he didn’t believe he could be included in something so physically and emotionally challenging - a wheelchair and ropes together did not make sense to him. But our venue had built something different - a course that could adapt to individual needs. Supported by his facilitators and surrounded by his cheering classmates, he faced his fear head-on. What started as uncertainty became confidence. What began as isolation became belonging.

And around them, every other student was on their own ropes course—some literal, some emotional. Each was finding their balance, their courage, their voice. That’s what taking two steps further looks like: different for every person, but shared in spirit.

Moments like these remind us why accessibility, inclusion, and community are at the heart of our mission. Growth happens when everyone moves forward together—and when every student has the opportunity to discover what’s possible for them.

Partnerships with organizations like EALA make that possible. Together, we’re creating programs that aren’t just open to all—but designed for all. EALA’s commitment to accessibility helps us ensure that every student, no matter their needs or circumstances, has the support to take their own steps toward confidence, connection, and belonging.

Because when we move forward as one community, every step—no matter how small—makes a difference. And sometimes, that difference begins with something as simple as taking two steps further.

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Taking Two Steps Further—Together