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Mahomet-Seymour school district physical therapy department formed a wonderful partnership with Cu-Ambucs 15 years ago to become a demo site for AmTrykes. Since that time Ambucs have supplied our school district family with over 30 AmTrykes of various sizes from pre-school to young adult. The school district has currently at our six locations ( pre-school thru ATLAS- young adult program) have 13 AmTrykes " in house" being used on a daily basis . The AmTrykes are used with students with special needs and their non-disabled peers. The cost of these AmTrykes range from 800.00 to 1300.00 and the Ambucs find a way to donate them to our students and our families. Recently Ambucs built a ramp for our ATLAS program to allow easier access for students in wheelchairs.
AmTrykes
AmTrykes
What is an AmTryke?
AmTrykes are therapeutic tricycles that are designed with children with disabilities in mind. We believe every child, regardless of their abilities should have the opportunity to ride their own bike.
AmTrykes come in a variety of models. They may be "pedaled" by using hands and/or feet. To ensure a proper fit, AmTrykes can be adapted in many ways including frame size and positioning. There are different seating options available for children in need of head and trunk support. Equipment is available to keep legs in proper alignment and to prevent knee scissoring. Even hand and feet placement can be improved with available adaptive equipment. Though it is a therapeutic tricycle, designed to help children improve motor skills, provide strength training, and build self esteem, the AmTryke's most important feature is that it is fun to ride and offers children the chance of inclusive play with children of all abilities. Kids just get to be kids.
What are the benefits of an AmTryke?
What are the benefits of an AmTryke?
AmTrykes offer great recreational opportunities for children with disabilities. While able bodied children can run, jump, and play, children with disabilities have limited opportunities for physical activity. Physical activity is known to improve heart and lung function, promote bone strength, reduce stress, enhance and/or maintain cognitive function, and provide opportunities for recreation and social interaction. The Center for Disease Control recommends that children receive 60 minutes of physical activity a day that should include aerobic activity and muscle and bone strengthening exercises. The AmTryke helps children with disabilities meet these recommendations.
The Therapist's role
The Therapist's role
AMBUCS has long recognized the importance of a child's therapist when considering an AmTryke. Because the AmTryke is a therapeutic tricycle we require a therapist's evaluation and recommendation before providing a child an AmTryke.
Where to try an AmTryke
Where to try an AmTryke
We assist with the placement of AmTrykes all around Illinois. We also help out in Wisconsin and Indiana. We now have nine Demo Site (places where therapists may work with children to determine if an AmTryke is right for them). The full list of Demo sites are:
Carle Therapy Services in Urbana, IL
Champaign Unit 4 School District
Childrens Hospital of Milwaukee, WI
Development Services Center
Laremont School SEDOL, Gages Lake
Lutheran OP Rehab, Fort Wayne, IN
Mahomet-Seymour School District
Provena Covenant Medical Center
Rural Champaign County Special Education Cooperative, Rantoul, IL
Stephens Family YMCA
Urbana School District, #116
We have seen the excitement and smiling faces of children who are able to ride a bike for the first time and it is good! It is one of the most rewarding projects the club does.
All information is from www.thegccambucs.org
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