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Bike Camp for Kids with Disabilities
Information provided by Disabled World - Published: 2009-04-17
Lose the Training Wheels is a national organization that works with local social service agencies to host camps in their communities.
The mission of Lose The Training Wheels is to teach individuals with disabilities to ride a conventional two wheel bicycle and become lifelong independent riders. This achievement, in turn, creates a gateway of opportunity, helping them gain assurance and self-reliance in many other aspects of their lives.
The Lose The Training Wheels™ bike program has grown from one camp and one fleet of bikes in 1999, to 50 camps across the U.S. and in Canada and five fleets of bikes in 2008.
With 75 minutes of instruction during five days, about 85 percent of campers learn to ride a conventional bicycle independently. Lose the Training Wheels uses specially-adapted bicycles and trained professionals and volunteers.
“Teaching kids with disabilities to ride a bike is what we do, but what we’re really about is turning ‘I can’t’ into ‘I can.’”
All participants will receive a properly-fitted bike helmet that they must be willing and able to wear at all times when on a bicycle. Participants must be willing to follow instructions and have a desire to ride a bicycle independently.
To be eligible to enroll, participants must be at least 8 years old. They must have a disability but be able to walk without an assistive device such as a walker or cane. They must be able to side-step quickly to both sides. Participants must have a minimum inseam measurement of 20 inches and weigh no more than 250 pounds.
Cost of the camp is $100, with some scholarships available. To obtain an application or for more information, call 942-6300, extension 271. Applications and payment must be received by May 1.
For more information and schedule of camps and events visit www.losethetrainingwheels.org
- This web page is from the Disabled World Disability Camps section which provides: Information and reviews of disability camps and summer groups for adults teens and children with disabilities and physical and intellectual impairments.
