Adapted Vehicle "Car" Show

Handprints & Footsteps invites you all to join us for the FREE Adapted Vehicle "Car" Show on Thursday, September 11, 2014 @ 6-7:30pm.  Please see the attached flyer for more details, or contact me at Handprints (cscheer@hpnfs.com or 402-420-2099).  Thanks!  Chrissy Scheer, PT :)

Free Supplies (Feeding, Respiratory, Skin Care, Briefs, etc.)

Hi Everyone,


I have again received donations of a bunch of supplies.  These are all FREE on a first ask/first serve basis.  Please contact Chrissy or Mary Hagood at Handprints and Footsteps 402-420-2099  cscheer@hpnfs.com, or ask us when you are in the clinic.  Thanks for sharing! :)

GoBabyGo! Comes to Lincoln...Join us for a Building Day!

Join us for an "Adapt a Ride-On Vehicle Class" on Saturday, May 31st at 9:30am-noon.

*See the below flyer for more details, or e-mail Chrissy at cscheer@hpnfs.com.

Upsee Walking Support

I have received a lot of questions from people about the Upsee by Firefly Friends (the new hands-free walking support).  I was able to listen to the live webinar about it and learned some more.  Overall, it looks like a great product for younger children (be sure to look at the sizing chart below).

Here is a link to the Upsee Brochure:  http://www.fireflyfriends.com/downloads/upsee-brochure.pdf

Many people have asked about the sizing.  Here is a copy of the sizing chart:

*Maximum Height:  Child's shoulders must be below the adult's belly button (to maintain a safely supported position for the child and adult).
*Adult Belt fits hips from 24"-60"

The Upsee is available for sale on Monday, April 7, 2014 (purchased through the Firefly website):  http://www.fireflyfriends.com

Price is $489 (including shipping) in the USA (this includes 1 child harness--any size, 1 adult belt, and 1 pair of sandals).

Feel free to contact me at Handprints and Footsteps if you have more questions!  Thanks!  Chrissy (cscheer@hpnfs.com  402-420-2099)

Wheelblades...an option for a wheelchair in the snow...

I came across this product last fall, but had difficulty figuring out where to purchase them Stateside.

 

Wheelblades are "skis" for wheels and are designed to be placed on the front swivel wheels of wheelchairs, strollers, etc. to allow them to "glide" over snow.  Right now they are "on sale" as it is nearing the end of winter.  To purchase them Stateside go to this website:  http://www.mobilitydirect.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=TQ481500%3DSK090

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adapted Swim Wear

In honor of hoping for warmer weather here in Nebraska, I thought I would post some links to adapted swimwear options.

I recently came across a link for zip-up swim wear...a great idea for the kids and adults who have a hard time getting in and out of "standard" swimsuits....especially when wet. :)  Please feel free to check out my older post about adapted floatation devices and swim briefs here:  http://www.real-life-ideas.blogspot.com/2013/05/everything-swimming-swim-briefs-life.html

Here are links to a variety of "adapted" swimwear options (some are advertised as "adapted" and others are advertised as "mainstream").

1)  SwimZip Swimsuits (all tops zip completely open for easy getting in and out; available in sizes from infant through adult; available in tops with varied sleeve lengths):  http://swimzip.com/

 



 

2)  Slip-On Swimsuits for Women (standard 1-piece suits that are much easier to get in and out of each time):  http://www.swimmingsupply.com/swim_wear_women_/slipon_swimsuits_for_women/

 

 

3)  Sprint Aquatics Therapy Wet Suit (child-sized wet suit that zips up the front):  http://sprintaquatics.com/prodinfo.asp?number=896

 

 

4)  H2O Wear (variety of adult-sized swimsuits and wetsuits, many with zippers; all swimwear is chlorine-resistant; primarily women's swimsuits):  www.h2owear.com

Please let me know in the comment section if you have other adapted swimwear "ideas" that have worked well for you, and I will add them to my list!

Happy Swimming!  Chrissy Scheer, PT

 

 



Go Baby Go...More Adapted Ride-on Cars!

I have previously posted about the Go Baby Go program at the University of Deleware.  Since posting about it, I have been able to attend one of Cole Galloway's classes on adapting ride-on cars to be controlled via switches, etc.  I would love to help you create a way for you little one to be up and moving on his or her own.  Let me know if you are interested in an adpated ride-on car.  You can contact me at Handprints and Footsteps via email: cscheer@hpnfs.com  or phone: 402-420-2099.  Thanks!  Chrissy Scheer, PT

Here is a link to a great short video about the Go Baby Go program and potential ideas:  http://www.nationswell.com/babiesdrivingracecars/

More FREE Supplies!

I once again have FREE supplies to share.  These are available on a first-ask-first-served basis.  Feel free to contact us at Handprints and Footsteps: 402-420-2099 or talk to Mary H. or Chrissy about these.

2 Boxes of 4"x4" Drain Sponges

7 XS Adult Pull-ups (not in a pkg)



Winter Fun…Adapted Outdoor Play in the Snow

It is Winter here in Nebraska.  We haven't had a lot of snow yet, but I often get asked for ideas for adapted snow/ice play.  Here are some ideas that I have found.  Feel free to share things that have worked for you in the past.  Chrissy :)

*Remember:  Dress in layers and make sure fingers and toes aren't getting too cold when playing in the snow, especially for individuals who don't move much on their own. :)

Adapted "Sledding" Ideas:

Use a Snow or Water Tube (with a liner stretched across the opening as a sled):

*Photo taken from:  http://www.examiner.com/article/dressing-for-the-weather-special-kids-edition

Use a Sled with a "built-in" back support to help with trunk support:

*Photo taken from:  http://dreammom.blogspot.com/2011/12/great-item-for-special-needs-kids.html

Use a Laundry Basket with an adapted seat inside as a "sled" on icy areas:

*See Photos of this idea here:  http://caleighscorner.com/blog/2013/12/8/ice

Use a "long" sled to sled lying down:

…or Ride down a hill supported by friends and family:

Many people have used "dog sled" style sleds (like this one with added supports):

Free Pulse Oximeter Supplies...

I have more FREE Supplies to share!

These all work with the OxyTip+ Pulse Oximeters.  Please e-mail (cscheer@hpnfs.com) or ask at the Handprints and Footsteps' front desk for Chrissy, and we can share these with you.

3 OxyTip+ Sensitive Skin Sensors (OXY-SE)

 

 

 

 

3 OxyTip+ All Fit Sensors (OXY-AF)

 

2 OxyTip+ Sensitive Skin Sensors (OXY-W4-H)

 

 

 

1 OxyTip+ Interconnect Cable (OXY-OL1)

 

 

FREE Briefs & Pull-ups!

We have some more donated/free supplies!  Thanks to everyone who shares their extras. :)  These are available on a first come/first serve basis.  Simply e-mail me (cscheer@hpnfs.com) or ask at the front desk at Handprints and Footsteps to claim any of these.  Thanks!  Chrissy Scheer, PT
 
*Pull-ups & Briefs have already found new homes. :)...check back for more Free items in the future!



Medical Logs, Medication Lists, Doctors Visits, Oh My!

I have had this blog post "in the making" for a long time, but am finally sitting down to write it.

One thing that is often difficult for many of the families that I serve, is when they go to any medical appointment (especially new offices or emergency room visits), and they are asked to "regurgitate" their loved one's entire medical history....really an entire epic novel, in many cases.

I know many different families that have come up with a variety of methods to record all of this information.  Many have some sort of binder full of surgery dates, current medications, upcoming appointments, etc.  However, this can be cumbersome to keep up to date, and requires someone to have the journal/binder with them at all times (not particularly practical during those unexpected emergency room or doctor's visits). :)

A few months ago, I came across this idea to have a free, secure, on-line blog that lists all of the person's medical appointments, meds, etc, and it is easily accessible from any internet connection (including smart phones and tablets).  That way a quick 1 or 2 sentence note can be made after each doctor's appointment, and you aren't left trying to remember what was said.  It is also searchable, so that you could search a particular topic and quickly provide information on a particular subject.



Here is the website with more information, if you are interested in learning more or creating one:  http://adaptedworld.wordpress.com/medical-blog/

Also, here is the link to a sample medical-blog:  http://samplemedicalworld.wordpress.com/

Let me know what has worked best for you, or if you have new ideas...I would love to share them with others!

Bikes, Trikes, Trailers, and More...Adapted Biking

As we are getting into summer, I am seeing more and more people out riding bikes on the bike paths.  I often get questions on biking and how to adapt it to a variety of different needs and abilities.  This is the start of a collection of information on the topic.  Please share any bike-type advice that you have learned over the years in the comment section below. :)

*It is VERY important that all people biking, triking, and riding in a bike trailer, wear a bike helmet--brains are precious, please protect them! :)

*Also...if you would like to have your child evaluated for biking needs, you can always e-mail (cscheer@hpnfs.com) or call (402-420-2099) me (Chrissy) at Handprints and Footsteps, and I can let you know how we can help.  Thanks!


1)  Link to a great description of ways to adapt biking and many resources for purchasing these (includes Foot-driven, Hand-driven, Tandem, Recumbent, Prone, and Bike trailers):
http://www.racingforsafety.org/pdf/Adapted_Bike_Resource_List.pdf

2)  Link to photos and sites for adapted biking (variety of types and styles):  http://www.especialneeds.com/adaptive-equipment-special-needs-tricycles-bicycles.html


3)   Variety of Trikes:  http://www.industrialbicycles.com/Special%20Needs.htm


4)  CareBike (Trike that allows an individual to ride on the front of the trike in his/her own wheelchair):  http://carebikes.com/


5)  AmTrykes (funding through AMBUCS).  These Trikes are available in a variety of shapes, types, and sizes.  *Handprints and Footsteps is an evaluation site for these trikes.:  http://www.amtrykestore.org/


6)  Riding a 2-wheel Bike through Bike Camp with Dreams Unlimited in Lincoln, NE.  *Screenings for Bike Camp are done at Handprints and Footsteps in Lincoln, NE (if interested, please contact Mary Ebers at 402-420-2099).  *This program teaches kids to ride a standard 2-wheel bike.  *There are many programs like this in different cities.


7)  Mobo Triton Recumbent Trike (available at Target and other stores).  *I personally know 2 young ladies who ride this kind of bike very successfully. :)  http://www.target.com/p/mobo-triton-16-ultimate-three-wheeled-cruiser-blue/-/A-10578909?ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001&AFID=Google_PLA_df&LNM=%7C10578909&CPNG=Sports&kpid=10578909&LID=PA&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=10578909
 

8)  The Buddy Bike (an alternative tandem bike):  http://www.buddybike.com/
 

9)  Duet Wheelchair Bicycle Tandem (adaptable tandem seat that detaches as a wheelchair at destination):  
http://frankmobility.com/

10)  Freedom Concepts (Customizable Adapted Trikes, many different options):
http://www.freedomconcepts.com

FREE Cathing Supplies!

I was given some urinary catherization supplies to pass along for FREE!  If you can use any or all of them, please let me know.  They are available on a first-ask-first-serve basis. :)  Please either call (402-420-2099) or e-mail (cscheer@hpnfs.com) to claim them.  Thanks!  Chrissy

 

 

 3 Packets of Povidone-Iodine Swabsticks (3/pkg)

2 Packets of Alcohol Swabsticks (3/pkg)

 1 Foley Stabilization Device

 6 Nearly-full Rolls of 3M "Paper" Tape (1 inch wide)