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 :)

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

 

 



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):

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)

Everything Swimming: Swim Briefs, Life Jackets, Pool Floats...

It will be Swimming Time Soon!

I often receive requests for information on Swim Briefs, Life Jackets, Pool Floats, and other pool-related equipment that might work for different kids and adults.  There are many things out there, and this is just a beginning list.  But feel free to share this information with others.  Please also let me know what has worked well for you in the past in the comment section!  Thanks.  Happy Swimming!

*Please Remember:  No one should swim alone, and all children need to be closely supervised in the pool, even if they are wearing a life jacket!

Swim Briefs:

eSpecialNeeds Website lists links to several different swim brief styles from many companies:
http://www.especialneeds.com/diapers-pads-incontinence-swim-diapers.html


Reusable Swim Briefs (Child-Adult Sizes): http://pooltoy.com/specneedress.html












Disposible Swim Briefs (Child-Adult Sizes):  http://pooltoy.com/noname13.html


Kiefer Adult and Youth Washable Swim Briefs:  http://www.kiefer.com/swim-diapers-pages-244.php


SoSecure Containment Swim Briefs, Child and Adults Sizes (supposed to be thin and discrete under all swim wear):  http://www.sosecureproducts.com/incontinence-swim-diapers


Gabby's Swim Briefs (2 styles: pull-on and Velcro-tab):
Youth Sizes:  http://www.gabbys.net/youth-products-youth-swim-diapers-c-14_3.html
Adult Sizes:  http://www.gabbys.net/adult-products-adult-swim-diapers-c-13_4.html
 


Life Jackets/Floats:

For Smaller Kids who need to float supported on their backs, "standard" Life Jackets with Head Supports are available in many places and look like these (often toddler size):  *Just make sure your child is not over the weight limit for the life jacket.

  

PFD-A:  This is a Life Jacket that will support larger children or adults while floating on their backs (Sizes for 18-190 pounds):  http://pfd-a.com/products-page/pfd/pfd-a/


Lj-V:  This is a life jacket that keeps the individual vertical in the water (Sizes for 45-145 pounds): http://pfd-a.com/products-page/pfd/lj-v-model/


Lj-A:  This life jacket allows the individual to swim on their tummy or float on their back, but does not have head support.  It also allows the person to float vertically in the water. (Sizes for 18-250 pounds):  http://pfd-a.com/products-page/pfd/lj-a-model/


Float Belts to help support a person while swimming. (Sizes: small child through adult):
Sprinter Flotation Belt:  http://www.sprintaquatics.com/prodinfo.asp?number=700