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

Don't Forget...FREE "YARD SALE" This Saturday!

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to remind you all that THIS Saturday (April 27th from 2-4pm), we are having the FREE "Yard Sale" for Adaptive Equipment and Toys at Handprints & Footsteps in Lincoln, NE.

*Bring things to give away, come look for things you could use, or do both!  More information below.

Umbrella Holders and Sun Shades to use on Wheelchairs

I just got a request for this information again, so I thought I would post it.

People are often looking for umbrella holders or sunshades that will attach to wheelchairs to keep the users dry or in the shade.  There are several "out there" if you run a search, but these are ones that I know families have used and liked...if you know of others that work well, please let me know, I would love to include them in the list as well.

Umbrella Holder (attaches to round or oval tubing of various sizes):  This one can be rotated to change the direction of the umbrella, or rotated down and out of the way when not in use.  It holds a "standard" golf umbrella (and all umbrellas with a straight handle)

http://www.amazon.com/Bag-Boy-BB17701-Umbrella-Holder/dp/B000FH6CS2/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1365611273&sr=8-5&keywords=wheelchair+umbrella

 



Golf Umbrellas in different colors:
http://www.amazon.com/Bag-Boy-Golf-Wind-Umbrella/dp/B004D0I2KS/ref=pd_sim_sg_2

Cool Temp Umbrellas (block sun and provide cool shade):
http://www.amazon.com/Coolibar-UPF-Titanium-Golf-Umbrella/dp/B002HI5X5U/ref=pd_sim_sg_5

Canopies for wheelchairs (these are customizable with lots of different fabrics and block the heat from the sun and rain):
https://www.facebook.com/emmas.canopies?fref=ts

 

Adaptive Equipment: For Sale or To Borrow

I was contacted by a man who lives just outside Lincoln, NE who has several pieces of adaptive equipment for sale or to borrow (he has loaned some of it out several times).  I told him that I would post photos of these pieces so that others could learn about them and contact him if they are interested.  As a note:  all of the power equipment pieces are regularly "ran" by him to make sure that the batteries stay well-charged, and are in working order.

If you are interested in learning more about any of this equipment, please contact Duane (402-432-4554 or 402-782-2895).  If you want to know more about the equipment from a "therapist perspective," feel free to contact me with your questions (cscheer@hpnfs.com).

 

Electric "Hoyer-style" Invacare Lift with many different slings

 

20 inch wide (~16 inches deep) Manual Wheelchair

(was a Storm power wheelchair, but the power portion has been removed)

Hydraulic "Hoyer"-style Invacare Lift

(doesn't stay up for super long periods of time)

Commode Chair (with bucket)

*this chair is height-adjustable and can also be placed over a toilet

24 Volt Invacare Charger for Power Wheelchairs (standard style)

Vertical Lift (next to ~5 steps)

4-Wheel Pride Power Scooter

 Very Small Adult Power Wheelchair (Z-Chair)

*this seat can be lowered near to the floor for a small child

 

Hospital Bed (Electric controls)

*This is fairly easily assembled, the mattress is kept inside the house.

*This bed does have a "trapeze" for over the person's head to help with transfers.

 Arm & Leg Exerciser (3 speeds)

*I am not sure why the picture is rotated :)

 

 Commode Chair on Wheels (rolls over the toilet)

*can also slide over into the tub to be used as a bath/shower chair as well.

FREE!! Adaptive Equipment & Toy Exchange!

 

It's a FREE "Yard Sale" for:

Adaptive Equipment & Toys

(bring some to share and/or come to find some for your home)

We are having a FREE Adaptive Equipment and Toy Exchange at Handprints and Footsteps in Lincoln, NE on Saturday, April 27th @ 2-4pm....see the brochure below for more info.

Please forward this information on to anyone else who could use it.  Thanks! :)



Easy Worksheet Adaptation Idea...

I am actually sharing this idea (with permission) from another blogger, Holly Gray at:  www.caleighscorner.com .  She has modified worksheets (with instructions such as "circle the correct answer") into either yes/no or multiple choice questions, for her daughter.  Her daughter can then answer the questions using her AAC device/iPad.  This is a super easy way to adapt.

Feel free to share your favorite adaptations in the comment section below!

Early Power Mobility...Go Baby Go!

The research has continued to support Early (ie: less than 1 year old) Power Mobility for any child who does not have a way to move independently....and that this movement is vital for learning!  There is a group in Delaware that is adapting battery-operated toy ride-on vehicles for this purpose.  I recommend watching the video at this link:

http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/go-baby-go-research-project-with-infants-with-down-syndrome?c=home

Photo and logo from Go Baby Go! Website:  http://www.udel.edu/gobabygo/

Do you have questions about providing mobility for your child?   Feel free to contact me at Handprints and Footsteps (402-420-2099) or via e-mail (cscheer@hpnfs.com).  I would love to discuss this with you! :)

How to Sign Up for E-mail Updates...

Some people have had difficulty signing up for e-mail updates...so this post includes the instructions on how to do this. :)  *Please remember that you will receive a confirmation e-mail from Feedburner, which you must reply to, in order to finalize the process.  If you have additional questions, please e-mail me (cscheer@hpnfs.com).  Thanks!  Chrissy Scheer, PT