Skirack has done a wonderful job at adapting bicycles for children with special needs. They are great at fitting shoes and skis boots as well. The staff is great with special needs children.
This is an incredible resource for families in Vermont. Ambucs creates adaptive bicycles for people with disabilities. Their goal is to “create mobility and independence for people with disabilities.” They have worked to get over 250 kids with disabilities on bikes throughout Vermont. Their annual statewide fitting event is typically held the Saturday before Mother’s Day in central Vermont.
Bella’s Bumbo was designed to help toddlers who have mobility issues get around. This creative toddler wheelchair allows toddlers the option of some independence! For more information click here.
If you are looking for a great deal and excellent customer service, contact Noah at Bicycle Express. He is very creative at adapting bikes for children with special needs and offers great prices!
Earl’s does a fantastic job at adapting bikes for children with special health needs.
The Howard Center offers a Flexible Family Funding which provides financial support for children with special needs. The money is meant to be used for many things such as respite, summer camps, clinical services, or adaptive equipment. Families need to contact intake worker, Shannon Lowcock, to see if they qualify.
This is a wonderful organizations that promotes the arts for individuals with any disability. Through education, trainings, programs, and exhibits they offer a variety of opportunities to enhance the magic of art to all individuals.
North Star Sports located on Main Street in Burlington is an incredible bike shop. Although they might seem small, they are extremely knowledgable in their bikes, bike repairs, and making adjustments to bikes. They also have to be one of the friendliest bike mechanic shops that I have visited. Definitely worth a visit to see how they can help you or your child get out safely on the road.
This amazing non-profit in Massachusetts makes “Buggies” to donate to children that have mobility issues and want to access the great outdoors. These sturdy, light-weight, all-terrain Buggies allow easy access to all types of outdoor environments that may require moving across sand, gravel, dirt, grass and even snow. Buggy should only be used by children who have independent, unsupported trunk and head control.
If you feel your child might benefit from this type of device check out their site and apply! Stepping Stones for Stella
Early Mobility Is Critical For Development
Mobility in children is not just about getting from place to place. It is also about exploring the world in a way that allows for independence and healthy brain development.
Mobile wheelchairs are expensive and are not available to children without the ability to use a mobile chair. This inexpensive alternative helps a child develop essential mobility skills much earlier. A Sunshine Scooter can change a child’s life.
Their primary mission is to provide modified, ride-on scooters for special needs children to use as a powered mobility device for fun and function.
Team Hoyt Foundation is a non-profit organization that aspires to encourage children with special needs to be a part of their community. Dick and his son, Rick, have completed running races and triathlons throughout the United States. They are truly an inspiration. The foundation is very resourceful at getting adaptive strollers and bicycles. They have numerous running races throughout the year that include people with all types of disabilities being pushed in adaptive strollers.
Vermont Family Network offers support and services for children with various disabilities. VFN is a resource for information about: Advocacy and Leadership, Disabilities or Special Health Needs, General and Special Education, and Transition to Adulthood. They also have limited funding opportunities for families.
This is an amazing program for individuals who have a diagnosis of autism.
1) Children & adults do need a diagnosis of Autism.
2) They can live anywhere! We have folks come from NY!
3) No membership at the Y is required
4) A few different options in terms of age. If they’re over 3 years old we look at the 6 private swim lessons, one-on-one with an instructor
The grant will cover 6 private swim lessons (30 minutes each) OR if they’re under the age of 3 I look at integrating them into our parent/child program with a caregiver from home in the water with them.
They offers six 1/2 hour swim lessons for free if your child has ASD. After six sessions, you can take private lessons for $30.00 per 1/2 hour.