Lose the Training Wheels

Over twenty children with special needs recently took advantage of an opportunity to “Lose the Training Wheels”. The unique bicycle camp was held in Storm Lake, IA from July 31 to August 4, 2006. Faith, Hope & Charity was able to host the clinic, thanks to a $10,000 grant from Monsanto Fund. Lose The Training Wheels is a nation wide program with a single goal of teaching children with special needs to ride a two-wheeled bike. Richard E. Klein, a retired professor of Mechanical, and Industrial Engineering, developed the program.  In addition to Klein running programs, other specially trained professionals called “The Rainbow Trainers” conduct camps.   
The Rainbow Trainers have their own fleet of special bikes built specifically to help children build motor skills and overcome balance issues. The program is based on the use of a series of adapted bikes beginning with a double roller bike. After a fairly brief familiarization ride, clinic instructors encourage the children to transition onto an adapted bike fitted with a single roller in the rear. After the children master those two bikes, they introduce more subtle changes with a goal of the child riding a two-wheeled bike.
The “Lose the Training Wheels” project started in the spring of 2005 when the parent of a child with special needs approached Faith, Hope & Charity about the idea.  Patti Todd of Alta, Iowa had found an article in a magazine called LOSE THE TRAINING WHEELS.  This raised her interest enough to look into the program.  She asked Faith, Hope & Charity to sponsor the program and FHC Development Director Mary Sorenson-Ludwig felt there might be a way to access dollars through a grant.  She applied for a $10,000 grant through Monsanto.  In the fall of 2005 FHC was notified that they received the grant.

Faith, Hope & Charity is very grateful for the grant from Monsanto because the tax-supported reimbursement structure for their Community Services programs only provides enough funds for direct childcare costs and very little else. This means Faith, Hope & Charity relies on donations for clinics such as this.  “Riding a bicycle is something many of us take for granted. It’s an easy activity for most, but for children with special needs, it can be a challenge. That’s why we are very excited to offer this program and open the door for children with special needs to master bicycle riding” commented Mary Ludwig, Development Director.

The local planning team for this program is Patti Todd, Parent; Janet Berry, BVU; and employees of FHC:  Bev Miller, Mary Ludwig, Sarah Sippel and Lynn Younie.  The program is broken down into several sessions each day.  The goal by the end of the week is to have the children able to ride a regular 2-wheeled bike! There is a 65% - 95% success rate depending on the skill level of the child.  Clinic instructors say the benefits of riding a two-wheeled bike include an infectious smile, peer inclusion, building of self-esteem, family lifestyle enhancement, increased activity and mobility, increased cognitive stimulation, and better physical fitness.

FHC staff member Amanda Blocker helps Becca pedal along.

Two volunteers encourage Courtney to ride her bike around the track.