A much anticipated call from Freedom Wheels recently meant that we were lined up to have Owen fitted for a bike. We tried back in May to find him a trike or bicycle (with training wheels) so that he could eventually learn to pedal a bike. Unfortunately nothing seemed to have the right set up for his short legs and lack of muscle tone - where pedals needed to be beneath him...
Aunty Jen put us onto Technical Aides for the Disabled where we were able to hear about Freedom Wheels. All sorts of Aides are made for disabled people at cost price because the company is made of volunteers - ex. engineers, handy people, etc. What a huge blessing they have been today for our Owen.
Today was the big fitting day! Though rather distracted on a room full of interesting bits and pieces - Owen managed to have a try on a bike, and even had a little go with the pedals. He will eventually get the idea of steering. My big five year old (well, actually, rather short five year old) will learn to ride!
There were a few more minor adjustments they are planning for the bike - some velcro foot holders to keep his feet on the pedals, some very stable and very wide training wheels, a bit of shortening of handles - and handle bars will be moved closer... In some cases (for physically disabled) they add abdominal support from aluminium bar behind... Fortunately the cost price isn't too bad for these few adjustments. You might just be surprised how much Special Needs equipment and furniture costs under normal circumstances...
Aunty Jen put us onto Technical Aides for the Disabled where we were able to hear about Freedom Wheels. All sorts of Aides are made for disabled people at cost price because the company is made of volunteers - ex. engineers, handy people, etc. What a huge blessing they have been today for our Owen.
Today was the big fitting day! Though rather distracted on a room full of interesting bits and pieces - Owen managed to have a try on a bike, and even had a little go with the pedals. He will eventually get the idea of steering. My big five year old (well, actually, rather short five year old) will learn to ride!
There were a few more minor adjustments they are planning for the bike - some velcro foot holders to keep his feet on the pedals, some very stable and very wide training wheels, a bit of shortening of handles - and handle bars will be moved closer... In some cases (for physically disabled) they add abdominal support from aluminium bar behind... Fortunately the cost price isn't too bad for these few adjustments. You might just be surprised how much Special Needs equipment and furniture costs under normal circumstances...
absolutely exorbitant!
I guess we are going to have to frequent the local park when the bike arrives and make the most
I guess we are going to have to frequent the local park when the bike arrives and make the most
of the nice, flat bicycle path for riding.
Oh, and he just loves the bell:)
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