Sometimes a child is physically capable of riding a bike but they present with sensory issues. We turned to the team at Twenty-One Senses for some advice on how to navigate these challenges when trying to help your child learn how to ride a bike.

Sensory Overload

Your child becomes may become irritated or overwhelmed by physical sensations like the wind blowing in his face, uncomfortable safety gear, or the sight of objects whizzing by quickly. Some ways to help alleviate some of these feelings is to let your child pick out his own helmet and pads and add extra cloth or padding if needed . Always introduce new textures and sensations slowly.

Sensory Discrimination

Another issue may be your child’s inability to properly gauge the distance between objects, the different shapes of the street signs or how much force is being used to pedal or turn. In this case, practice telling the difference between the shapes of two signs, the distance between two toys, or whether she’s going fast or slow. Make it a game and have her try to “trick” you.

Fear

Sometimes the child is anxious and has a meltdown. Remember to be supportive and patient. Always make sure your child is regulated before you begin and allow them to go at their own pace. If she is hungry, overtired, moody or irritated it just might not be the best day for a lesson. Likewise, make sure that you are also regulated and have the time to totally focus on your child.

If your child is experiencing any of these sensory issues you may want to try to retrofit their bike with an set of FATWHEELS adaptive training wheels at the beginning of their journey towards independent riding. Leave the training wheels in the lowest position to start so that your rider feel safe and secure on the bike. As they gain confidence and overcome some of their sensory challenges you can slowly raise the FATWHEELS up so that they learn to balance. Eventually, you can remove the training wheels all together and work on having them ride on two wheels.

Keep your expectations in check and go slow. Over the years, I have seen thousands of children with conditions like Autism , Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and other challenges experience the FUN, FREEDOM and HEALTH benefits of riding a bike. I am confident that with a little patience and perseverance your rider will be added to the list!

Until next time,

Colleen

The bond was instant.  The exchange was conversational and yet so deeply personal in a way that only parents of children with special needs can understand.

Why is it that we all lose our minds when there is even a hint of celebrity in our midst?

“Wow! They are filming a movie downtown. Let’s go and see if we can get an autograph!”

or

 “My cousin’s friend’s girlfriend’s Mom once met John Travolta at an airport when they were on their way to Orlando…..”

Admit it.  You do it too.  There is something about famous people and the lure of celebrity that brings out the superfan in all of us. 

And that’s why I couldn’t wait to call my husband this morning. When he picked up, I excitedly said to him, “Guess who just called?” Then I paused, for dramatic effect, and proudly announced that a property master from Brooklyn had called and ordered two sets of FATWHEELS for a TV show – a TV show!

Name Dropping

The series, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, is set in mid-century New York. The customer explained that he would be using the Adult FATWHEELS in an upcoming episode which features two actors riding 1950s style bicycles. He felt that FATWHEELS would allow the actors to be safe and ensure a smooth ride for filming.  He doubts you will see our equipment once the shots are edited but still…

I admit I hadn’t heard of the show before this morning.  I even embarrassed myself by asking the customer if it was a children’s program.  The title had me picturing puppets and silly songs – think Fraggle Rock or The Muppets.  However, after googling it, I learned that the series is an Amazon Prime original comedy created by Amy Sherman-Palladino  of Gilmore Girls. Furthermore, the show’s lead, Rachael Brosnahan , won the award for Best Actress in a Comedy Series at the Golden Globes this year.  How’s that for name dropping?

The Real Stars

As I closed my browser, I turned my attention to the other orders on my desk, and quickly realized that my admiration, although well-deserved, was a bit shallow.  Here in front of me were orders from therapists, doctors and school personnel who have given hours of their time and talent to enrich the lives of those with disabilities.  Amazing professionals from children’s hospitals like St. Jude’s and Shriners. Countless volunteers from organizations like Variety The Children’s Charity or AMBUCS that raise money to help purchase adaptive training wheels and other equipment  for needy children each year. Not to mention all of the ordinary Moms and Dads out there who are on call 24/7 with their children that have special needs.  Aren’t they the real stars?

I’m not discrediting all of the brilliant and hardworking people in the entertainment industry. I simply mean that there are countless unsung heroes out there working on the front lines each day who do not receive the recognition that they deserve.  Firemen, police officers, nurses, teachers, soldiers, caregivers, day care providers  and the list goes on.

These people spend a lifetime in faithful service and never walk The Red Carpet.  They don’t appear on late night talk shows or grace the cover of popular magazines and yet, they are the glue that holds our society together.

So, to all of the unknown heroes out there I salute you!  I wish I could give each one of you a special award for the work that you do. After that I’d take a selfie with you, post it on social media and, of course, brag about you to all of my friends!

Until next time,

Colleen

This is one of the most heartfelt, encouraging and amazing messages I have ever read. From this Special Needs parent to you, please know that I, and ALL of us here at FATWHEELS ,see you!

I See You

I see you taking your kid to therapy while your friends take their kids to football or ballet.

I see you sneak out of the conversation when all your friends boast about achievements and exam notes.

I see you juggle events and meetings.

I see you sitting on the computer for hours investigating what your child needs.

I see you make a bad face when people complain about what looks like nonsense.

I see you disappear little by little but you keep going beyond for your family.

I see you pull strength from weakness with a force you didn’t even dream you had.

I see you showing respect for teachers, therapists and medical professionals who help your child and help you.

Watching you wake up early in the morning to do it all again after another chaotic night.

I see you when you’re on the edge of the precipice struggling to live.

I know you feel invisible, like no one notices.

But I want you to know that I see you.

I see you push forward always. I see you choose to do everything you can to give your child the best care at home, school, therapy and the doctors.

What you do matters. It’s worth the struggle.

On those days when you wonder if you can make it one more minute, I want you to know I see you.

I want you to know that you are beautiful.

I want you to know it’s worth it. I want you to know that you are not alone. I want you to know that love is the most important thing, and that you are the best at it.

And in those days when you see an improvement, those moments when hard work has its reward, and you can taste success, I’ll see you then too.

And I’m proud of you.

Whatever day today…

…you’re doing it right.

And I see you.

 Alethea Mshar

 John Walker / Flickr

Wasn’t that spectacular? Tell me what you think?

I am SO happy that we can “see each other” on this Beautiful Ride!

Until next time,

Colleen

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one-third of adults over sixty-five fall each year. Most are not seriously injured, but broken bones and head injuries from falls land about 700,000 people in hospitals each year, the CDC says.

Tiffany Shubert, a physical therapist who is also a research scientist at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill confirms this statistic and is quoted as saying “And once people fall or become noticeably unsteady, “fear of falling” itself becomes a problem. “People start to limit their activity because they are afraid, they might fall. That can have a huge impact on quality of life. “You are afraid to walk up and down stairs, so all of a sudden you can’t go to the movie theater anymore.”

The key is to be thinking about balance before you ever have a fall.

To give us some information about balance, we turn to Peter Wayne, an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. Peter maintains that balance is not just a matter of how well the vestibular system of the inner ear is working. Declines in strength, flexibility, vision, touch, and mental functioning can all contribute to balance problems. “Balance is a very complicated process,” he says. But improving it can be simple. Here are a few tips:

• Practice standing on one foot, challenging yourself to increase the duration. You can do it online at the grocery store or while brushing your teeth. If that is too difficult at first, start by using a chair back or bathroom counter for support. If it is easy, try raising your foot higher or holding it out to the side. For extra challenge, try standing on a throw pillow or closing your eyes.

• Try heel-to-toe walking, as if on a balance beam.

• Practice getting in and out of a chair without using your hands.

• Exercise while standing on a wobble board or Bosu ball (an inflated rubber disc on a stable platform).

• Try tai chi or yoga. The evidence that tai chi can improve balance is especially strong, and studies show it is quite safe for people of all ages and fitness levels. In a typical class, a series of movements is performed in a slow, graceful flow, accompanied by meditative deep breathing.

If you are an older adult that likes cycling, you may also want to consider adaptive cycling by outfitting a bike with a set of wheel stabilizers like FATWHEELS. These heavy duty “training wheels” retrofit to almost any bike on the market and they will provide you with the stability you need to enjoy the FUN, FREEDOM & HEALTH benefits of riding a bike despite any challenges that you may have with your balance.

And remember what Albert Einstein said; “Life is like riding a bicycle, to keep your balance you must keep moving!”

Until next time,

Colleen

The Statistics

Every year in the United States, 600 children are killed in bicycle-related accidents.

• 60% of those injuries occur on minor roads, usually within 1 mile of home.

• 60% of bicycle injury deaths in children are a result of severe head injuries.

• 85% of brain injuries could have been avoided if cyclists wore bike helmets.

Helmet Guidelines

Buy a helmet that fits your child correctly and make sure it is always worn properly.

And remember:

• Set a good example and always wear a helmet yourself.
• Price does not necessarily suggest safety. check for approved safety standard stickers.
• A molded shell has the best construction.
• The helmet should be worn securely and squarely with the front edge resting less than 1″ above the eyebrows. It should not go above the forehead. The chin strap should be tight, centered, and always fastened.
• Make sure that no more than 3 fingers can fit between the chin & helmet strap.
• Buy a helmet with bright colors or reflective stripes to be easily seen.
• Never use a cracked helmet or one that has been in an accident.

Following these guidelines will ensure that you and your family are safe while cycling.

At FATWHEELS, we take bicycle safety very seriously. Our adaptive training wheel kits are used in hospitals, school settings and by riders of all ages and abilities all across North America. We use only the highest quality materials for our products and back them up with 100% confidence.

Until next time,

Colleen

Adaptive cycling is a great way for seniors to rehabilitate their knees after surgery or better yet before surgery is even necessary.

Benefits of Adaptive Cycling for Seniors

Increases or restores range of motion
Increases or restores knee joint stability
Increases or restores muscle strength
Decreases or eliminates pain
Prevents re-occurrence of injury
Is non weight-bearing
Is low impact
Is an aerobic (cardiovascular) workout
Offers variable resistance
Keeps you in a stable position

Common Conditions

Arthrofibrosis
Also known as ‘stiff knee syndrome’ is said to be one of the most difficult orthopedic conditions to treat. It is an abnormality triggered by injury or trauma to the joint and is most common in the knee joint. In layman terms it is ‘excessive scar tissue that forms in the joint leading to limited range of motion’ despite rehabilitation efforts. Early recognition and proper treatment is critical for a best outcome. The Arthrofibrosis foundation is a great resource in helping understand this often frustrating condition.

Knee Injury
According to Ortho Info, there were 10.4 million visits to doctors offices in 2010 for knee injuries. Common knee injuries include: fractures, dislocations, sprains and ligament tears. Nonsurgical treatments include immobilization, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen and physical therapy are often prescribed before exploring surgical options.

Knee Surgery
There are many types of knee surgery performed and one of the most common is meniscus cartilage repair or removal. This is usually performed arthroscopically as a minimum invasion technique. Meniscectomy is the official medical name. Other common knee surgeries are ACL repair or replacement and knee replacement.

Knee Replacement
Total Knee Replacement (TKR) or partial knee replacement have become some of the most common orthopedic surgeries performed with over 600,000 performed in the U.S. during 2016 alone, and various sources project over 3 million will be performed per year by 2030. Knee Arthritis is the root cause for many of these surgeries. Studies show that approximately 90% of people experience pain relief from knee replacement surgery but there are potential complications to be aware of from risk of infection to sometimes longer knee rehabilitation and challenges with regaining knee range of motion. Surgeons typically encourage patients to work to regain their range of motion early on in the knee rehabilitation process. Physical Therapy often includes the use of a stationary bike and later on, adaptive cycling can help patients gradually increase their knee range of motion during the knee replacement recovery process.

If you are an older adult that is trying to reduce or rehabilitate knee pain, you may want to consider outfitting your bike with a set of wheel stabilizers like FATWHEELS. These heavy duty “training wheels” retrofit to almost any bike on the market and they will provide you with the stability you need to enjoy the FUN, FREEDOM & HEALTH benefits of riding a bike.

Until next time,

Colleen

Recreational Therapy (RT) is a treatment service designed to restore, remediate and rehabilitate a person’s level of functioning and independence in life activities. Recreational Therapists treat the whole person and are uniquely qualified to assist clients in improving their quality of life and reducing feelings of loneliness and social isolation. Recreational Therapy can help you feel like you again.

WHAT?

Recreational Therapy (RT) is a systematic process that utilizes recreation and other activity-base interventions to address the assessed needs of individuals with illnesses and/or disabling
conditions, as a means to psychological and physical health. RT also promotes recovery and well-being.

WHY?

Recreation and leisure pursuits enrich our lives with purpose, meaning, and community and are an important part of our overall well-being. Recreational Therapists utilize evidence-based practices to
help clients develop the skills and confidence needed to engage in
meaningful, health-promoting leisure activities.

WHO?

Recreational Therapists are skilled healthcare professionals who utilize a systematic process, evidence-based interventions, and purposeful activities to help clients achieve well-being.
Recreational Therapists work in a variety of clinical and community settings—from schools, to hospitals,
to community programs and beyond—and utilize their unique expertise to help clients overcome barriers to well-being and/or participation in meaningful activities caused by an illness or
disabling condition.

HOW?

Whether utilizing recreation and leisure activities as therapeutic interventions to promote well-being or
facilitating therapeutic interventions to promote participation in meaningful recreation and leisure
pursuits, Recreational Therapists are cherished for the far-reaching impact
of their vital services.

At FATWHEELS, we are so proud to work with such an amazing group of Recreational Therapy professionals all across North America! We are beyond grateful for the work that they do for their clients in promoting adaptive cycling. We value their input and knowledge on how we can improve our products, and we look forward to continuing to partner with them as we move forward in our goal which is to ensure that EVERYBODY CAN RIDE!

Until next time,

Colleen

My son Geordi has a speech disorder that is annoying, heartbreaking and funny at the same time. My patience wears thin when I listen to him s-l-o-w-l-y  work through what he is trying to say.  Other times, my heart goes out to him as he struggles to express his feelings.  But mostly he simply cracks me up with some of the stuff that comes out of his mouth.

Slips of the Tongue

Often it’s a slip of the tongue that makes his words comical.  One day, he’ll be explaining how he put his jeans in the clothes hamster; the next day he’ll be asking to watch the lighting of the Olympic porch on TV.

Lyrically Speaking

Talking with Geordi is always interesting, but listening to him as he plays his guitar and sings takes the experience to a whole new level.  He often goes into his room, plugs his electric guitar in and fiddles around with the buttons.  Then he adjusts his microphone and after a quick sound check, he is ready to begin his set.

First he might start off with a Tom Petty cover:

She’s a good girl,
Loves her llama,
Loves Cheezits & America too…

______________________________________________________________________

Next, he may decide to slow it down a bit and try some Beatles:

Hey Dude!
Don’t make my bed,
Take a bad song and make it better…..

______________________________________________________________________

Gangsta Rap

Other times he works on original compositions.  His favorite genre for freestylin’ is gangsta rap.  Unfortunately for Geordi, he doesn’t have any street cred.  We live in the small town of Plymouth, Michigan and despite the fact that it is only 30 minutes outside of Detroit, nothing remotely gansta ever happens here.  To overcome this artistic hardship, Geordi uses personal experiences to help him create his hardcore originals.  For instance, after a recent visit to the neurologist, where he was told that he couldn’t get a driver’s license due to his seizure disorder, he went home & penned this song that he belts out with gut-wrenching intensity:

She is not the boss of me!
She says I can’t drive a car…..

I am gettin’ a Mustang someday,
Gonna drive far.

_______________________________________________________________________

What Disability?

Sometimes I peek into Geordi’s room when he is jamming, and I see the look of pure joy on his face.  He is having the time of his life with no inhibitions.  His funny lyrics, ear splitting guitar riffs & epic front moves all combine to create a scene that consistently makes me smile.  It also prompts me to ask myself, ‘What disability?”  Because, at those times, all I see is a confident young man who is happy, healthy and comfortable in his own skin.

And when you think about it, isn’t our goal as parents to raise kids who are ok with themselves and their place in the world?  Don’t we want them to express themselves in their own unique way and to find joy in that expression?  It sounds like a pretty good gig to me.

 The Final Word

So to close out this post, I am pulling a Geordi:

Look out Bruno Mars,
And watch your back Justin T,
There’s a new kid in town and his name is
Geordi B.

He may not be a household name,
He may not be a star,
But I promise he will make you smile,
Just give him a guitar.

Mic drop.

Until next time,

Colleen