Additional Programs/Services
Raleigh AMBUCS Amtryke Program
What is an amtryke? Amtrykes are bicycles designed specifically for children with special needs who are unable to ride a regular bicycle. They can be adapted for all levels of disabilities to include lateral supports, head rests, harnesses, stationary foot, and stationary head cranks.
What is Raleigh AMBUCS? AMBUCS is a non-profit organization that helps individuals with disabilities. The Raleigh chapter is a group of men and women who are specifically dedicated to the amtryke program and the Frankie-Lemon School for Children with Developmental Disabilities. Pediatric Therapy Associates, in collaboration with Raleigh AMBUCS, established the amtryke program nearly 10 years ago for the triangle area. The program has since helped over 80 children receive bikes. Each year two parties are held (typically in April and December) to donate bikes to ten children with special needs.
The bikes range in cost from $200-$1000 depending on the adaptations. Families receiving a bike are asked to help with the cost of the program by donating their bike back to the program when it is no longer being used and by making a $50 charitable contribution to be put towards more bike purchases. Members of Raleigh AMBUCS have donated more than $20,000, with other contributions coming from fundraisers and donations from members of the community.
Each child receiving a bike is required to receive an evaluation by a licensed physical or occupational therapist to determine his or her needs. Pediatric Therapy Associates provides free evaluations for the bikes at our Raleigh office. If you are interested in making a donation or for more information about the program please visit the AMBUCS web page at http://www.ambucs.com or call our Raleigh office (919-781-4434).
TelAbility/WATCH: Enhancing the lives of children with disabilities
Pediatric Therapy Associates is proud to be participating in the WATCH (Wake Area Telehealth Collaborative Helping Children with Special Needs) project. WATCH is an innovative project designed to bring early childhood educators, therapists, administrators, parents, and anyone serving or caring for children with special needs together to share resources, knowledge and expertise. Through the use of video conference units, the TelAbility website, and the WATCH listserv, WATCH works to connect people to each other and to useful resources. For more information please visit http://www.telability.org.
Salsa and Movement Class
Each year at Pediatric Therapy Associates, we offer a summer ballet and movement class. Last year’s class incorporated the fun and flavorful dance steps of salsa into movement therapy. The theme for the five week class is different each year, but always focuses on gross motor development, sensory integration, social interaction with peers, motor planning and of course, fun. Classes are led by a teacher and therapists with experience teaching children with special needs.
Our physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists volunteer their time each year to help the children in our summer dance classes shine. Both boys and girls are invited to share the fun. Classes are held on Friday mornings beginning in June. After careful assessment, each child is placed into a class that allows him or her to excel. The registration fee is $25. For more information about our summer dance program, call our Raleigh office (919 781-4434) or e-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
International Adoption Clinic
Therapists at Pediatric Therapy Associates work with local pediatricians involved in the International Adoption Clinic to provide free developmental screenings to internationally adopted children.
Kids’ Night Out
“Kids’ Night Out” is a series of group activities sponsored by Pediatric Therapy Associates for girls and boys. The mission of these groups is to promote self-confidence and camaraderie, while providing a support network for preschoolers, school-age children, and teenagers with special needs. Activities are designed to allow participants to bond and form friendships while discovering they have peers who face similar challenges and experiences. Our Kids’ Night Out groups are held in each of our offices on a rotating schedule. Activities typically include arts and crafts, dance parties, cooking parties, literacy activities, and games. Cost varies depending on the activity.
For more information about upcoming events please call (919) 781-4434 or e-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
