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 5 years ago for the triangle area. The program has since helped over 50 children receive bikes. Each year two parties are held (typically in June and December) to donate bikes to ten children with special needs.
The bikes range from $200-$1000 depending on the adaptations. Members of Raleigh AMBUCS have donated more than $20,000, with other contributions coming from fundraisers and donations from members of the community. 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.
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 contact T.R. Goins, MPT at Pediatric Therapy Associates (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.
Summer Twirlers (special needs ballet and movement class)
Our ballet and movement class is back! This summer will be the third year this program is offered at Pediatric Therapy Associates. “Summer Twirlers” focuses on movement therapy with specific emphasis on gross motor development, sensory-integration, social interaction, motor planning, and just plain fun. A teacher and therapists with previous experience involving special needs ballet will lead the classes with help from volunteers. Our physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists dedicate their time each year to help the children shine. This program has been a huge success in the past and we are excited to offer this wonderful opportunity again this summer. Classes will be held on Friday mornings beginning June 13th through July 11th. Each child will be carefully assessed and placed into a class that will allow him or her to excel. The registration fee is $25. For more information call T.R. Goins, MPT at 781-4434 or e-mail .
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.
Girl’s Night Out and Boy’s Night Out
“Girl’s Night Out” and “Boy’s Night Out” are social groups sponsored by Pediatric Therapy Associates for girls and boys ages 5 and up. The mission of these groups is to promote self-confidence and camaraderie, while providing a support network for 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. Examples of activities include arts and crafts, dance parties, bowling, nature hikes, kayaking at Lake Johnson, and baking parties. The location of events will be determined by the activity. Cost also varies depending on the activity, but is typically around $5 per person.
Our first “Girl’s Night Out” gathering, a “mani-pedi” party in September, set the bar high for future events! Eight girls came to our Raleigh office to have their toenails and fingernails painted, while munching on pizza and listening to the tunes of Hannah Montana and High-School Musical. The evening was full of ear-to-ear smiles on everyone’s faces; therapists and volunteers included.
For more information about upcoming events please contact T.R. Goins or Jen Mock at (919) 781-4434.
