DANVILLE — The colorful, lightweight tricycles are fun for scooting around a room, but they have a therapeutic purpose, as well. “Children don’t realize they’re having therapy,” said Donna Carlton-Vish, AmTryke chairman for the local AMBUCS chapter.

The Danville chapter donated two AmTryke tricycles to the therapy services department at Provena United Samaritans Medical Center on Monday. The department will become an evaluation site for the bikes for disabled adults and children.

The unique tricycles, which can be operated by hands and/or feet, are designed to accommodate riders of all ages, sizes and varying degrees of physical limitations.

“Seeing the thrill on the faces of those we provide trykes to is just priceless,” said Carlton-Vish, who also is the District 4A AmBility coordinator. “Our chapter is happy to be able to work hand-in-hand with the local hospital to make dreams come true for these kids and adults.”

Larry Owen, president of the local AMBUCS, said, “Our mission is to create mobility for people with disabilities so they can be more independent.”

The service club is involved in other projects, such as the Playground for Everyone at Winter Park, and this latest project shows the same commitment to the community, he said.

“We’re thrilled to be partners with the hospital,” he said.

The therapists at Provena will receive training with the tricycles on Sept. 21, Carlton-Vish said.

As an evaluation site, Provena staff will take measurements and observe the patient test-drive one of the on-site Amtrykes, and then decide which model would be best.

Provena tends to have older patients, Carlton-Vish said, especially those who have had strokes.

Provena then provides the written evaluation to AMBUCS, which makes the determination whether to donate a tryke to the individual. There is a wish list. Because the local AMBUCS project is just getting started, the wait is short, possibly one to three months.

“We’re just beginning to touch the surface,” Carlton-Vish said. “We don’t know what kind of wish list there will be.”

Individuals also have the option of buying a tryke for less than $1,000; however, Owen said the club’s focus is donating the trykes, based on the evaluations. The club accepts donations to help offset the cost of the trykes.

Evaluation sites also will be set up at the Danville Family YMCA, Vermilion Association for Special Education and Danville District 118. At District 118, a classroom will have 14-16 trykes, overseen by the adaptive PE teacher.

Lori Cuffey, physical therapist at Provena, said the staff is excited about the link between the hospital and AMBUCS, as it expands the services. “It gives us more variety in our treatment approaches,” she said.

The smaller bike, which is operated by hands, is good for patients with respiratory problems, for example. A bike is less compressive than walking, and takes pressure off the joints, she said.

Colleen Clemmons, regional program director for therapy services at Provena, said, “We’re thrilled to partner with AMBUCS, allowing us to be a part of assisting physically-challenged children and adults (and giving) the opportunity to enjoy the fun and freedom of riding a bike.

“The trykes have many therapeutic benefits: improved motor skills, strength development and boosting self-esteem.”

How they work

Rotating handle bars are attached to the same chain drive as the foot pedals, allowing the rider’s arms to assist the legs in propelling the bike. Velcro straps secure the feet to the pedals, while torso and hip safety belts maintain the rider in the seat. A wide wheel base and narrow turning radius provide stability.

The tryke’s unique drive mechanism provides passive exercise to the weaker limbs. The AmTryke can improve coordination, muscle strength and balance. Several adjustments can be made to accommodate the height, weight and reach of each person.

The tryke was developed for play so children with disabilities can ride when siblings are riding their tricycles or bicycles. Often the child’s self esteem increases as he or she is no longer left out of the group activity.

FYI

• Individuals wanting to be evaluated to possibly receive an AmTryke should contact Donna Carlton-Vish, AmTryke chairperson, at 304-2265. The website is www.danvilleambucs.com.

• Anyone who would like to make donations to help the AmTryke program may send checks to P.O. Box 266, Danville, IL 81834.
• Provena’s website is http://www.provena.org/usmc, or call 443-5642.