Lose the Training Wheels Program

Easter Seals DuPage and the Fox Valley Region and Lose the Training Wheels, Inc. team up to provide this five day program during two weeks this summer. Lose the Training Wheels designed to help children who currently ride a two wheel bike with training wheels to ride without the training wheels. Using a series of specially designed bicycles and knowledge of the mechanics of steering, balance, motor learning, and postural techniques, each child reaches his/her bike-riding potential. (More information about the theory behind Lose the Training Wheels can be found at http://www.losethetrainingwheels.org/).

Who Should Participate?
To benefit from this program, child must be at least 8 years old and meet these prerequisites:
-Child has desire to ride a two-wheel bike.
-Child is able to keep feet on pedals without the use of straps or pedal blocks.
-Child has the balance necessary to walk briskly without assistive devices.
-Child can take rapid side steps in both directions.
-Child has the stamina to practice pedaling for 1-1.5 hours.
-Child has the vision and or spatial awareness needed to avoid obstacles.
-Child is able to pay attention to training exercises and is willing to respond to directions.
-Child has all limbs and ability to grip all bars.
Among children who meet all of these criteria, there is a 80% success rate for learning to ride a two-wheel bike without training wheels by day 5.

Check Out Photos from the July 6th - 10th Session
36 out of the 38 children successfully learned to ride a two-wheel bike!

22 Scholarships still available!
Cost for families after the scholarship would be $175. Please call us today to Register for our final week of Lose the Training Wheels!

Dates and Times:
Indicate the week you prefer on your registration form.

Schedule for week of August 3 -- 7, 2009
All classes take place at Montini High School, 19W070 16th St. Lombard, IL 60148.

Groups designed for children with primary impairments in the areas of strength, balance or muscle tone:
Group A: Monday - Friday 9:00 - 10:15
Group B: Monday - Friday 10:30 - 11:45

Groups designed for children with primary impairments in the areas of sensory-processing, vision or hand-use:
Group C: Monday - Friday 12:45 - 2:00
Group D: Monday - Friday 2:15 - 3:30
Group E: Monday - Friday 3:45 - 5:00

Staff:
Each group will be led by one therapist (physical or occupational therapist, depending on the group) and several aids and volunteers. Each child will one-on-one attention for safety reasons while riding.

Cost:
The cost for the week-long program is $330, payable to Easter Seals DuPage and the Fox Valley Region at the time of registration. Due to generous grants from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois and CVS Caremark Corporation, scholarship money is available to reduce the cost of this program. Please contact Yolanda de Luna at 630.282.2028 to apply for a scholarship if needed. Spots cannot be held without payment and completed registration form. Easter Seals will not provide any insurance billing for this program. A receipt will be available for you at the end of the program.

Prescription Required:
You physician must complete a special prescription form in order for your child to participate. A form will be sent to you upon receipt of your registration. Do not use the prescription form in this booklet.

Photo Release Required:
All parents must sign consents to photograph their child in order for their child to participate.

Helmet:
Each child is required to bring a securely fitting bike helmet to wear throughout the program.

Registration forms: http://dfvr.easterseals.com/site/PageServer?pagename=ILDU_Lose_the_Training_Wheels