Bloomington, June 17, 2014 – Easter Seals received a grant from the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation through the Youth Engaged in Philanthropy fund, providing scholarships for 12 children to attend iCan Bike in Bloomington.

The vast majority of people with disabilities never experience the thrill of independently riding a two-wheeled bicycle.  Research shows
that over 80% of people with autism and 90% of people with Down syndrome never learn to ride a two-wheeled bike.

iCan Bike uses adapted bicycles, a specialized instructional program and trained staff to enable individuals with disabilities to learn to ride a two-wheeled bike.  Participants attend one 75-minute session each day for five consecutive days where they learn to ride while accompanied by a volunteer spotter.  Over the course of the week, the bikes are adjusted in an effort to challenge riders appropriately as they gradually discover the skill and joy of riding.  The program is offered to individuals ages 8 and up who have a diagnosed disability and are able to walk without assistive devices.

Easter Seals has been coordinating iCan Bike camps for over eight years, and will offer the 2014 camp July 7 – 11, at the Army National Guard in Bloomington, Illinois.

Volunteers are needed.  Volunteers are paired up with a specific child for the full week of iCan Bike and serve as spotters, walking or running alongside the rider to provide encouragement and physical support as needed.

For information on iCan Bike or to volunteer contact Tara Wellenreiter at 309-686-1177 or visit www.ci.easterseals.com.