Occupational Therapy students and faculty host iCan Bike experience for local children with disabilities
This summer Idaho State University Occupational Therapy students completing their first year of training had the opportunity to help kids of all ages who live with disabilities learn to ride a bike. OT students and faculty volunteered with East Idaho Down Syndrome Family Connect to support the iCan Bike experience at the Mountain View Event Center in Pocatello.
During this experience, 17 children with various disabilities attended a 75-minute camp- like session over the course of a week focused on learning to ride a 2-wheeled bicycle independently. As part of their fieldwork requirements, 22 OT students participated in the experience, holding the adaptive bikes steady and providing an outpouring of support, both physically and emotionally, for the campers.
The results were incredible; throughout the week students watched the children grow their confidence and bike riding skills as they transitioned from an adaptive bicycle to their own personal bicycle. Faculty were also able to observe the growth and change in students as they learn to become confident practitioners.
