Learning how to ride a bike is one of the many new experiences for children. But for a child with Down Syndrome, this milestone can be a challenge.

The Down Syndrome Partnership of Tarrant County’s second annual “Lose the Training Wheels” program on campus began Monday and ends Friday.

Lose the Training Wheels is a national organization that works with local community partners to host five-day camps to teach individuals with disabilities how to independently ride bicycles.

It’s difficult for children with Down Syndrome to ride a bicycle because their development is delayed, which affects their balance, reaction time and gross motor skills, said Tammy Burt, program floor director and board adviser.

When it comes to things that take fine attention, like riding a bike, there is a delay and can be a challenge for them, she added.

The camp is being held at the Maverick Activities Center, where there will be an information table about the program for people who are interested.

More than 80 percent of “Lose the Training Wheels” participants are able to successfully ride a conventional bicycle by the end of the five-day period.

The program uses modified equipment, trained professionals and volunteers during the 75-minute camp sessions.

Though the program helps children with disabilities learn to ride a bike, it also provides more.

“Families have noticed a positive increase in self-esteem and in family dynamic,” program administrative assistant Jennifer Mearns said.“The programs help them feel included, provide transportation and healthy exercise,”

There are 24 participants signed up for the program, and many volunteers were needed as spotters, people that can provide physical support and encouragement during the five-day camp.

Mearns said the program was short on volunteers a few weeks ago, but because of help from student groups, such as Society of Political Affairs and Alpha Chi Omega, it has a good amount of volunteers to help out.

Volunteer and alumnus Bhavik Amaidas said he has volunteered in programs that help children in need since he was young. When his family came to the United States, his parents were told Amaidas was suffering from a skin disorder. They had a family friend who was a nurse and she offered to help Amaidas. While in her care, he became acquainted with other children who were suffering from more severe illnesses, and since then has always wanted to help children with needs.

Political science senior Olivia Llanes is participating in the program for the first time. She heard about it through a friend who had volunteered with the program before.
“I like to volunteer overall, especially with kids with needs, and I enjoy it as well,” Llanes said.

Lyndon LaPlante, “Lose the Training Wheels” supporter, said he had a good personal experience using the program. At first he didn’t know how to ride a bicycle, but by using the program, he was able to learn and use his new knowledge to be a role model for other children with disabilities. LaPlante will participate in the Special Olympics in October at Texas A&M University.

“I hope the camp teaches them that riding a two-wheeler bike is good, and maybe teaches them they can compete in Special Olympics, or even be able to ride with a friend,” LaPlante said.

Katrina Adams and her two children are participating in the program. Her youngest daughter, Audrey, is one of the campers learning to ride a bike, and Adams’ older daughter, Peyton, is volunteering.

“For Audrey, the camp means an opportunity to ride a bike and an opportunity for socialization with other children,” Adams said. “For Peyton, it’s an opportunity to volunteer.”

Adams is also volunteering. She said this is an opportunity for her to give back to the organization that has given much support and is helping her child learn to ride a bike.

Down Syndrome Partnership of Tarrant County will be having more activities in upcoming weeks, sign up at www.dsptc.org for volunteer opportunities.