Heart of Florida AMBUCS
We are excited to announce the formation of a new chapter of the National AMBUCS organization right here in central Florida. Heart of Florida AMBUCS is building our momentum to provide adaptive tricycles to children and adults with disabilities. The mission of National AMBUCS is to create mobility and independence for people with disabilities. We are eager to be able to share this vision locally through the distribution of AmTrykes, specialized tricycles that are provided to families through the fundraising efforts of our AMBUCS Chapter.
Heart of Florida AMBUCS has been formed with the assistance of several therapists and special education teachers in the Highlands County School District. Through the programs within the school system, students have access to a variety of equipment; including adaptive tricycles. Medicaid and other insurances will cover a wide variety of specialized equipment for children and adults with disabilities to have in their homes, however, tricycles are not a part of what is covered. Due to this, children and adults with special needs are not able to have a “bicycle” at home to ride on a regular basis, as these customized tricycles can be very costly.
Through our new AMBUCS Chapter, we will be able to bring these AmTrykes to the people who need them most. The AmTrykes can be customized to provide just the right support to a child or adult and give them the freedom to ride a bike safely and as independently as possible. The benefits of cycling are numerous, especially for individuals who are not always able to move without support or assistance. In addition to improving strength and range of motion, other bodily functions are improved as well; these include breathing and digestion. The social impact is wonderful as you get to watch their smiles as they feel the wind in their face and hear others cheering for them as they ride their bike, often for the first time.
We are looking for new members and individuals or businesses that will sponsor the purchase of AmTrykes. We would love the opportunity to share more with you about this inspiring program. An organizational meeting will be held Tuesday, August 26, 2014 at 6:30pm at Dee’s Place Restaurant in Sebring. Thank you in advance for your consideration and support of this exciting new program.
For more information, contact Frannie Gillilan at 863-446-0656 or Buddy Hunter at 863-443-2628.
Email: hofambucs@gmail.com
Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/hofambucs
National AMBUCS: www.ambucs.org
