Lose the Training Wheels™
Learning to ride a bike is truly a milestone in a child’s life, one that brings joy and self-confidence. For some children, this achievement is made more difficult, if not impossible, because of their disabilities. Children with special needs have the desire to learn to ride, but many need specialized help.
Lose the Training Wheels (LTTW) is a national program that utilizes highly trained coaches and technicians, uniquely adaptive equipment, and a proven methodology. It is a weeklong camp that teaches children with a variety of disabilities to ride a conventional two-wheel bike.
Program Goals
The ultimate outcome of the camp is teaching a child to ride a bike that would not otherwise have learned; however, the benefits are so much more. In addition to significant motor/neurological development, there are additional benefits that stem from the ability to ride a two-wheeler:
- Enabling peer inclusion opportunities
- Building self-esteem
- Enhancing quality of family lifestyle
- Increasing activity and mobility
- Heightening cognitive stimulation
- Supporting better physical fitness
About The Participants
Children who attend the camp have Autism, Aspergers, and other neurological disorders. Given the specialized equipment, the maximum number of children a camp can accommodate is 40. Each year the camp achieves maximum capacity and maintains a very long waiting list. Approximately 20% of the kids receive scholarships through our Financial Assistance Program to attend the camp.
About The Volunteers
Each camp requires 80 to 100 volunteers as each child needs at least 2 volunteers at their side at all times in order to master the skill. These volunteers come from business partners, local high schools, churches and civic organizations. Involving our community with these children and families benefits the volunteer as much as the child. Many times, bonds are formed that last well beyond the camp week. The participation and support of businesses, schools and community volunteers play an important role in the LTTW program’s success.
Testimonials
From Parents
“This was our last hope. Sarah learned how to ride a bike at this camp and her life is forever changed. She has more confidence and will be able to ‘fit in’ more. This is a skill that no one can take away from her… this camp has totally changed out lives!”
“Ryan’s overwhelming fears of actually riding kept him from learning to ride a bike. ‘Lose the Training Wheels’ was a perfect fit for him. The adaptive bikes gave him the security he needed to push through his fears not to mention the encouragement and praise he received from the LTTW staff and volunteers. It’s wonderful to see the look of pride in his eyes that he was able to learn a new skill. It truly has changed our lives as now we can go riding as a family unit without having to leave Ryan with a sitter. He now has new found freedom and independence that he desperately needs!”
From Volunteers
“I am in the midst of college applications and one of my major college essays discusses a lot of my experience with Lose the Training Wheels and the Autism Foundation. These experiences truly have shaped the direction I want my life to take and I thank you for the opportunity to work with these special kids. I would not be the person I am today without having participated in Lose the Training Wheels.”
Contact Information
Please visit our LTTW website at www.LTTWCharlotte.org for more information and applications for campers and volunteers or contact Camp Director at 704-906-7662 or info@autismcarolinas.org.