Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin, Inc.

Today we said good-bye to our new riders at the last day of bike camp. The last day is always inspiring, as new riders go from wobbling on 2 wheels to confident on 2 wheels inside, and finally go outside and ride around the track.  Some of our riders still are learning and riding in the gym.  Nationally, the success rate after a week at camp is about 80%, and our results have been similar.

The change from Monday in the posture and energy level of the campers is dramatic. Campers who come in tentatively and reluctantly on Monday by Friday arrive happy and leave with excitement and big smiles.

Our volunteers are amazing. We have several volunteers who have been with us for 3 years - and are looking forward to next year.  Since each rider has individual support, and several have more than one volunteer to support them, we need a lot of help. This week at camp we had 35 campers and 84 volunteers. The campers worked really hard, and so did the supporting volunteers.  I think the volunteers get as much out of this experience as the campers.  Riders and volunteers - you are amazing! It has been so fun to watch you this week!  Riders - keep riding!

Today is the half-way point in our week with Lose the Training Wheels, and about a third of the campers are being “launched” onto 2 wheels.  It gives me goosebumps every time when I see the riders take off on 2 wheels, it is so cool to see their faces light up when they realize they are riding on their own!

Learning to ride a bike is a rite of passage for children, and something that parents of typical children take for granted.  Parents of children with developmental disabilities want for their children what all parents want - for their children to reach their full potential, for them to succeed in school, make friends, and eventually, have jobs and a home of their own.  The sense of confidence and self-esteem that mastering a skill like riding a bike can bring can carry over into other areas of a child’s life, and even change how others view the child.

Disability rights advocate Aimee Mullins discusses how our use of language - such as the word “disabled” - can lower expectations and how viewing someone as competent can actually improve behavior and performance. Aimee Mullins speaks of the opportunity of adversity.

Today all the months of planning came to fruition and we had kids on bikes at Nicolet High School.  Last minute calls for volunteers were answered, and we had plenty of helpers on hand to fit helmets, check people in, and serve as spotters to the new crop of beginner cyclists.

The first day of camp is always a little tense, as I wait to see if it will all come together as planned.  Some of the individuals we support are not entirely sure that they want to be there.  Some want to be there for a while, but do not have the stamina to last for 75 minutes of riding. I confess I fall into this category myself.  Luckily, I do not have to do anything too strenuous, or I too would be saying “no bike, good-bye” after the first 30 minutes.

I am always cheered and amazed by the joy so many of the campers exhibit going round and round the gym on rollers with glee.  But I am more deeply moved by the new riders who are used to failing, who are afraid to try anything new, but who find themselves during the week of camp experiencing success.  That’s the moment that makes it all worthwhile.

Come and visit our table at the Franklin Health and Safety Faire on Saturday, June 19th, from 11am to 2pm. The Faire will be held at the Shoppes of Wyndham Village – HWY 100 & Drexel.  Details are on the Franklin Now Website.  Participants include area businesses, police and fire vehicles, and children’s activities. Hope to see you there!

One of the benefits of membership is checkout privileges from our extensive Lending Library.  ALL THE AUTISM, PDD-NOS, ASPERGER, SENSORY, and SPECIAL ED information YOU WANT AND NEED is here, in our office. We have a wall of books, magazines, videos, and DVDs for our members to check out for one month. Not a member? You can join that day for only $25, which includes membership in the national Autism Society of America! We’ll see you on Saturday, June 12, noon - 2:00pm!