Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin, Inc.

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.