Learning how to ride a bike is not an easy task. This week, an international organization, iCan Bike is providing lessons to children with disabilities in Hamilton.
Riding a bike has been a long process for Kaplin. His mom and dad tried to teach him but he just didn’t stick with it. But, when he came to the iCan Bike camp this week within days he was more independent.
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“My most favourite thing about using my bike is probably going fast…” Kaplin said.
Kaplin’s coach Tricia Vieira says his skills have skyrocketed since starting the program.
“He does everything on his own now. He’s got this big smile, he’s just showing us how it’s done,” Vieira said.
The support received through the program has helped Kaplin be more independent at home and feel included in everyday life, especially in family activities.
Kaplin’s mom, Amber Griffin said, “My husband and I aren’t therapists, we’re not physiotherapists. We don’t know how to teach these skills, especially to a child that needs a little bit of additional support.”
Karli Bourque leads the group of volunteers running the camp this week. She says this is a way for these kids to learn a new skill and make friends, which is often a challenge for those with various disabilities.
“This gives us an opportunity to give them a sense of freedom a sense of friendship and build relationships because hopefully they’re gonna be riding with their friends or riding with their family,” Bourque said.
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Right now there are programs all over North America but the goal is to take it world wide.
“We come in a fleet full of 27 bikes ready to put on the camp. We do some pre-camp stuff with the hosts and get prepared. McMaster was awesome in getting all these amazing volunteers,” Megan Pulsfort with iCan Shine said.
If you want more information on iCan Bike you can reach out to the Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre.