A local town is teaching kids with special needs how to bike and they need your volunteer help

By Lauren McGuirk and Jason Harrison, iBike@QV organizers

who we are…

Quaker Valley School District plays host to iCanShine, a charitable, non-profit organization whose goal is to provide growth for students with special needs through movement and play. Together we are iBike@QV.

iBike@QV is a community-led initiative that teaches students with special needs the skills to ride a two-wheel bicycle. We wish to deliver the gift of riding a bike and the freedom and independence that accompanies such a skill.

why we are doing this…

As teachers, we have seen first-hand the severe lack of extracurricular activities our students with disabilities have been afforded. Recreational skills can be difficult to master for individuals with unique learning needs. By breaking skills into small, achievable goals and celebrating each accomplishment, students build self-esteem and confidence.  In addition, iBike@QV creates a rewarding experience that naturally fosters awareness of students and their disabilities.

how it works…

Each student is paired with two volunteers for five days. Each 75 minute session works towards independence using a fun, energetic approach that rallies behind the rider. All that take part share in success of helping their rider reach the milestone of learning to ride a bike.

 

when and where this takes place…

Quaker Valley Middle School
618 Harbaugh Street
Sewickley, Pa 15143

Camp #1 – June 13^th – 17^th
Camp #2 – June 20^th – 24^th

what you can do…

Help spread the word. We are in need of riders and volunteers.
Sign up today and bring a friend.

Other noteworthy information…

• 80% of students that participate learn to ride a bike!
• Our camp is tuition free! Absolutely no charge to families.
• Target Corp. is supplying each rider with his/her own bicycle to take home!
• Volunteers accumulate approximately 10 hours worth of community service.
• 80% of children with Autism never learn to ride a bike.
• 90% of children with Down Syndrome never learn how to ride a bike.
• You can be instrumental in changing these numbers, sign up to volunteer!
• Check us out on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram – iBikeQV

Click here for more information and to register TODAY!

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