Autism Society of Southeastern

Wisconsin
MEDIA CONTACT:
Colleen Williams
Public Relations & Marketing
T 414.988.1267
C 414.719.7118
mktgdept@assew.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

AUTISM SOCIETY OF SOUTHEASTERN WISCONSIN
UTILIZES LOCAL VOLUNTEERS TO TEACH CHILDREN WITH
DISABILITES HOW TO RIDE A BIKE
Wauwatosa, WI. (July 9, 2015) Did you hear the wheels turning at the Milwaukee
Curling Club recently? The Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin (ASSEW) is
pleased to announce that the national iCan Shine Bike Program that took place at the
end of June at The Curling Club was a huge success! The goal of the week long camp
was to teach individuals with disabilities how to ride a conventional bike and become a
lifelong independent rider. The Cedarburg camp had 32 riders who were helped by over
50 local volunteers.

Riders were children ages 8 and up who have a diagnosed disability. This program used
a fleet of adapted bicycles, a specialized instructional program and a trained staff to
teach individuals with disabilities how to ride a bike. Riders attended 75-minute sessions
each day for five consecutive days and were partnered up with community volunteers
who provided physical assistance, encouragement and served as spotters.

The 50+ volunteers at the Cedarburg bike camp ranged from age 15 to 61, making it an
event that truly everyone in the community could, and did help out with. With only a
week till bike camp began, only two volunteers were signed up. Yet, after a few calls to
local PTAs and volunteer organizations we gained the support that these riders needed.
(more)

Through the encouragement, instruction, and high sprits of the volunteers 80 percent of
the riders learned how to ride their bikes independently. Many volunteers were
passionate about this program as they have siblings with disabilities or are working
in/towards a career that helps those with special needs.

Not all volunteers had previous experience with children with disabilities and learned a
lot from the week; I learned a lot about kids and how they adapt to new things, said
Lily McCann of Mequon. While others were reminded of how important patience is, and
the valuable lesson of never giving up on children if they do not master a task on the
first try.

Parents, such as Laura Michon, from Kohler, were happy to have the volunteers there
and see the bonds formed between rider and volunteer. Likewise, for the volunteers this
experience was one that many will never forget. Nothing is more inspiring than seeing a
group of bike camp participants ride their bikes independently, and knowing that you
helped make a huge difference in this childs life.

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The ASSEW offices are located at 3720 N 124 Street, Suite O, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin supported by a
staff of nine, the board of directors and many volunteers who work to support member families who are
coping with the challenges brought on by Autism. For more information on ASSEW call 414.988.1260 or
visit www.ASSEW.org