I had the privilege of witnessing the Inclusive Learn-To-Ride Program put on by the Strider Education Foundation at Black Hills Works, where adults with disabilities learned how to ride a bike with the support and encouragement of skilled instructors. It was amazing to see the progress they made in just a few sessions, from learning how to balance and steer, to pedaling and braking, to riding confidently and independently.
The program was not only fun and engaging, but also empowering and transformative. The participants showed incredible determination, courage, and joy as they overcame their fears and challenges and achieved their goals. They also developed friendships and camaraderie with their peers and mentors and expressed their gratitude and pride for their accomplishments. The Inclusive Learn-To-Ride Program is a great example of how the Strider Education Foundation is making a positive impact on the lives of people with disabilities and fostering a more inclusive and supportive community. I strongly endorse this program to anyone who wants to learn how to ride a bike or assist others in doing so!
– Kelsey Egan
Director of Participant Volunteer Services Black Hills Works
We are so grateful to have the opportunity to partner with the Strider Education Foundation and bring such an impactful program to the Indianapolis community and beyond. From the planning, delivery, training, and assembly, to the clicking of helmets and smiles from our striders, Strider Education Foundation was there to help support us through it all.
We have been so impressed! From our initial planning call and throughout the entire process, Strider Education Foundation tailored every single detail to better fit the unique population that we serve and made for an afternoon that we will never forget!
The faces of our participants said it all during the exciting reveal of our brand-new bikes! Strider Education Foundation worked with us to create an experience that we are proud to be able to offer to our community year after year.
–Liz Richards
Executive Director GiGi’s Playhouse Indianapolis
– Carrie Moser
Director of Engagement Black Hills Works
The Inclusive Program was an amazing experience for people supported by Black Hills Works. Seeing people move from being unsure about riding a bike to being confident in their abilities was inspiring. One gentleman in particular was so excited to ride a bike for the first time in his life, he just kept going and going-smiling the whole time. That is an experience this man will treasure always. The Inclusive Program provided an opportunity for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to do something that so many of us take for granted, and it has made a tremendous impact on their lives. Thank you!
All Kids Bikes Inclusive Program has been such an amazing experience for my autistic students. It has given them the opportunity to learn a lifetime skill that they can participate in with their families, neighbors, and friends. Sharing videos with parents who never thought they would see their child ride a bike is priceless. This program has given my students more confidence in themselves and has provided an outlet for exercise and play with their families and peers. I can’t say enough about this program and am excited to continue it for years to come.
I started with about 40 kids in the program who did not know how to ride a bike, by May, I had almost 25 kids riding on pedals!!! It was awesome! THANK YOU!!
– Erika Seamon
Exton Elementary School Adapted PE Teacher
Having access to recreational programming is huge for our athletes and people with intellectual disabilities, it just opens up a whole different world of opportunities for them, not only for their overall health but also their emotional connection with friends and family.
– Jeff Prendergast
Health Program Manager, Special Olympics Minnesota
Overall, the program was good with lots of happy kids and a few pedaling by the end of the curriculum.
– Kayla Taylor
Tator Tots Pediatric Therapy
Confidence was the biggest thing. They were willing to try something new!
– Kimberly Lyon
Tillamook Service Center
