   |
All-star tumblers
Helping kids succeed
Starting off the semester with a hop, a leap and a roll in the right direction, the School of Health Professions’ Adapted Gymnastics program is again filling Friday nights with active fun. For the last 20 years, the program has helped children with disabilities improve their movement, social skills and confidence. SHP students volunteer their time to help these kids grow.
Photos courtesy of Jeff Krug
Physical therapy students and graduates celebrate the success of every participant in the Adapted Gymnastics program. Left to right in back are Sara Nelson and Jennifer Holland, DPT class of 2010, Sadie Heavner, MPT ’09, and Sarah Wheeler, MPT ’08.
Fifteen to thirty children participate each session. The disabilities they have been diagnosed with range from Cerebral Palsy and Down Syndrome to ADHD and autism. Modifications to every activity allow children with any disability to practice their motor skills and have fun while improving their movement and self-esteem.
“One child that participates has significant movement impairments, but she has gotten so much stronger and can walk the balance beam with support. She doesn't talk but her smile says it all,” says Jeff Krug, clinical instructor of physical therapy and lead director of the program.
A major contributor to the program is Max Lewis, the head coach. Max, who was paralyzed from the waist down by a diving accident, is a former high school athlete and an excellent role model for the children.
“Max interacts with and encourages the children, and they are obviously comfortable with him as they readily approach him and talk with him. He teaches them that obstacles can be overcome and you can do whatever you want if you are willing to work hard,” says Krug.
To keep this program going the directors look towards SHP students for help. Adapted Gymnastics doesn’t just improve the children, but is a great experience as well.
“The program provides experience assisting and facilitating movement with children as well as determining ways to encourage the kids and provide behavioral support. It provides hands-on experience that the students may not receive until they are in a clinical affiliation. The students get to problem-solve ways to modify the activity and encourage movement. Also, it provides a positive experience,” Krug explains.
The smiles, the determination and the happiness that radiates from the kids are just a few reasons to give up a Friday night and do something inspiring. To volunteer, contact Jeff Krug at 573-882-3561 or e-mail him at krugj@health.missouri.edu.
— Meghann Konczal
Related Links
Photo Gallery
Kelsey Okruch and Sara Nelson, DPT class of 2010, help a young gymnast walk the balance beam.
Megan Beissenherz, DPT class of 2010, helps support gymnast Hannah on the parallel bars.
Page last updated on: November 6, 2009
| Contact us | MU Alert | MU Disability Resources
Copyright © 2008, 2009 — Curators of the University of Missouri, an equal opportunity/ affirmative action institution. DMCA and other copyright information. All rights reserved.