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Goal

The goal of this grant project is to provide opportunities for students with physical disabilities to "walk" and learn with their schoolmates/helpers who are non-disabled. The project seeks to purchase an "Upsee" mobility aid in pairing students with disabilities with athletes from the FBHS Football program. 

 

What will be done with my students

Using the "Upsee" mobility aid, upperclassmen will be paired with a student who is not able to walk independently. The helper student aids the student with disabilities in assistive weightbearing and stepping. Research shows that there are stages of development. For walking and standing, upright movement is an essential stage. This Upsee device/product has the potential for being an effective tool to not only facilitate weightbearing, standing, and stepping but to encourage disability awareness and build relationships between young children and high school youth on the FBHS campus. Football players from Coach Pate's program will be instructed on how they can individually help in the encouragement of the younger/smaller children in Mrs. Febles' program in using the Upsee . According to the manufacturer's literature, the Upsee consists of a waistcoat for the child, with a pelvic belt, groin supports and adjustable straps to link the child to the upperclassman/adult. The child and helper share sandals which accommodate the child and helper's feet in each sandal. The child stands with support as required from the helper. The child and helper step simultaneously with the child's arms free for play. On a regular schedule, upperclassmen from the FBHS Football Team will "exercise" with the student(s) from Mrs. Febles' class and participate in the Upsee mobility program.  

 

Benefits to my students

The use of the Upsee on a scheduled basis will enhance both social and cognitive development in the students and demonstrate the benefits of upright movement for children who are generally positioned in stationary equipment. Empathy and understanding will be promoted in the helper students and will allow for students of various ages and abilities to interact on an inclusive campus. Students participating in Coach Pate's program will be introduced to possible career opportunities that would include special education and related therapies. The benefits to the child who is using the Upsee for upright movement are without limits! In addition to the school and campus programs, parents will be informed of the success of the Upsee device and its possible transfer to home benefits. 

 

Budget Narrative

This budget request is for a large Upsee Mobility Device Kit which includes 1 child harness ($160), 1 adult waist belt ($70), child/adult sandals ($375), the Upsee Therapy Program ($8.00) and additional sandal extension straps ($26). School Board physical and occupational therapists will serve as consultants in introducing the program and coordinating it with therapy expectations. 

 

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