An adaptive cycling program for the IDD community
Participants in the JFS adaptive cycling program in a parking lot at the Parker Fieldhouse ready to go on a bike ride together. (Clockwise from left) Alexa Feenstra (JFS staff) and Jeremy Levy on a recumbent tandem, Jax Yoder on a hand cycle and Ryan Stratton on a recumbent trike.
Jewish Family Service (JFS), a nonprofit organization located in Denver, recently launched an adaptive cycling program in Douglas County for the intellectual and developmental disabilities community (IDD). An adaptive bike is one that has been modified to help an individual with a physical barrier that could relate to mobility, balance, stability or not understanding when to brake or how to steer.
The adaptive cycling program opened its first session in June 2024 in Parker and will close at the end of September, reopening next June. The program is headed by Maria Erlandson and Roxane Miller-Freutel, who are both employees at JFS.
Last year, Roxane, the director of Disability Services, discovered that daytime adaptive recreation programs for the IDD community were underserved in Douglas County. She applied for grants for a program under JFS and was awarded funding through Douglas County and Developmental Pathways.
“I found out what families in Douglas County are looking for, and an adaptive cycling program was an unmet need,” Roxane said.
Maria, the adaptive bike coordinator, secured a space in April with a parking lot close to bike-friendly trails and did marketing and outreach to inform families about the emotional and physical benefits of riding bikes.
Maria has a degree in recreational therapy from Indiana University and understands the importance of outdoor exercise in the IDD community. “My goal with this program is aimed at making recreation inclusive for everyone in the IDD community – meeting everyone where they are and biking however feels good to them,” Maria expressed.
JFS partnered with Kids Mobility Network to create the bikes. The program has five adaptive bikes available for use twice per day in two and half-hour sessions: a hand cycle, a recumbent tricycle, a recumbent tandem, an AmTryke and a typical bike with stabilizing wheels on the back. The program provides safety gear for each participant.
“Recreation is a huge part of many communities in Colorado and a program like ours, and all adaptive programs, are so important. There is so much opportunity for joy and exploration for our participants,” explained Maria.
There are spots still available for IDD participants who are 18 years and older. Private pay and Medicaid waivers are accepted. JFS is looking for volunteers and will provide the necessary training. For more information, email Maria at JFS at merlandson@jewishfamilyservice.org.
Participant in the JFS adaptive cycling program Jax Yoder using the hand cycle biking the Cherry Creek Trail.
By Grace Caroline Roubidoux; photos courtesy of Maria Erlandson
