Mobility for Discovery

Access to the Environment

Encouraging children with disabilities to experience upright, self-initiated mobility, to explore and access their environment through the use of adaptive mobility equipment.

Question:

When do we decide it is important for young children with disabilities, who cannot stand or move independently, to be upright, reaching, touching and exploring their surroundings? 

Answer:

As soon as possible. It is imperative for a child's physical, cognitive and social development that exploration and interaction within the environment begin early in life, particularly during preschool years, when development depends on a multitude of sensory motor experiences. Explore this website to to find out how your child can be encouraged to experience developmentally appropriate activities that other children naturally encounter in their daily interactions. We offer ideas, suggestions, resources and services to help your child achieve mobility for discovery!

Below you can see some of the equipment and toys used for our mobility evaluations. Side by side evaluations using modified assisitve devices provide a more accurate method for assuring an individual will find most appropriate device to meet the desired outcomes. Go to other pages to learn more about our services.

This child is using the TOTWalker used to access to the environment and playing with toys in an upright position. It is important for many health reasons like respiration, circulatory and digestive systems.

Adaptations to equipment are often needed to improve function and comfort in many devices.

Allowing young children interact with their environment is very important.

This child is able to water a plant using a WalkAbout walker, unlike her wheelchair.

The Mini-Bot allows young children the ability to be in an upright position and control through either a joystick or switches their mobility needs.

These toys were adapted with extra height handles and supports to keep push toys from falling to the floor.

This child is playing in his car, which is actually a Pommel support walker.

This seat was adapted to prevent scissoring and give more comfort for extened use in the MiniWalk.

This Pommel walker has several adaptations that allow for better hip, trunk and head support.

Contact:

Christine Wright-Ott   chriswrightott@sbcglobal.net

Rick Escobar      rickescobar@live.com