Parents of children with special needs are often left feeling emotional when they come across a program designed specifically for their sons and daughters, according to a recent report. The Cartwheels gymnastics centre in Georgetown, which prides itself on being an inclusive space for all children, launched an inclusive class called Playability in February, with plans to expand the program in the fall. Each child is supported one-on-one by coaches with experience working with special needs children, who ensure the child's safety and connect with them on a personal level.
While some participants do full gymnastics, others use the time to explore and play freely in the gym space. Cartwheels was recently recognized for its commitment to inclusion and awarded the Halton Down Syndrome Association's Community Partner Award.
Going forward, the facility plans to start an adaptive class with Community Living North Halton and bring in children from the Darling Home for Kids for rebound therapy, which involves using the trampoline for physical therapy. The centre continues to offer traditional programming for children of all ages. For more information, visit cartwheelsgymcentre.com.
Video Summary:
Georgetown's Cartwheels gymnastics center has launched an inclusive class for children with special needs called Playability. With a team of coaches experienced in working with children with special needs, Playability provides a supportive and safe environment for children to play and explore the gym space. Some children participate in full gymnastics, while others engage in free play. The center is planning to expand the program in the fall to accommodate more children with special needs.
Cartwheels is recognized for its commitment to inclusivity and was awarded the Halton Down Syndrome Association's Community Partner Award. The center plans to start an adaptive class with Community Living North Halton and introduce rebound therapy to children from the Darling Home for Kids. Rebound therapy involves physical therapy using the trampoline, which can be used to explore movement by bouncing the child. Cartwheels aims to offer programs for children of all ages and abilities.
For parents of special needs children, finding activities that accommodate their children can be difficult. However, Playability at Cartwheels offers a program designed specifically for their children, bringing some parents to tears. The program provides an opportunity for children with special needs to be themselves, and some parents have reported that their children have found friends in the program.
