‘As a child you just want to be part of those opportunities’

Christa Blatt recalled the week she volunteered at the iCan Bike program.

New Lenox School District 122 offers this program every other year to help people with disabilities ride a conventional two-wheel bike, she said.

Blatt, now the assistant director of special education at District 122, said it was “so awesome” to watch the transformation in participants over the five days.

They went from “being a little uncertain and a bit rocky” on Monday to confidence and “big smiles” by Friday, she said.

“They were so proud of the chance to learn to ride a bike on their own,” Blatt said. “It’s just a joyful, exciting time.”

This year’s camp will take place from June 14 to June 18 at Spencer Crossing School in New Lenox. Attendees are scheduled for one 75-minute session each day, Monday through Friday.

Blatt said this is her first year overseeing the program. Mandy Novotny, director for special education at District 122, along with Fred Manzi, an adaptive physical education teacher, ran the iCan Bike program for many years, Blatt said.

Trained professional and volunteers will use customized adaptive equipment when teaching participants how to ride the bike, according to a news release from District 122.

Riders must be at least 8 years old and have a disability. They must also be able to walk on their own without using a cane, walker or any other type of assistive device — and they must be able to side-step quickly to both sides, the release said.

They must have a minimum inseam measurement of 20 inches from the floor and cannot weigh no more than 220 pounds, the release said.

As of Tuesday, the iCan Bike program only had three openings left. But volunteers ages 15 and up are still needed, Blatt said. Volunteers should help out all five days in order to provide consistency to the riders, the release said.

But the results are well worth that time.

“It opens them up to more social opportunities, more opportunities for exercise,” Blatt said. “They gain that independence and assurance that can carry over to many other aspects of their life.”

Blatt said it’s rewarding for parents to watch their children learn to ride a two-wheeler for the first time. Kids feel the same way.

“As you’re in the neighborhood, seeing all the other kids out riding, as a child you just want to be part of those opportunities,” Blatt said. “It just helps them be included.”

To register as a rider or volunteer and for more information, visit www2.nlsd122.org.