This CPD Legacy Story is about a little boy who is now able to keep up with his brothers on his own trike thanks to the work of the UATP at the CPD.
Felipe trying out his new tricycle
Felipe Candelario can now ride a tricycle along with his brothers and friends, a feat that his parents thought might never happen.
Six year old Felipe has cerebral palsy, a seizure disorder, and anoxic – ischemic encephalopathy- conditions that you might think would keep him from being able to ride a tricycle. But, thanks to the magic that happens at the Utah Assistive Technology Lab (UATP), Felipe now owns a bright red tricycle that gets him around in style.
The Cache Kids program at the Logan Regional Pediatric Rehabilitation Center donated a tricycle to Felipe to help him with his therapy. His parents contacted Mónica Urrutia, the minority outreach/Latino liaison for the CPD, to see if the UATP could help adapt the tricycle so he could use it.
The tricycle was brought to Stan Clelland, the UATP magician, who, after assessing Felipe’s needs, decided to adapt the tricycle by modifying the pedals so they could be attached to his feet and adjusting the seat so it was at the right angle for Felipe to be able to reach the handles. Stan also added a “mom handle” so Felipe’s mother could help control the cycle while he learned how to steer it. After a seat belt was added for safety, Felipe and his tricycle were ready for action.
Felipe and his family with the UATP staff
The family is so grateful for the help they received from the UATP and especially grateful to be able to communicate in their native language.
It has made such a drastic change in Felipe’s life. Not only can Felipe now ride his own tricycle at home, he can also go out into the community on shopping trips with his family.
Tags: adaptive equipment, CPD Legacy Story, UATP