AMBUCS Mission Organization Members Programs

1
AMBUCSMission Organization MembersPrograms
2
AMBUCS Mission

• AMBUCS is an organization dedicated to creating
  mobility and independence for people with
  disabilities
• This mission is accomplished through a variety of
  national programs plus unique projects at the
  chapter level

3
AMBUCS Organization

• Service organization located in 18 states
• Current membership of 5000 in 120 chapters
• Founded in Birmingham in 1922 as the American
  Business Clubs
• Now known as National AMBUCS Inc. and by the
  acronym AMBUCS

4
AMBUCS Membership

• Men and women who make a difference in their
  community
• Local and national service programs generate
  satisfaction and pride
• Innovative service opportunities for people who
  want to help in their community.
• Work together to contribute to chapter activities
  and goals.
• Learn new skills that contribute to professional
  development
• Make valuable contacts and develop essential
  leadership skills

5
National Programs

• AMBUCS Scholars - Scholarships for Therapists
• Largest single private source of educational
  grants for therapists in the US.
• Since 1955 AMBUCS chapters have provided over 7
  Million in scholarships
• Physical and occupational therapists,
  speech-language pathologists, and audiologists
• Applications start in January and scholarships
  are awarded in June each year

6
National Programs

• AmBility
• Combines the words AMBUCS and mobility
• Focus on mission creating mobility and
  independence for people with disabilities
• AmTryke Therapeutic Tricycles
• Ramp Building
• Accessible Playgrounds
• ASK computer project

7
Purpose of the AmTryke

• Therapeutic
• Helps individuals with Downs Syndrome, cerebral
  palsy, spina bifida, autism and many other
  diagnosis
• Builds stamina, endurance, strength and
  self-esteem in children and adults
• Fun
• Accomplished while having fun versus the stuffy
  old exercises that are tough to get kids to do
• Lets the riders experience independence and the
  ability to ride a bike with siblings and peers

8
History of the AmTryke
In early 1990, Sue Haywood, a Physical Therapist,
spoke to the Longview, Texas, AMBUCS chapter
about an expensive hand-driven tricycle she used
that enabled her patients children with
disabilities to experience the fun of
riding. The AmTryke evolved out of a basic
need, Haywood said. I needed something that
would work and that I could readily obtain.
9
The Longview AMBUCS took up the challenge and
began building a design by Sue and an engineer
named Gene Allen. During the time the Longview
chapter provided trykes, chapter members built a
mini-factory where they cut, bent, welded,
painted and assembled all the parts except for
the pedals and seat.
The Longview-built AmTryke readily fit a
3-year-old or a 14-year-old. Each AmTryke was
specially designed and constructed for each
child.
10
To make this wonderful tryke available to more
children with special needs, the Longview chapter
introduced the AmTryke at the 1990 AMBUCS
National Conference. The response was terrific.
The Longview chapter began to provide trykes to
other chapters. In 1994, National AMBUCS, Inc.,
took over the responsibility and created AmTryke,
Inc. AMBUCS has provided over 8,000 AmTrykes to
children with disabilities.
11
Types of AmTrykes
AmTryke Therapeutic Tricycles now come in many
sizes all are developed and manufactured by
AmTryke, LLC.

• AM Series (Hand and Foot operated)
• ProSeries (Foot operated only)
• 2700 (For higher functioning riders)

12
AM Series AmTrykes
Evolving from the original AmTryke, the AM
Series is still our most popular model.

• AM-9S
• AM-9L
• AM-12
• AM-16

For those with little or no function in the lower
extremities, it allows them to get some range of
motion and exercise while using the upper
extremities to propel the tryke.
13
ProSeries AmTrykes

• The AmTryke ProSeries Models are a departure from
  the original hand and foot connection. It was
  developed in response to requests from therapist
  for a more traditional tricycle for riders with
  special needs. The ProSeries is available in 3
  sizes to meet the abilities and sizes of a wide
  range of riders
• AmTryke ProSeries 1412
• AmTryke ProSeries 1416
• AmTryke ProSeries 1420

14
2700 AmTryke Series
The 2700 Series was developed to satisfy the
requests of therapists who were seeking a tryke
for higher functioning riders. These trykes are
intended for use with stroke patients and to
provide mobility for seniors and adults with
disabilities. Models available are 20 wheel and
24 wheel.
15
Will the AmTryke help?

• Visit a AmTryke Demonstration Site for a free
  evaluation see website for locations
• Therapist determines if an AmTryke is appropriate
  for the childs condition
• Therapist measures and fits child for an AmTryke
  and any required accessories
• Therapist provides written evaluation

16
Obtaining an AmTryke

• Ways to obtain an AmTryke
• Determine if the individuals medical insurance
  will cover cost
• Order and pay for an AmTryke from our online
  store
• Ask local AMBUCS chapter to fund the AmTryke
• AMBUCS chapters fund-raise to support these
  requests
• If no chapter, place name on National Wish List

17
Ramp Building

• Many of our chapters build ramps to create
  accessible homes and businesses.
• A detailed ramp building guide is available on
  our website at www.ambucs.org
• Prefabricated modular ramps are available through
  a partnership with Prairieview Industries (see
  the AMBUCS online store for discount information)

18
Accessible Playgrounds

• Some of chapters participate in building or
  refurbishing playgrounds so they can be used by
  all children
• These chapters believe that it is important that
  no child be excluded from the interaction and
  socialization that takes place by playing with
  their peers
• Chapters that have built playgrounds will share
  their expertise with any that are interested
• Contact www.ambucs.org for more information on
  chapters who are active in accessible playgrounds!

19
ASK Computer Project

• Pilot program currently available in Oklahoma and
  surrounding states
• Donated computers are refurbished and distributed
  to adults and children with disabilities
• Over 5000 computers provided to date. Used for
• Developing eye-hand coordination
• Helping with school work
• Preparing for the job market
• Running a home-based business
• Providing entertainment

20
(Local Chapter Name)

• This is where you talk about your local chapter
  More
• More
• More
• Sub paragraphs
• More
• More

21
(local chapter name) Projects

• This is where you talk about special
  projects/activities your chapter does locally
• More
• More
• More
• Sub paragraphs
• More
• More

22
What can you do to help?

• Consider joining our chapter as a member
• Meeting time and place
• Dues structure
• No attendance requirements
• Become and AMBUCS Friends Member
• 25 a year
• Receive AMBUCS publications and information
• Donate funding for AmTrykes or other projects
• AMBUCS is a charitable organization under IRS
  501(c)(3) regulations and provides tax receipts
• Will provide recognition for any donation