The Lucy Link

[Rachel]

I have so many great Lucy moments I figured I should start putting them in one place!

[Rachel]

Tonight I was snuggling Lucy and we were talking about how she will be starting 1st grade at a new school this year. I said, Lucy I bet a lot of kids are going to ask you why you are in a wheelchair, since they have never met you before. You might get asked that over and over again. What do you think you are going to say if kids ask, "Hey why are you in a wheelchair?"

Lucy's response, "I have a wheelchair because my legs don't work so great and I can't walk. What's the big deal?"

I was cracking up. I told her that was a perfect response. Then I asked her about her casts.

"Hey how did you break both of your legs?"
Lucy- "I didn't break my legs I had an operation!"

Sounds to me like she has it figured out. Too cute!

[Rachel]

Lucy goes in first thing in the morning to have her cast changed. They are going to put her out again to do it. I think that is because they are trying to get her legs to straighten out as much as possible.

She already said se wants BLUE casts again. I can't believe her surgery was 2 weeks ago! She is doing so well. Only had 3 nights of pain medication and then she did not want it any more.

She has been waking up a couple of times each night "fighting" with her legs - Her legs want to curl up and bend but with those casts they end up sticking straight up in the air. They look like V for Victory! She has to take some deep breaths to get her legs back down.

She sleeps with a foam wedge/block strapped between her casts to keep her legs from crossing and to keep them stretched apart. She thinks the foam block is the worst part of her surgery.

She surprised me a few days ago, I asked her if she could hold her legs, while I was changing her. She grabbed her legs and pulled them right to her nose. I was sort of half screaming and half laughing! "Lucy, oh, stop eeek! Ah, does that hurt? Geez!" I guess the hamstring release worked! She said, "Look I'm a quesadilla!" I had to take a quick photo with my cell phone and send it to Aaron.

[alices_dad]

Oh that's hilarious!

[c01dunlap]

What a trouper, that Lucy of yours! She is growing up to be one strong, confident and bright little girl. And, scarily flexible too! :p

Did I miss any pics of Lucy in her snazzy blue casts anywhere here? (Hint, hint, if I didn't! :D )

[fia's mom]

Glad to hear that Lucy is doing so well. She is an amazing person with a beautiful spirit! I hope everything continues to go well and the fighting with the legs is able to settle down.

P.S. I'd like to see those snazzy blue casts myself.

[tamthompson74]

I've been wondering how Lucy is doing. We should have a big cyber party for her when her casts come off. I think those big foam blocks in between the legs would drive me crazy. Give her big hugs from us!

[kilikicurran]

So cool. You go Lucy!!! So funny about her responses. I have no doubt she'll be fine in school!

I think the Lucy Link is a great idea!!! I'll be checking often!

[jenml]

Wow, what healthy responses! And how excellent that you prepare her. I hope the new school is a good experience (as I'm sure it will be)... When does she start? (I go back this Monday, 8-28, and the kids start 8-30... that's just wrong! too early!!!).

I know Henry wants to see the blue casts since he thinks they only come in purple! :rolleyes:
So get that picture ready, Rachel!! :D

[becnorris]

Lucy will do Great at school I think! And I love the story about how flexable she is! That made me laugh out loud!!! :D

Thanks for the update and I too would love a picture of Lucy's casts! Liam my older son just loves Lucy!!!

Becky

[Sally6473]

Those are great moments. Thanks so much for sharing them. Just hearing about Lucy I can tell she is such a strong little girl. She has faced things that most of us never will and handles it all so well. You are truly blessed to have such an amazing daughter.

[JoJo]

Quesedilla--lol! What a creative, cheerful kid! She's such a big blessing, and comes in such a small, blue-wrapped package. I'm glad she's recovering so well.

:-)
jojo

[Krista]

ROFL! The quesadilla had me crack'n up! Way to go Lucy, we're so happy that you're doing well! Madison was asking about you yesterday, she watns to meet you so badly because you both only a few days apart in age (Madsie's birthday is 5-23-00)

[Rachel]

It's a little dark since I took it with my cell phone:-)

[kilikicurran]

Ouch!!!!!!

[Rachel]

Lucy got her casts changed yesterday. She only needs to have them on for 2 more weeks. We are so excited!

Her righty looks like it may be a little too tight this time :( So I am heading back up to Shriners today to see if they can loosen it up a bit.

[Krista]

WHAO! Impressive! lol :p

[tyandsophiesmom]

Keep up the good work Lucy! That picture is adorable.
Since Sophia was little, little ( I mean like the day she got out of her pavlick harness) she would sit in her car seat with her legs behind her neck. She has extreme joint laxity. We started to call her Carney girl as in she should join the carnavel with those tricks. Now I guess we can call Lucy the Quesedilla girl

[fia's mom]

Wow! What flexibility!

[Sally6473]

Ouch! That looks like it would hurt. That is too funny. I hope that they can loosen her cast today and she's more comfortable with it. That's great that she only has them on for 2 more weeks!

[jenml]

Wow, flexibility!! Cute picture...
(But Henry isn't convinced they're blue! haha).

2 more week, Lucy... that means she starts school with them on, huh?

[stefwvu]

Her righty looks like it may be a little too tight this time :( So I am heading back up to Shriners today to see if they can loosen it up a bit.[/QUOTE]


YEAH LUCY!!!!!!!!! :D We hope that she isn't in pain. How did it go at Shriners!!!

[strykersmommy]

WooHoo! Go Lucy! She is such a cutie-and so smart!

[alices_dad]

That's pretty bendy! Maybe Lucy could be Gumby for Hallowe'en!

[kilikicurran]

That's pretty bendy! Maybe Lucy could be Gumby for Hallowe'en!

She would need green casts then!

[Rachel]

Mommy and Daddy were right! Those casts were too tight. Her DR said he was glad we brought her in because it would have been problematic. Then the DR says to his helper -"would you go get the saw?" Lucy's eyes were as big as platters! "What? WHAT? What did he say? SAW?"

I told the DR he should name it something else - like the tickle bug.

Her main concern was what kind of noise does that saw make? See we have had some work done on our house recently and the saws are her least favorite, that and the air gun for nails.

They cut a few inches off the back of each cast and made them more comfy for her.

Her left leg is totally straight and her right one is within 5 degrees of straight. (Her first cast only got righty within 15 degrees of straight)

School starts Tuesday for her! Monday for Leah!

[Sally6473]

The Tickle Bug- that's great. Good luck at school to both of your kids. I'm so glad that Lucy is responding well to the surgery and that her legs are getting so straight! Thanks for keeping us updated.

[ajberchielli]

what a trooper! Wow what a snap shot! Take care Lucy and good luck on your 1st day of school. Gosh I can't wait to one day meet miss Lucy in person she has quite the comical personality.

[stefwvu]

I'm so excited for Lucy! I hope her first day is wonderful! Do they think she can still get her cast off in 2 weeks or will it be a little longer for the one leg? Thanks for the updates. If you get a chance let us know how Leah's first day went. Is she in thrid or fourth grade now?
God Bless,
Stefanie

[Rachel]

Today was Leah's first day and it went great. Lucy had a 1st grade, 30 minute orientation, so we got to look in on Leah who excitedly told us she already made a friend! (Whew) She smashed her glasses, late Saturday night, so she got to wear her contacts to school today. Her contacts are usually reserved for Signing Time shoot days:-)

Lucy's first day is tomorrow Tuesday - but we are coming in to train her aide on a few things. So Wednesday is the day we let go and see what happens.

Lucy is scheduled to have her casts removed a week from Wednesday.

[mrupp]

It's so good to hear the excitement in the start of school. Good for Leah and her first day with a new friend. It warms my heart. And little Lucy, the quesadilla girl, I hope her first day was a thumbs up too.

Thanks for sharing the good.
Melissa

[lovemy6sweeties]

and that she wowed em with her snazzy blue casts :) The quesadilla picture made me laugh :) Lucy is just too cute :) With her new flexibility, she and Brady could give some of the great yoga masters a run for their money :)

Lucy warms our hearts - give her a hug and a high five from Brady - she is definitely a trooper and an inspiration to us :)

[signing bug]

Griffin loved the picture of Lucy's blue casts. He broke his arm August 1st and picked blue too! He gets his off next Wednesday as well. Are Lucy's waterproof? Griffin has loved still being able to swim and shower with his. What a great spirit that girl has, she is amazing, and maybe a future yoga instructor, or quesadilla if that doesn't work out? ;)
Thanks for sharing!

[Sally6473]

I was wondering how the start of school went for your girls. My sister told me she feels old, she has a 3rd and 1st grader now. Her kids are getting so big! I'm glad that your girls are off to a good start and that Leah has made a friend.

[stefwvu]

I have so many great Lucy moments I figured I should start putting them in one place!


Hi Rachel! I missed chat the other night and wondered if Lucy got her cast off? How is she doing! Hope everything is great! :p

[kathannpk]

Just wondering if Lucy got her casts off yet? I hope everything is going well.
Is Leah still enjoying school?

[Rachel]

Yes - Lucy has her casts removed on Wednesday. She says "I love my new legs!" I just ordered her a stander and she is working on walking at Shriners.

Right after the casts came off they took molds of her legs for new braces - her new braces will go all the way up to her waist with locking/unlocking hinges. Her braces will be ready in 3 weeks.

I'm still surprised to see her cute little legs!

[c01dunlap]

Yes - Lucy has her casts removed on Wednesday. She says "I love my new legs!" ...

I'm still surprised to see her cute little legs!
Yay!!! That is terrific! And she seems to have such a GREAT outlook - so many people are down about the PT struggle after such major surgery / bodily change.

Soooo... Do we get a pic of her with her new cute little legs sometime? :p

[kilikicurran]

AWWWW...can't wait to see miss Lucy's new legs!!!

[jenml]

Right after the casts came off they took molds of her legs for new braces - her new braces will go all the way up to her waist with locking/unlocking hinges. Her braces will be ready in 3 weeks.


Rachel,
I have worked with about six young children with SB and had these leg braces... they are AWESOME! The kids get to stand (with a walker) and move/see from a new perspective. I had this group when I was teaching at a rehab center (all therapies downstairs, education upstairs, full day school), so my youngest was two, and the oldest I had was just at 5 or so (differnt classes throughout the years, I've had 2's / 3's, andthen 4's / 5's)... The older kids even got so good at helping don the braces, and oh so proud.... These are the braces with the AFO's attached to the whole brace. Very easy to use once you get to know them (the hinges).

Very exciting.
Hooray for Lucy!!

[Sally6473]

Yay! I'm so glad that Lucy got her casts off and is looking forward to learning to walk. That is just amazing!

[fia's mom]

So glad to hear that the casts came off and Lucy is excited about learning to walk and of course enjoying her "cute little legs." :D

[tyandsophiesmom]

That's great new's. I hope the braces come quick and Lucy can get used to them with out any problems. Best of luck to you!!

[kfsd1122]

Rachel - Lucy is a great inspiration for others. I'm happy for her that she finally got her casts off. That was a cute picture of her blue casts. Best of luck to all the Signing Time family.

[ST! Rebecca]

I had another dream last night that Lucy was walking on her cute little legs... one of many I have had! Go Lucy Go!!

Rebecca

[kilikicurran]

I had another dream last night that Lucy was walking on her cute little legs... one of many I have had! Go Lucy Go!!

Rebecca

She'll be running before you know it.

[amybordelon]

Go, Lucy!! Keep your head up high. We are all praying for you. you and your sister are the apples of your parents' eye. :D

[amybordelon]

Hi, Rachel! I am glad you are enjoying your time in Hawaii. I would love to go visit one day. I have been thinking about Lucy lately. Been checking her link to see her progress. When you recoup from your trip, let you ST family know how your beautiful girls are doing. Be careful coming home!

Amy

[c01dunlap]

Rachel,

When you get a moment, we'd love to hear how her walking is going. I'm going to get it wrong, but I *think* it you told us she had her first PT walking-on-the-treadmill 3 weeks ago? 10 minutes the first time up. Woo hoo! Way to go Lady Lucy!! So proud of you!


:D

[Rachel]

Thanks for the reminder Chris! Yes Lucy has treadmilled twice now. The tradmill at Shriners has a parachute harness that keeps her upright so she can focus on her legs.

She did really well! And she has become very excited about physical and occupational therapy - which is so HUGE! Especially considering the fact that she has cried for her hour of therpay every week for the past 4 years.

She has new braces for her legs. They go from her feet all the way up to her waist and the knees lock and unlock. The waist locks and unlocks as well. It almost is like a custom fit stander. I will have to post some pictures.

[Lynja_the_ninja]

Glad to hear it:)

[ST! LeeAnn]

Go Lucy, Go! Thanks for the update!
LeeAnn

[sacmom]

Woo hoo! Way to go Lucy! :)

[Sally6473]

Way to go Lucy!

[becnorris]

What a wonderful job Lucy!!! We are looking forward to seeing some pics! And I know that Liam would love to see her! He just can't get enough of Lucy!!!! :D

[alices_dad]

Thanks for the reminder Chris! Yes Lucy has treadmilled twice now. The tradmill at Shriners has a parachute harness that keeps her upright so she can focus on her legs.Gait training - know it well. Alice has been doing that for more than a year now and it has made a great difference. She's moving on to parallel bars on her own (or with some assistance) and it's very exciting.

[stefwvu]

Thanks for the update Rachel! Tell Lucy we are so Proud of her. I was watching a special on tv - probably on TLC and they had da chlid in this brace who couldn't walk - she had to rock back and forth to make it move and get the muscles working. The child was going to Kennedy Kreiger and working with a Dr. that worked with Christopher Reeves. Anyways is this what Lucy has or is working to have? Can we see updated pics of the kids soon?? Maybe Halloween pictures?
Have a great week!

[3Beez]

Hey Lucy (and family)-

We are all praying for you here and hope you are doing well. Glad to hear you get to learn how to walk!!!!!

You're one amazing little girl!!!!!!

[Mom2ckc]

Many many HUGs Lucy. I'm so very excited for you. :)
Thanks for updating us. Hugs to the whole family.

Mary mom to
Caitlyn 4yrs
Kyle 2 1/2yrs
Carmelle 15months

[amybordelon]

Thank you, Rachel, for the update. You are part of our family here. My mother asks about your family often and wonders how things are going. She is an OT and is very familiar with Lucy's progress. Thanks again.

Amy Bordelon
PS. How is school going for Leah?

[Rachel]

I wanted to share these pictures from our pumpkin carving party. You can see that Lucy and I take the task of carving pumpkkins very seriously!

http://tinyurl.com/y332dz

[stefwvu]

Those are awesome Rachel! Thanks for sharing. All the other kids were so cute. And I want to know who the photographer is - seems like a pro! (was it daddy?) Glad you guys had sooo much fun. Tell Lucy GREAT job!
Stef:)

[Sally6473]

I was in the middle of a reply here when ds decided to take a dive off the chair upstairs. Poor kid!

Those are cute pictures. Whoever took them did a great job!

[Shell]

I wanted to share these pictures from our pumpkin carving party. You can see that Lucy and I take the task of carving pumpkkins very seriously!

http://tinyurl.com/y332dz


Great pictures, Rachel!!!! Lucy is so adorable!!!!

[Rachel]

The photographer is a friend of Rebecca's. I asked the same thing.. If she is a professional photographer. She says she is not a pro, I beg to differ! Every picture is stunning!

[becnorris]

The photographer is a friend of Rebecca's. I asked the same thing.. If she is a professional photographer. She says she is not a pro, I beg to differ! Every picture is stunning!

Thanks Rachel for sharing these picture with us!!! They are wonderfully taken. They seem to really catch the feeling and fun of the event! Does look like you do take the carving seriously!!! :D Oh and beautiful selection of pumpkins (loved the white looking one!!)!!!

[fia's mom]

Loved the pics! Looks like you and Lucy had a blast! :D

[faux56]

Beautiful Pictures!!!!

I'd love to know what kind of camera she has. I want what she has. LOL

Lucy is such a cutie.

Maria

[jensmom]

Thanks for sharing Rachel--looks like a very good time was had by all!

[lovemy6sweeties]

Looks like so much fun! I love all the kids in their costumes, and Lucy is a world class pumpkin carver :)

Thanks for sharing!

[sacmom]

I wanted to share these pictures from our pumpkin carving party. You can see that Lucy and I take the task of carving pumpkkins very seriously!

Beautiful pics Rachel. Thank you for sharing. :)

[ajberchielli]

way to go Lucy!!! Making great strides on the treadmill!!! Beautiful pics, your family is so photogenic naturally.

:D

[Rachel]

Lucy has been calling her family and friends to let them know she is officially 6 and 1/2! Yes, this exciting event happened on November 19th - her official 1/2 year mark.

The fact that she takes it so seriously is simply further proof that YES indeed she IS 6 and 1/2!

[c01dunlap]

Lucy has been calling her family and friends to let them know she is officially 6 and 1/2! Yes, this exciting event happened on November 19th - her official 1/2 year mark.

The fact that she takes it so seriously is simply further proof that YES indeed she IS 6 and 1/2!
How wonderfully cute!! I'll have to tell Moni that she and Lucy *almost* share a most important day! (Moni's bd is a day before.) Sophie will think that's very cool, too.

[stefwvu]

Lucy has been calling her family and friends to let them know she is officially 6 and 1/2!
Tell Lucy her ST buddies wish her a Happy 6 1/2 Birthday. Does she require gifts for this 1/2 birthday? Did her sister help her with this idea?

[lovemy6sweeties]

6 1/2 is very very big! Hope you got to celebrate in a fun way :)

[Rachel]

AH, no gifts were required for this half way point. It was business as usual. But I think she IS bigger and cuter!

[fia's mom]

Well then, "a very merry un-birthday" to Lucy! 6 1/2 is huge in a kid's life. I think it's the HALF that's the most important. It makes them older than a "regular" 6 year old. I remember thinking 1/2 birthdays were the best! :D Funny how when you get older you don't want to discuss the 1/2.

[Sally6473]

I'm glad gifts weren't required. ;) She is a cutie! My nephew is her age, and I'd say he's more of a handful than a cutie... but he is both too!

[brenkachika]

Wow, Lucy is only eight days older than my Katie-Jayne! Six and a half is a big deal, especially when you have a big sister to catch up to!
I have a neice who is exactly 6 months younger than Katie-Jayne. It makes remembering birthdays really easy!
Happy half-birthday, Lucy!
-from Katie-Jayne and her mommy, Kerry

[Rachel]

I spoke with Lucy's principal a couple of weeks ago because I wanted to do a Signing Time fundraiser for their school so that we could add some accessible equipment to the school playground. As I shared my ideas, the principal picked up the phone and called the Risk Mangement Dept of our school district. She left a message letting them know that she has a studentin a wheelchair who has nothing availbel to particiapte in at recess and that currently, this child's aide would hold her on her lap and swing on the regular swings, which is obviously not safe to do (holding the swing chain with one hand and Lucy with the other hand).

The principal called me last week to say the swing has been ordered and the district has paid for it. It will be installed while the kids are on X-mas break! I wanted to share this in hopes it will work for some of your kids, or friends or families who have special needs kids. I know this is going to completely transform school and recess for Lucy! Recess will actually be a motivator for her!

This will also allow the other kids to interact with her, by pushing her on the swing. (For those of you wondering, an accessible swing is a large plastic molded chair that has a harness. Lucy doesn't have to balance, hold on, worry about falling out and she does not have to be able to hold her head up on her own in an accessible swing).

I am really excited about it. She is going to be so surprised when she sees it. She loves to swing!

[Sally6473]

Oh that is so great about the swing. You'll have to let us know how she likes it!

[abchome4me]

Thats great,Rachel!I hope she enjoys her new swings!!! :cool:

[archer210]

I think it's great that the school is willing to do this. I was at a meeting with a group of parents and heard alot of stories about the school system fighting the parents. I guess we've been lucky the school hasn't fought us for any of the things that Sarah needs just ask that we get it varified.

Hope lucy really injoys that swing of hers. :D

[c01dunlap]

Rachel,

You are such a great advocate for your daughters! Sometimes I honestly forget you're a mom like the rest of us, with two extraordinary children (just like all of ours ;) ) that you love with all of your heart, and would do anything for. I'm so glad you share your challenges and successes here on the forums and chat with us too.

Thank you. Makes me proud to be your fan/friend! You're definitely part of our ST! forum family. :p

Lucy - woo hoo!! If anyone deserves to swing and fly high, you do! I'm always so proud of you as your mom shares how hard you work on walking, at Physical Therapy, and just being a wonderful little girl. {{HUGS}}

[Rachel]

Isn't it funny that we are so often surprised when we actually GET what we ask for!!!

Now I have a request for you!!!

Here is my request - even if you do not have a child with special mobility issues - will you contact your school district and/or local Parks and Recreation Dept. and ask them to add accessible elements at YOUR playgrounds -like a handicap accessible swing? Most parks are built to ADA - (Americans with Disabilities Act) minimums - but we are asking them to go above bare minimums. Shouldn't EVERY child have the right to play? Or are parks and playgrounds only catering to children who are born with the ability to walk?

While you do that, I am going to look into ammending the ADA minimums.

[brenkachika]

I live in a military neighborhood, and I am proud to say that we have several parks with handicap accessible swings. They have wide pavement sidewalks right up to the spongy surfaces. I was very impressed when we first moved in here 4 years ago to see that this was so. I often see them being used too.
-Kerry

[c01dunlap]

Rachel/Kerry/Somebody,

Can you give me a link to an example of the swing? I always think a picture speaks a thousand words. I'd actually love a pic also of a child in the swing, although I bet anyplace selling them has pics with and without.

If I were to get more specific beyond the swing, what other 'elements' would you suggest? I'll target our small town of Centerburg, and surrounding mid-sized towns, and even tackle Columbus, once I figure who to write to.

Kerry - that is cool to hear that it is not only accessible, but in use!!

[stefwvu]

I did a little research and found this link http://www.playkids.com/acc/hc_2-dlr.htm
Hopefully Rachel will be able to let us know if it is what Lucy is getting and what is helpful to those kids in a wheelchair.
Talk to everybody later.
Hugs!
Stef

[Mom2ckc]

Awwww that is wonderful..... Some of our parks have handicap accessible swings and play things and it is great to see. Just wish they had this for my sister when she was growing up. She would have loved it. We had to put her on our lap all the time or hold on to her sideways so she could ride things. We made sure she had fun but it wasn't easy. My sister had CP and was in a wheel chair. It is so great to see more and more handicap accessible things to help others to make their life easyier and fun. That is Such Great News about the swing. It's about time. :)

Mary mom to
Caitlyn 4yrs
Kyle 3 yrs
Carmelle 16 months

[brenkachika]

I did a little research and found this link http://www.playkids.com/acc/hc_2-dlr.htm
Hopefully Rachel will be able to let us know if it is what Lucy is getting and what is helpful to those kids in a wheelchair.
Talk to everybody later.
Hugs!
Stef

It's not like that one - it's black and very different looking. Maybe I'll take the kids to the park tomorrow and take a picture.
-Kerry

[archer210]

Rachael,

I agree that some areas of the ADA laws need to be tweeked up alittle but others are already to strong with the way they are worded. If you go to ammend the ADA Law take care not to go over on the wording and make it to powerful.

The section of the ADA that is to strong deals with public transportation and states that for no reason may an ADA passanger be denide a ride on an ADA vehicle. This may not seem like much but IF (and I stress the if) there is one seat remaining at a given time and TWO people want a ride if one is an ADA they will get the ride no matter if the other person needs it for life saving treatment or not. We define life saving treatment as ceemo, dialasis or acouple other things but the ADA laws don't let Paratransit groups make an exception for this. :eek:

[TarheelTuckers]

In the parks that I have seen with swings for those with disabilities, that is what they look like. There are different styles, but that would work. From what I've heard, itt just needs to be able to hold and support their body for those who don't have muscle and torso control. In some parks I've seen, they don't leave the harness/seat belt on the swing...and if you have a child who needs to use that swing, you contact either the fire dept or the local hospital to be issued a harness for your child.

[TarheelTuckers]

Here's the letter I submitted. Let's all try to make a difference one playground at a time!

Dear Carrboro Parks and Recreation Department,

My name is Gina Tucker and I am a resident of the Carrboro/ Chapel Hill area. I am writing as an advocate for handicapped children who are unable to use the playground equipment provided in normal parks and playgrounds. I have noticed that Anderson Park does have a handicap accessible swing and I commend you on that! How wonderful! I also noticed though that Wilson Park does not have any handicap accessible equipment. I realize that both of these parks are built to the ADA (American with Disabilities Act) minimums, but I am asking you to go above and beyond these bare minimums, just as you have done with Anderson Park. Shouldn't EVERY child have the right to play? Or are parks and playgrounds only catering to children who are born with the ability to walk? I personally do not have any children who currently have a disability, but I feel very strongly for those children who would benefit from this equipment. Please add handicap accessible elements to all Carrboro playgrounds!!!

Sincerely,
Gina Tucker

And here is the response I received within an hour of sending my email...

Hi Gina. You should send this to RecParks@townofcarrboro.org

May I also suggest you get in touch with Carrboro Parks Project at http://carrboroparks.org? This is a group of local folks who have raised money for stuff like fencing for the dog park, a shade sail for the Town Commons playground, etc. I feel certain they would be willing to help you with this effort. I have an older brother who had polio as a child and has been in leg brace his entire life (he's 58 now) and faces challenges every day of his life, so can relate to what you're saying. Playgrounds should be accessible for all kids. If there is anything I can do to help you, please don't hesitate to let me know. I will support your effort whole-heartedly.

Jackie

Jackie Helvey
http://uniqueorn.com
Designing sites for sore eyes
http://carrboro.com
Your hometown website
919.933.9312

[jenml]

My school has a WC swing (that allows the WC to roll on, lock in, and the whole WC swings on a platform). The problem is, when that student who used it for years left our school to go to middle school, we had to take the swing down. Too many kids came to our school after hours and would stand on it and ride it the wrong way. After many years it just took too much abuse and we had to take it down. It was not easy to get up or down, and I know they (the school or the board of ed) would replace it unless there was a need in th ebuilding right now... and currently, though we have kids with walking issues and balance, no one is in a WC at the moment, so there is no way to fight for it.

(this is coming from a school who has rationed our copy paper, so forget about getting a gorgeous piece of equipment for the play ground...).

[ASLnmbr1]

I would love to see more parks accesable to all kinds of children with special needs.

IT makes me mad when I see kids "abuse" the wheelchair accessable swings. I think they should posts signs and advise parents to please monitor your kids and explain that these are for wheelchair bound kids only.

It would be cool if they could design some kind of "slide" that wheelchair bound children could go on or other neat activities that will allow a child to feel free even in a wheelchair at the playground.

Some playgrounds have those special padding on the ground that are soft and easy for kids to get around on should be at more playgrounds.

IT would be great if they could have sand tables that are off the ground so that kids in a wheelchair and pull right up and play in the sand.

[ASLnmbr1]

Rahcel thanks for sharing the pics!

For those of you that have kids that think casts are only come in blue colors pls tell them no they come in a lot of diff colors for me. LOL My son has been in 3 different casts for toe walking. He has had red, then green, and the last set were tie dye colors. The funny thing was when we were there to do the 3rd set my son said that he wanted PINK casts. Well I wouldn't mind doing it BUT I was afraid that kids might make fun of him in pink considering that is a "girl" thing and I didn't want him to get hurt if kids made fun of him in pink casts. So the dr said oh we have tie dye and that has pink and all the other colors in it and that settled the battle!

If anynoe here can tell me how I can insert pics I would be happy to show u him in his casts! He has also had splints and braces. Now he is doing well but recently he just started to go on his toes again. I told him if you continue you will have to get casts again since that is what the dr prefer to do in his case.

My son also had PT and he never liked the first 2 PT for some reason but they both were very nice PT. Finally we got a 3rd PT and my son just loved it and finally was happy to go to PT. Now that 3rd PT is now teaching PT full time so she is no longer working with patients and the 4th thearpist my son didn't like but thank goodness he only had to see her twice before being discharged form PT.

I have a big question! How do I enforce the city to plow the sidewalks and or make all the sidewalk pavement on the street that I live on! The funny thing about the street I live on only one side of the street has a full pavement sidewalk while on the other side only parts is paved and other is just grass. I can't drive and there are some wheelchair bound poeple that have to go on the roads when snow comes which is why I do NOT like snow! When my son was a baby and I was on a "backroad" pushing him in the stroller we almost got hit by a car because the driver was trying to slow down and was sliding on ice and almost hit us. I thoguht if the car hit us I would not blame the driver for it I would blame the city for endagering our lives! I have called the city many times to get out there and plow the sidewalks but they said we don't have the resorces to do it. Howeever they do plow it SOMETIMES. I just wish they would do it after every snow fall even if it has to be a day after they do the roads just as long as they don't leave it there piled up for days or never get back to it and soemtiems they don't do it after I complain.


Thanks for any help or suggestions!

[bjcengh]

I just wanted to post a link to an organization in my area that was started over 19 years ago by one parent who wanted to help meet the overwhelming needs of the multiply handicapped and profoundly deaf students at T. H. Rogers School in Houston, Texas. It started as a Christmas program to provide gifts for those less fortunate and expanded to provide programs and playgrounds, among other things, for children with special needs. Check it out http://www.beanangel.org/history.html All it takes is just ONE person! Write to your school and community parks and recreation about playgrounds in your area that are lacking.


Rachel that is excellent news for Lil' Lucy. I'm so happy they were able to provide it and quickly for that matter. Way to go!

[brenkachika]

Well, they are tearing down half of our neighborhood to build new houses for the rest of us to move into when they tear our housed down next summer! The playground is near where the construction will be taking place, and it has been closed! So I could not take pictures of that swing. It is black, and is not hard molded plastic, but soft. Next time I am in another Navy Neighborhood on the island I will try to take a picture there.
Sorry!
-Kerry

[Rachel]

LAst Wednesdat, when Lucy got home from school she said,
"Mom today I got called down to the office and guess what they had for me?"
"What did they have for you?"
"My swing! I was so excited I almost cried!"

And THAT my friends is the gift. Lucy will really have something to look forward to at recess! And for each of you that are making similar strides in your area and schools - if ever you need a reminder - just think of Lucy saying -
"I was so excited I almost cried!"

The swing was up in the following day and as Lucy tells it, "When I went out for recess all of the kids were yelling 'HERE COMES LUCY!!! HERE COMES LUCY!!'" They were so excited to watch her enjoy the swing. The staff who work in the school office kept taking turns just "Going out to see the look on Lucy's face as she swung!" They said they have never seen such non-stop joy before.

Lucy also told us that the teachers had told the other children that if Lucy was not outside, they could use the swing, but when Lucy came out - it was just for her.

That swing is now a landmark for any child in the neighborhood who needs it! We don't have to drive 20 miles to swing anymore! That is the difference one swing can make.

[musictchr1]

That aswing is now a landmark for any child in the neighborhood who needs it! We don't have to drive 20 miles to swing anymore! That is the difference one swing can make.

That's truly amazing. I think I need to do some research about the parks in town. My dad is on the rec board, so I've got some pull. :D At least I *think* I do! ;)

May I copy that post to share with him?

[jenml]

Hooray, Rachel!! How exciting...
You go, Lucy!!!

[lovemy6sweeties]

I am soooo happy for Lucy!!! What a difference this swing will make and I am thrilled for her, and for all the other kids who will be able to benefit - yayyyyyyy!

[mom2E&G]

That post was so touching....Lucy, her classmates and staff sound amazing. Congrats on making change happen for your daughter's school.

[Rachel]

This is the article I wrote for their school paper.


Have You Seen the Big Red Swing?

Question: What has blue eyes, a great big smile and swings back and forth at recess?
Answer: First grader Lucy Coleman on her new red swing!

You may have noticed something new at CV’s playground. A brand new red swing was delivered a few weeks ago. This is a special swing – designed especially for children who cannot sit up or balance by themselves on a regular swing. Lucy is just like all the other first graders. She loves to read. She loves to play. She loves to swing! Lucy is also one of the only students at CV who uses a wheelchair. Imagine if you sat in a wheelchair during class and then for recess you got to sit in your wheelchair outside. Recess is supposed to be different! Recess is a break! Recess is fun! Thanks to the new red swing, Lucy can safely do her favorite thing at recess… SWING! Be sure to stop by, say “Hi!” and see how happy Lucy is on her swing!

[alannasmomma]

What a great article and a precious picture!!! I just love her smile; it captures her joy!

[fia's mom]

Woo Hoo! Yay Lucy! She looks super happy! Glad to see that she finally gets to have fun, fun, fun!

[5TAL55]

What a great picture and article!!

In seeing the picture, not only do I see a REALLY HAPPY child, but I also realized that we have a special red swing at my local park. :)

[j_a_a_zavala]

Now that I think about it we have 2 red swings at one of our local parks. I used to go there when I was younger and never even knew what they were for. I am so glad that Lucy got her swing and I hope that that wish can come true for all of the kids who need them.

Ashley

[becnorris]

Rachel, I just LOVE that pic of Lucy on the swing!!! That is so wonderful that you and her were able to get the school to see how important this was for Lucy! I am so very proud for you and Lucy!!!

Loved seeing her happy smile!!!! :D

[Sally6473]

Thats a great picture! Thanks for sharing with us.

[brenkachika]

That is so wonderful! Lucy looks like the happiest girl in the world!
-Kerry

[jenml]

Great picture! And nice article... Thanks for sharing!!!

Go, Lucy!!!!

[fia's mom]

After seeing Lucy's swing, I went to A I duPont Children's Hospital with Sophia. They have a huge playground in front of the hospital. I noticed the same red swing there! It was so nice to see! :)

[c01dunlap]

Oh Rachel, how wonderful!! I am inspired, and want to increase the number of such swings in all of the areas surrounding our rural town of Centerburg. Would you mind if we either quote your article &/or share the picture of Lucy with the various park services departments in Central Ohio?

What an extraordinary mom Miss Lucy has! I am soo proud of the many, many things you do, and feel so honored that you share so much with us. Some days I see you on video and forget you're a mom like the rest of us. Then I come to the forums, and remember. :)

[Rachel]

I don't mind at all! Please use whatever you want and get more swings and accessible equipment in your playgrounds and parks so that all children can play!

[lovemy6sweeties]

how happy Lucy is on her swing!

Rachel - Lucy SHINES in that picture!!! We are so happy for her - thanks for sharing!

[spiritmomma]

Just wanted to chime in and say that I think Lucy is the cutest little girl in the whole world! (Don't tell my DD!)

Thank you so much, Rachel, for sharing your Lucy moments with us. Your children are wonderful, bright, and beautiful. It's good to know that your family is so closely knit. I'm glad for all of you!

Keep the Lucy stories coming... They brighten my day and make me smile... :D

[lovemy6sweeties]

Brady and I just wanted to say - Congratulations!!! That is sooo cool!

[musictchr1]

Christie- Great minds think alike! ;)

I had just read the blog about Lucy's tooth (so sweet!! :) ) and then got a new CD in the mail... I popped it in the car and heard this (it's actually a poem, and his delivery is awesome!):

I woke up this morning and I started my day
I stumbled out of bed and I made my way
Down to the kitchen where I poured some juice
That's when I noticed that my tooth was loose!

I can tell you're thinking right off the bat
I don't see what's so great about that
It's something that happens nearly every single day
To kids from Canada to Tampa Bay

Well, you might be right; that may be true
But maybe someday this will happen to you....

Maybe one morning when you're putting on your shirt
You'll notice that your mouth is starting to hurt
You'll rush up to the mirror and open up wide
And notice that there's a tooth that's loose inside!

Now the very first thing that you're gonna wanna do
Is reach up with your finger to see if it moves
You'll wiggle it left and you'll wiggle it right
'Til it wiggles all morning and it wiggles all night

You'll wiggle it at school and you'll wiggle it at home
You'll wiggle it in crowds and you'll wiggle it alone
You'll wiggle it for friends and you'll wiggle it for foes
You'll wiggle it for everybody everywhere you go!

Until you wiggle it one little wiggle too far....
And it pops right out wherever you are!
Well, now you've got a hole where your tooth used to be
And you're feeling pretty strange 'cause you can taste it bleed
And you're telling everybody I'M GONNA BE SICK!!
That's when you figure out a brand new trick

'Cause you can spread your lips and clamp your jaws
And still have room to stick your straw
To slurp your milk or gurgle up your coke
Impress your friends and embarrass your folks!

So now you're thinking, "Hey, this is pretty fun!"
But the very best part is yet to come
'Cause when you get back home and you're ready for bed
You can stick that tooth underneath your head
And if everything goes exactly right
The tooth fairy comes in the middle of the night
She sneaks in your room when you're sound asleep
And she leaves a little cash where your tooth used to be

So, you're still sitting there thinking, "I know that scene.
Everybody's done that whole routine."
Well, you might be right; I might be wrong
It might not be worth writing a song

Except for one little thing you see
It's the very first time it's happened to me


All I could think of while hearing this is Lucy...



(Just FYI--- It's on Roger Day's "Rock'n'Roll Rodeo" CD (his other CD, Ready to Fly is also awesome). )

[Rachel]

Last Saturday our local paper ran a story about Lucy's swing. (There is not an on-line version, but I will work on that) THEN yesterday Lucy's school called me because they had been contacted by Channel 5, who saw the story in the paper and they asked to interview Lucy!

So - today we met up at the school and did the interview. It ran on the 6pm news. You can see the video here:
http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=148&sid=1206228

Just waiting for that call from Oprah now. ;) ;)

[jenml]

So - today we met up at the school and did the interview. It ran on the 6pm news. ;)


How cool is that?! Way to go, Lucy!!!

[musictchr1]

Rachel, we PMed briefly when Lucy's swing first arrived, as my Dad is on our town's City Recreation Board. I mentioned that I was going to start pushing for accessible items in our parks through Dad.

Well, things got put on the back burner on my end, as they sadly do sometimes... and when I saw this post about the news feature I forwarded the link to Dad with a "Hint, hint, hint" message. This was his response this morning:


Thanks for the article. In fact at Thurs's meeting this very topic was discussed. As a committee we committed to having a handicap swing at every city park and we directed a search to find out if in fact they've been ordered, if so, where are they and when will we see them up in all parks. This is still a timely article that will passed on to others as verification that it is well worth the $s and the pleasure given to all citizens. Thanks and see you tomorrow.
Dad

EVERY PARK!!!!! That's eight parks!!! We're a town of 18,000 people, so I for one, am thrilled and wanted to share that with you, and to thank Rachel and Lucy for the inspiration to plant the seed!

Hugs to you all!
Heather

[Lynja_the_ninja]

that is soooo exciting!! way to go Rachel!! and Lucy, you were great on the news!!

[NcCarterFamily]

With using some of the quotes from Rachel. We are working on getting the parks in Orange County up to speed not only do we want some swings. We'd also like a fence around the playground. Doesn't have to be extremely tall just enough so we can enjoy the time at the playground without spending every second making sure the boys are escaping...

[purplewowies]

We had a swing at my elementary school that might've been for children with wheelchairs/special physical needs. That's what everyone said. But it was NOTHING like that one! It was like a "baby swing," but instead of leg holes on the front, there was an opening like the ones on regular swings, with a chain across the front. I didn't think that swing looked very safe for anybody.

P.S. (but this is more important than the message): WAY TO GO LUCY! YOU ON THE NEWS WAS GREAT! I'M MAD AT MY COMPUTER FOR REFUSING TO PLAY IT UNTIL NOW!

[alexasmith]

Hi
Thanks for sharing this nice link. I had checked your link. This is very interesting.
Please keep sharing more and more information....

[PDX Loves Signing]

Rachel/Kerry/Somebody,

Can you give me a link to an example of the swing? I always think a picture speaks a thousand words. I'd actually love a pic also of a child in the swing, although I bet anyplace selling them has pics with and without.



Here's an article I did (http://www.examiner.com/special-needs-kids-in-portland/a-walk-the-park-requesting-more-access-for-wheelchair-users) in Portland about these swings, and about changing the ground-cover in the parks as well. It has some links and pictures, too. :)