Feature Stories

Adapted tricycles granted to Heartspring

Rifton Tricyle Therapists and teachers working with children with special needs are constantly adapting items to fit the needs of their clients or students. This is true with games, books, silverware, even tricycles.

Thanks to a generous donation from the McNary Family, the Heartspring School was able to purchase a Rifton Tricycle for use in the Adapted Physical Education Program. A Rifton Tricycle is a gear driven trike in which the pedals will move as the wheels move unlike a regular adult tricycle. “I love teaching with the Rifton, due to the simple fact that it is extremely durable, well made, and provides several safety options such as a guide bar, extra back support, and Velcro straps to keep feet in place,” said Travis Grover, adapted physical education teacher. “I have personally taught children with severe developmental disabilities to learn how to pedal an adult tricycle after first learning on a Rifton Tricycle.”

NuStar Energy in Wichita recently presented a $2600 check to Heartspring Pediatric Services to purchase a smaller Rifton Tricycle for younger children receiving outpatient therapies and to help support Heartspring’s Lights on the Lake. “NuStar is very excited about supporting Heartspring and all the wonderful programs they provide for the kids,” said Gary Koegeboehn, General Manager - Central East Region. “NuStar makes contributions to hundreds of charitable and civic initiatives in our communities. Giving back to the communities where our employees live and work is the cornerstone of our corporate culture.”

Nustar donation for Rifton Tricycle

Having adapted equipment available is important to Heartspring as we seek to help children with special needs achieve success. “I believe that every child at Heartspring should have every opportunity to increase their quality of life in every aspect and through the use of adapted equipment. This type of tricycle gives individuals a chance to perform an activity that they wouldn’t be able to if there were no adapted tricycles,” said Grover.