Dan

Dan is described as a nature type of guy by his teacher, June. She says that it doesn’t matter what the temperature is outside, Dan always looks forward to going outside. When Dan’s parents visit him at Heartspring he can’t wait to “going walking about” said his father, Pat. The outdoors seem very calming to Dan, and he loves to soak in the sun.

When Dan came to Heartspring, two of his main reinforcers were searching on the internet and watching TV, both of which are indoor activities. While at Heartspring he has had the opportunity to do many things outside. He enjoys going swimming with the rest of his physical education class and he even participated in Special Olympics on the Heartspring Hawks team for aquatics. “Of course he loves being in the water, wherever he is. Pool, ocean, river, mud puddle, shower, hot tub — wet is good from his point of view,” said Pat.

Dan goes on many community outings with his group home roommates. One of his favorite outings is going to the park and checking out the different leaves. Dan also enjoys going to the Sedgwick County Zoo to see all of the animals. “I know that he really enjoys getting the staff in the house to chase him, and likes playing tricks on them,” said Pat, touching on Dan’s ornery side. Getting children outside to enjoy the fresh air and enjoy Heartspring’s 37 acre campus gives students plenty of opportunity to explore.

Coming from the Pacific Northwest, Pat had some positive things to say about recreational experiences for Dan in Kansas. “He has found that the kite flying is much better in Kansas with a plentiful supply of breeze, and open ground without as many kite-eating trees. The best place for kite flying in Oregon is at the beach. The level ground at Heartspring is also fun for tricycle riding. His house in Oregon is on a big hill, and level ground in his neighborhood is in short supply.”

When Dan goes home for his breaks to enjoy time with family, he loves going to the ocean and the beach. He also goes to the zoo and to Washington Park. Dan also goes hiking on the forest trails. “Of course, hikes always involve a careful selection of which hat to wear,” said Pat.