TURNSTONE PARTNERS WITH SKILLS ON WHEELS TO EMPOWER WHEELCHAIR USERS NAVIGATING THE COMMUNITY INDEPENDENTLY

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (June 29, 2023) – On Saturday, July 15, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Skills on Wheels will take place at Turnstone Center (3320 N Clinton Street, Fort Wayne). During this event, kids (ages 8-17) who use wheelchairs will get to explore Turnstone’s accessible sports, pool, playground, and fitness equipment. There will also be an opportunity to see a demonstration of skills taught in the Skills on Wheels program.

Skills on Wheels is a free manual wheelchair skills program for kids ages 8-17. This evidence-based training program is run through a partnership between Riley Hospital and Indiana University’s occupational therapy department. Participants learn skills such as rolling forward and backward, going up steep ramps, going up curbs, transfers, and more from trained Occupational Therapists. The goal of this program is to empower individuals who use wheelchairs to gain more independence, and learn safe ways to navigate in the community.

Individuals interested in participating should complete an online interest form. You can learn more about Skills on Wheels by visiting their website or emailing [email protected]. Questions may also be directed to Michelle Kimpel, Director of Sports and Recreation at Turnstone ([email protected]).