Special Needs Students
Succeed at Valley View

An autistic man who would answer only when spoken to, CAN now enter into conversations on his own and is able to work at a job. He CAN also accomplish many exercises from one command. He earned 1st Place with his Kur in the Trot Division at the American Vaulting Association's National Competition in July 1989, in which there were no special classes for those with special needs.

A young girl with Cerebral Palsy, who needed assistance to walk, CAN now walk unassisted up and down hills and steps, striving to keep up with the other vaulters. She also was unwilling to follow directions. She CAN now listen to directions and CAN accomplish all the vaulting exercises on the moving horse.

A dyslexic man, unable to have both sides of his body do the same thing at the same time, has earned his Bronze medal. This same man, who was unable to do for himself and has been in special education classes all his life, CAN now feel good about himself and now has a job.

Another young Cerebral Palsy girl who, we were told, was unable to grip anything, CAN now hold tightly to the handles of the surcingle and CAN push her body around in a circle on the horse (an exercise known as the "mill").

A man who is a coma victim and has been confined to a wheelchair for the last 14 years, unable to support his own weight, CAN now take a few steps unaided and CAN walk holding onto a rail. He CAN also support his team mates in double exercises on a moving horse giving him a great feeling of self-worth and being able to do for himself again. Among his many successes he was able to stand at his own wedding.

Special Needs Students Succeed at Valley View

Special Needs Students
Succeed at Valley View