The cost of therapeutic horseback riding for special needs students is $2122, including <a target="new" href="http://www.donorschoose.org/html/fulfillment.htm" onclick="g_openWindow('http://www.donorschoose.org/html/fulfillment.htm', 300, 800, 'fulfillwindow');return false;">fulfillment</a>.
I teach a Profoundly Mentally Disabled class at James B. Edwards Elementary School. There are 6 students in my class ages 6 – 14. My students are severely mentally disabled. Of my students, three use wheelchairs as their source of mobility. Their diagnoses include autism, cerebral palsy, general developmental delays, among other disabilities.
I have been involved in the past with Charleston Area Therapeutic Riding, Inc. and feel that my students greatly benefit from their services. Charleston Area Therapeutic Riding provides therapeutic horseback riding, which builds on the students' sensory, cognitive, and emotional stimulation that facilitates mobility and socialization. Tight muscles are relaxed, weak muscles are strengthened, coordination is improved, and circulation is increased. Charleston Area Therapeutic Riding, Inc. is operated at CATR Farms on John's Island. The staff works with physicians, therapists, teachers, and families to develop an effective program for each individual. The students would attend the program as part of their curriculum once a week for eight weeks.
Each session will last 1 ½ hours. Their certified staff will be on hand including one special education teacher and two assistants. The students in my class would not have the opportunity to experience therapeutic riding without financial assistance.
An opportunity for these students to participate in therapeutic horseback riding is once in a lifetime. The benefits they will reap are numerous. This experience will assist in increasing their communication skills, vocalizations, sensory motor skills, cognitive development, and social awareness. The list is endless. They can only improve and build on the abilities they already have with an opportunity such as this.
Thank you in advance for considering the Profoundly Mentally Disabled class at James B. Edwards.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. W. and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.