Mobility Program

Mobility - the ability to move freely from place to place - affords freedom and independence that most of us take for granted. For children struggling with mental and physical disabilities, mobility is often challenging, if not impossible, without the aid of special equipment. Variety helps families obtain the equipment they need to enable children to participate more fully in family life, in school, and in their communities.

The Easy Riders Wheelchair Programme provides specially adapted, lightweight manual and electric wheelchairs to disabled children in the UK. Since 1988, the Easy Rider Programme has provided wheelchairs and mobility aids to over 3,000 children who are contending with a wide range of disabilities.

Variety's National Mobility Program in the U.S. provides equipment to children with physical disabilities age 18 and under, including wheelchairs, van lifts, house ramps, adaptive car seats & strollers, specially-equipped bicycles & tricycles, stairlifts and other items, when this equipment cannot be obtained from any other source. Families in need are referred to Variety by family service and children's agencies and schools.

The Variety Liberty Swing, developed by Australian playground designer Wayne Devine, is a revolutionary concept in playground e quipment that enables children with any disability that prevents them from using a standard swing to experience a simple thrill of childhood - the sensation of flying through the air. Variety Australia and New Zealand have pledged to install Variety Liberty Swings in at least one playground in every municipality over the next decade.

The STAR Walker Program provides ambulation training orthoses for children with significant physical disability due to cerebral palsy. The STAR Walker is a hands-free moving frame combined with an adjustable body brace that controls scissoring. The benefits to a child include improved strength in limbs and torso; movement co-ordination in brace; improved independence and self-esteem; improved social interaction; and inclusion in activities not otherwise possible.

Bikes for Kids allows supporters to pledge a new bicycle and helmet to children in their community who excel in schoolwork or personal behavior and accomplishments. This very popular program has resulted in thousands of deserving boys and girls receiving the bicycle every child wishes dreams of owning.