Physical therapy and occupational therapy programs join with Maine LEND to inspire mobility and independence

Denise Tso implemented the Bike Day as her LEND Elective Project
Denise Tso implemented the Bike Day as her LEND Elective Project

The Maine Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program, along with representatives from the Departments of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy, have formed a Maine Chapter of AMBUCS.

AMBUCS, Inc. is a national nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to inspiring mobility and independence.

The newly formed chapter, called The Maine Trykers, pedaled into action with a Bike Day on May 11.

Members fitted and adapted tricycles for three children in the community. The tricycles were modified to make sure each child could independently use them.

The event was planned and implemented by Denise Tso (D.P.T., ’19) as her LEND Elective Project.

Maine AMBUCS chapter officers and leaders include Eileen Ricci, PT, D.P.T., M.S., PCS, associate clinical professor in the Physical Therapy program and Maine LEND program director; Valerie Jones, LMSW, Maine LEND FIT coordinator; Kathryn Loukas, OTD, M.S., OTR/L, FAOTA, Occupational Therapy clinical professor and LEND training director; Tara Paradie, PT, M.S., assistant clinical professor and Clinical Education assistant director; Elizabeth Crampsey, M.S., O.T.R./L., BCPR, assistant clinical professor and Community Therapy Center coordinator.

The new AMBUCS chapter group will begin raising money for three bicycles for the children. Members will be planning more bike days as part of this ambitious interprofessional program.

About the University of New England

The University of New England is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of flexible, accredited online degrees. In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college, Maine’s only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.