Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 (IU29) partnered with Variety, the Children’s Charity, a non-profit organization originally based in Pittsburgh dedicated to helping children with disabilities live life to the fullest through a focus on mobility, communication and social inclusion.  Initially, the IU29 raised funds to purchase 5 Rifton adaptive bicycles that were given to five children with disabilities as part of the Variety My Bike Project. After that, the IU29 continued to raise funds for more devices including, My Stroller and My Voice, for children in Schuylkill County.

Please see below for more information from VarietyPittsburgh.org:
Quite simply, Variety strives to enable kids with disabilities to live life to the fullest with a focus on mobility, communication, and social inclusion / interaction.
Variety believes that no child should be left out, left behind, or isolated, and through its programs / experiences, Variety strives to give children opportunities to discover the possibilities for their own lives, and be a kid, first and foremost.

Our main focus is on providing eligible children with life-changing adaptive equipment that’s individually made / tailored to meet the needs of each child. Equipment is provided through three programs:

• My Bike® - adaptive bikes
• My Stroller® - adaptive strollers
• My Voice® - communication devices with a prescribed communication app

Eligible families can apply for one, two, or all three pieces of equipment. To see if you’re eligible and to submit an application, click the links below:

• Program Eligibility
• Barriers to Families Applying Handout
• Online Application
• Application (PDF) Print
• Donate Online

Applications can also be obtained by contacting Deb Arnold, Special Education Director for Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 at arnod@iu29.org or 570-544-9131 ext 1211.

Please download/print the Variety Program Handout to share the program.

A CRITICAL NEED FOR SUPPORT

Over the last year, Variety's pace and momentum have built up to new heights, with Variety presenting more than 1,060 adaptive bikes, adaptive strollers, and communication devices to kids with disabilities throughout 71-counties in PA and WV!
Because of our incredible success and impact, we are nearly out of funds for adaptive bikes and adaptive strollers.

Hundreds of applications are in process for kids that need a bike or stroller right now, and your support will ensure they do not wait on this life-changing equipment!

Donations can be made online to Variety's My Bike® and My Stroller® Programs at www.varietypittsburgh.org/donate - where you can even start your own fundraiser.

*The cost to sponsor one bike is $1,800 and one stroller is $1,500, but any gift truly makes a difference.

(All information was taken from Variety the Children's Charity Flyer.)

Madison was able to get an adaptive bike from Variety's My Bike® Program in July. With the help of the adaptive bike, she is now riding a two-wheeled bike! The adaptive bike will be given to North Schuylkill School District for other kids to use.