pages of freedom - Freedom Concepts

PAGES OF FREEDOM
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 1
MAY 20, 2011
Celebrating 20 Years of Freedom
Geneva Centre
for Autism
page 2
Autism Spotlight
page 3
Biography:
Curtis Henry
page 4
Spinal Cord Injury
page 5
Fundraising for
Shianne
page 6
2010 Recap
page 6
As we mark this 20th year for the
company, we are both improving
the old and creating the new.
Our new Excursion Tandem and
ASR Recumbent 2011 (see page 5)
with new internal rear steer
cables, 30% less frame weight,
a lower transfer height, improved
and more reliable on/off
reciprocator and adjustable
passenger seating making these
models of bikes even better
than the existing design.
Our Chill-Out Chair, which
started the alternative seating
revolution, has been a long
standing source of comfort and
therapy for so many children
and young adults alike. It is a
comfort to so many parents and
therapists as it provides a feeling
of joy and calm and has shown
our commitment to providing
both coolness and comfort with
postural support. This year, we
have reintroduced
the ChillOut Chair
with new
features
such as
tactile
fabric
covers
available in cool “peace, love,
groovy baby” colors as well as a
great choice of foams and styles.
“Rock and Roll” - coochie coo not only awesome for Cerebral
Palsy but in consultation with
therapists, the Chill-Out Chair
has been tailored for the those
diagnosed in the Autism Spectrum.
KEN VANSTRAELEN
Inside this issue:
This year we celebrate 20 years
of Freedom...20 years has gone
by so fast and along the way
we hit a lot of milestones, but
when I look back over the many
changes we have gone through,
the one thing that has remained
consistent is the message
of Freedom which is timeless:
Every child deserves the chance
to ride a bike and our slogan
“Creating a CYCLE of Mobility”
is still our motivation - give us
a need we will find a concept
and hopefully create the
ultimate experience: Freedom.
New product development is
what continues to fuel the
growth of Freedom. We are
constantly researching new
products and discovering ways to
broaden the mobility and seating
comfort we can bring to enhance
our customers’ lives. CYCLE
HARD! CHILL-OUT OFTEN!
This year, we are opening the
world of Freedom to racing
handcycle users. Through
collaboration with both new
and existing engineers, we are
bringing mobility to the brave
soldiers who have fought to
bring freedom to the world and
returned with both catastrophic
injuries but a continued zest for
life that inspires us all.
Creating a CYCLE of mobility
2011: Decade of
Destiny
page 7
ISS 2011
page 8
Sm
ile
st
ha
tl
as
t!
continued on page 2
2011 is our 20th Anniversary! To celebrate, enter for your chance to win
one of 20 Bikes. Visit http://www.freedomconcepts.com/contests/free-bike/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Winnipeg-MB/Freedom-Concepts-Inc/126381786058
http://twitter.com/FreedomConcepts
http://specialneedsbikes.com/
http://www.chill-outchair.com/
FUN HAPPINESS IN
Geneva Centre for Autism
The Geneva
Centre
for Autism
held its annual conference
on Nov. 3, 2010 in Toronto, ON.
The Chill-Out Chairs were well
received and Ken returned home
with a wealth of information,
and increased knowledge
regarding the Autism Spectrum.
This International Summit is a
premier event for the Autism
community worldwide. Attracting
therapists from around the
globe, the conference was the
opportunity to meet individuals
who work tirelessly to improve the
lives of those living with Autism.
Also, thanks to Jennifer from
CHEO for introducing us to the
“Meet the Challenge Problem
Solving Game” developed by
Autism Spectrum Program of
Eastern Ontario - School Support
Program.
TEMPLE GRANDIN WITH
FCI PRESIDENT ken VANSTRAELEN
Rock’er Roll’er Chill-Out Chair options and accessories include:
Textured and patterned fabrics for touch and sight;
ION POCK
ScentsationTM Pockets for smell; Communication/
T S AT ET
N
S
E
SC
Feeding Tray Accessories Sleeve Pockets for
W
adaptive communication devices; all
of which may all aid in sensory processing.
TM
NS
PRESSION C
U
TE
SH
IO
GH
Specific foams can provide the occupant
with a pressure hug or supportive relief
while seated. The deep-V design along with
a weighted blanket or Compression CushionTM
(stuffed with your own weighted or
aromatherapy fillings) can help create
a cocoon or squeeze sensation.
COM
KETS
T
N
IO
G
VI
RA
NG
C U S TO M P E
RSO
N
AL
IZ
A
To celebrate our 20 Year
Anniversary we have ongoing
events and promotions and hope
to recognize our customers, our
EN
We have triathletes and other
active specialty lifestyle
participants working with us
to advise and offer improvements
on these new models. It has been
a real joy to see these men and
women take on the world and
motivate us all to new standards
of achievement.
IC
continued from page 2
TM
FA B
R
Celebrating 20 Years of Freedom
EI
During the event, Ken was able
to interact with several big names
in the Autism world including
Temple Grandin.
LAN
D B
The Freedom Concepts booth,
manned by FCI President
Ken Vanstraelen, featured
the new and improved Rock’er
Roll’er Chill-Out Chairs.
collaborators, our friends and
families whose lives we have
touched and who have touched
our lives over the past 20 years.
And to help better serve you, we
have opened up branch locations
in Costa Mesa, CA and Atlanta, GA.
Thanks to all those in the local
areas that help support our FCI
Family in those surrounding areas.
been fortunate to be surrounded
by so many talented people who
have worked tirelessly to help us
get where we are today. As we
move forward, we never lose sight
of the vision that Freedom was
built on and that same vision is
both our message and my personal
hope for all of us, that Freedom is
a precious thing but a feeling that
is deserved by everyone. I am just
so glad every day that we have
been able to bring so many people
along on this journey.
Freedom...
What a Concept!
The CYCLE of Fr
Two decades. Wow, it sounds long!
And when you stop to think about
what has really happened in the
world over the past two decades,
it’s even more amazing. And I have
Creating a CYCLE of mobility
TM
1.800.661.9915
www.freedomconcepts.com
NCENTIVE MOBILITY
AutismCYCLE
Spotlight
Our
of mobility
Autism is a term used for a number of
developmental disabilities called Autism
Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ASD is a life-long
neurobiological disorder that affects how a
person perceives and interprets their world,
particularly the social environment.
1) Classic Autism (generalized category,
pre-specific diagnosis).
2) Aspergers Syndrome causes individuals
to regress socially, with slight deficiencies in
specific areas of communication, reduced pain
sensations, and increased sensitivity to light.
The symptoms of ASD vary and can range
from mild to severe, but most children
on the spectrum show difficulties with:
3) Childhood Disintegrative Disorder starts
at a very early age and usually peaks between
2–4 years of age. These children will also regress
socially, but very severely, to the point where
communication slowly ceases completely.
Social interaction;
Verbal and non verbal communication;
Repetitive behaviors or limited interests.
Autistic individuals can also exhibit certain
cerebral behaviors, such as:
Creation of words to supplement the
understanding of other words or definitions;
Non-neuro-typical thinking (i.e. their own
unique perceptions of rules, boundaries);
Repetitive play is common,
often mimicking real-life;
4) Rett Syndrome creates a duality of symptoms
in this developmental and neurological disorder.
More common in females, these individuals
may suffer from very lean muscle tone and
smaller head development or loss of motor
skills with demonstrated repetitive expressive
movements like clapping, ringing, or patting
themselves on the head.
5) Pervasive Developmental Disorder is a
cumulative descriptor for those who exhibit
multiple symptoms across the spectrum.
Preference for neuro-play
over physical-play;
No matter where your child may be on
the spectrum, the Chill-Out Chair may help
provide a complete diet for the senses.
Genius in an area such as dialect
while remaining at a substantially
lower level in math or science.
Although Autism is a very complex
disorder, it can be classified under five
general categories. The severity of each
variance does not determine the general
diagnosis, rather the symptoms displayed
are more apt to be the deciding
factor in one’s diagnosis.
Response to movement can be created
with the gentle back and forth motion
of the Rock’er or the spinning
of the Roll’er.
reedom Concepts
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 1
COnnor and
grandma JOyce
with BOO
The versatile Rock’er Roll’er
Chill-Out Chairs can be customized
to cover a wide range of behavioral and
therapeutic needs with the various options.
Take a sensory break in a Chill-Out Chair.
MAY 20, 2011 JOY INDEPENDENCE
2011 Cerebral
Palsy Stationary
Bike Race
This year’s Freedom Concepts
Reciprocators Team was in fine
form for the 2011 Stationary Bike
Race in support of the Cerebral
Palsy Association of Manitoba held
March 12, 2011 in Winnipeg, MB.
The 14 rider teams have each
member cycle on their stationary
bike for a 25 minute period.
This year, 34 teams helped raise
over $138, 000 with money going
towards Manitobans effected
by Cerebral Palsy.
The 2011 Reciprocators Team
raised $3000.00+ and pedalled
295.3 km! Thanks to all FCI Staff
in attendance especially David,
Duy, Colin, Alvin, Amanda P.,
Cam and Susana as well as special
thanks to Sarah, Amanda O.,
Kelly and Curtis - AWESOME
cycling and fanning everyone!
We’ll
see
you all
again
next
year!
Biography: Curtis Henry
As a bike fit specialist working out
of Atlanta, Georgia, I have had
training in many areas of study,
including schools by Specialized and
Trek, and training under John Cobb.
I have been bike fitting for over five
years and have worked with many
types of athletes, from junior racers
to elite triathletes.
The bike fit process blends many of
the “math” based fit systems with a
more hands on approach that focuses
on comfort, proper positioning,
efficiency, and power output.
My fit process blends the physiology
of human anatomy with the complex
physics of proper positioning while
keeping in mind your personal
cycling goals. The complex process
of a good bike fit will enhance your
cycling experience. From setting the
proper cleat position, to establishing
the correct handlebar reach, a good
fit will maximize your efforts
on the bike.
I met Ken Vanstraelen, President of
Freedom Concepts Inc. (FCI),
through FCI Account Rep James Wall
and over the years, our business
relationship has developed and
continually grown.
Ken and I share the same philosophy
when it comes to cycling, and that
is, “It should be fun.” In keeping
with this mission and my desire
to make cycling accessible for all
individuals, I am proud to be a
representative of this really great
adaptive bike company.
FCI focuses on creating solutions
for special needs riders and
manufactures a truly customized
cycle that is unique to each
individual rider.
Creating a CYCLE of mobility
TM
Curtis Henry at his
Cannon Cyclery SHOP
Every adaptive bike allows persons
with balance and coordination
challenges to experience the
freedom and fun that only riding
a bike can give.
Adaptive bikes feature a 3-wheeled
design that is custom made and
tailored to the specific needs of the
recipient. With special features such
as rear steering with brake control,
high-back seats with a harness and
head rests, as well as unique direct
drive pedaling system, these bikes
are truly built for each individual.
Our latest project: to fine tune
the Expedition Handcycle. We
hope that this piece of 3-wheeled
engineering will provide Freedom
to Veterans wanting to regain their
strength and mobility.
As both a designer and product
representative, I get to experience
both the fun of designing such
a unique product and the joy
of watching a new rider, who has
never ridden a bike before, feel
the freedom of cycling when it
was thought not possible.
1.800.661.9915
www.freedomconcepts.com
E
INITIATIVE
Spinal Cord Injury & Exercise
What is Spinal Cord Injury (SPI)?
And what level of severity
limits participation in physical
activities? Many suffering from
partial or even full paralysis have
the ability to exercise. These
individuals must regulate the type
of movement and participate
under the strict guidance of a
qualified physician or therapist.
Scientists, who have studied the
overall effect of SPI on patients,
discovered that most movement
regained will occur within the
first six months after injury,
and reach a maximum healing
pinnacle within 2 years. The
amount of movement attained
during this time may essentially
be the maximum movement
attainable.
Research on the benefits of
exercise for those with SPI,
has caused scientists to develop
unique ways of maintaining
muscle mass on nerve displaced
tissue. Electro-stimulus is one
of the key ways to maintain
an individual’s support muscle
strength. The erector muscles
strengthen the abs and the back
muscles allowing individuals with
full or partial paralysis to be
more easily self-supportive.
Scientific researchers have
also discovered that non affected
muscles tend to compensate for
the damaged muscular systems,
and therefore exercise should
also focus on strength training
and cardiovascular development.
Movement recurrence could
be the result of dormant nerve
pathways re-firing, but further
research on this area needs
to be explored.
SPI persons, who participate
in applied regular exercise
programs, have an increased
life expectancy with reduced
medical complications
thanks to an increase
in their immune systems.
One of the most a-typical
forms of exercise recommended
by therapists within the scientific
community is handcycling.
This exercise works all upper
body muscles, increases lung
capacity, and produces overall
cardiovascular health. Handcycles
are the “bike”
of choice due
to the reduced
body stress
and impact
on the skeletal
frame and
spinal column.
The New &
improved EHD 66
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 1
MAY 20, 2011 PLAY
Catalogue
Update What’s New
Our updated product catalogue,
launched in February 2011 has several
changes including two new bikes and
an expanded 4 pages on the NEW
Rock’er Roll’er Chill-Out Chairs!
The NEW ASR - Adventurer
Semi-Recumbent Series
The 22” Transfer Height
(with Seat) is low to
the ground for easy
transferring and
allows a natural
position when
KEVIN—FCI RidER
getting on or
since 2010
off the bike.
The stable
extended three-wheel design enables
persons with limited range of motion
to have their legs further forward
providing increased pedal power.
The NEW ET Excursion Tandem Series
The NEW lighter weight
frame and 8 speed shifter
make starting and
cruising even easier
while the 38” rear
wheelbase
maintains
MATTHEW
ultimate
and MOM SUSIE
stability. The
SHARE A TANDEM
EXCURSION
lower 22”
Transfer Height AT THE BEACH
(with Seat) and
no bars obstructing
legs makes transferring
easy and the improved quick
adjustable seat now allows for
an amazing 26” inseam range—
perfect for growth or to accommodate
different riders.
Download the new catalogue at
http://www.freedomconcepts.
com/docs/catalogue.pdf or call
1.800.661.9915 today for your copy!
MOTIVATION OPPO
Fundraising for Shianne
The evening of December 27,
2010 kicked off with a bang as
the Manitoba Moose shot onto
the ice to
face arch
rivals the
Peoria
River Men
at MTS
Centre.
Freedom
Concepts
was also there, at the
community relations table
spreading the word to all
passersby. With the buzz of
the crowd, and the hum of the
vendors, FCI was there raising
funds for Shianne, one of our
Freedom Concepts Kids.
The evening was fantastic as
FCI fed off the energy of 8000
screaming fans. Many of whom
did not know of our 20 year
existence in Winnipeg, but did
so by the end of that evening.
We returned on December
28, 2010 to further educate
Winnipeggers on the need
for specialty bikes, that help
children such as Shianne
develop stronger muscles. As a
way of saying Merry Christmas,
Freedom Concepts invited
Shianne’s family to attend the
Manitoba Moose game,
and she could not have
been happier to be out
and about that night. Shianne
is one of several children FCI
has built a bike registry page
for in order to assist families in
raising the funds to purchase a
bike or Chill-Out Chair.
“It was our pleasure Shianne, and
we hope to raise enough funds to
help you and your family acquire
the special bike you have been
looking at so you can get out more
often and truly enjoy what
it means to experience Freedom
and be a Freedom Concepts Kid.”
SHIANNE (FRONT) and family
For more information on our bike registry,
visit http://freedomconcepts.chipin.com/xavier
for an example of a completed registry.
2010 Recap
This past year was filled with
exciting visions of what is to come.
With the addition of new staff
members, goals are being met
and exceeded every day.
Our public profile has expanded
within our local community, across
Canada, the United States as well
as overseas in Dublin, Ireland and
Brisbane, Australia, with an even
larger footprint being established
on the digital highway
known as the internet.
With a group focus, anything
is possible through diligence,
dedication, and team work.
In December 2010, we held our
annual year-end sales meeting. The
departmental presentations were
put together with heart, and the
amount of time and effort put into
their respective projects showed.
From the introduction of new
product by our Engineering Team,
to the increased
presence on the
Working with mainstream
internet by Public
charitable organizations,
Relations, refinement
funders, facilities, and
of our brand by
through private
Marketing, and an
donations,
inspired
sales team,
Ken introducing
new
rock’er
roll’er
we can and will
we have the tools
fabric covers
continue to Create a
to make 2011
Cycle of mobilityTM
a great success!!
for anyone wanting to try.
Creating a CYCLE of mobility
TM
1.800.661.9915
www.freedomconcepts.com
ORTUNITY PRIDE
2011-Decade of Destiny Launch
On December 2, 2010, the
year-end Freedom Concepts
Inc. Decade of Destiny Launch
rolled out with the opening
speech by President, Ken
Vanstraelen. The day was
introduced with a generalized
summary of growth and
potential by department.
The inspiring words
of General Manager
Rob MacFarlane were
the perfect introduction
to the power point
summaries prepared
by our Production/R&D,
Marketing, and Public
Relation departments.
Busy Boardroom
MAY 20, 2011
All I want for christmas...
of all FCI staff working
together as a group & sharing
their product insight that
will enable us to continue
exceptional customer service.
NEW ROCK’er roll’er chill-out chairs
Marketing Coordinator Susana
Schanel, unveiled the newest
evaluations for the hot new
Chill-Out Chair line-up: the
Rock’ers and Roll’ers. The
new textured fabric cover
“Flower Power” themed names
of Peace Out!, Peace, Love,
Harmony, Groovy and Joy
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 1
were chosen for their desired
occupant response, especially
for children with Autism.
A limited Edition HOPE puzzle
pieces (the international
symbol for Autism) fabric
is also available.
NEW EXcursion Tandem
On Day 2, each Account
Representative in-serviced
the rest of the team on
the many options and parts
that make F3 Bike product
knowledge so important.
It is with the culmination
The day however, did not end
there. We all had the honor
of listening to our Engineering
Crew, Colin Bock and Duy Tran.
This team of
professionals is
responsible for
production as well
as Research &
Development including
the testing of the
varying foam densities,
to moisture resistance
of fabrics for the new
Chill-Out Chairs, to
seeking alternative lightweight
metals and materials for the
new bikes we rolled out.
Their creativity and attention
to detail are but a few of the
many skills Colin and Duy have
enabling Freedom Concepts
to roll smoothly through 2011.
AFREEDOM
C C E P CONCEPTS
TA N C E
International Seating Symposium Nashville 2011
by Curtis Henry
When it comes to trade
shows, you know there will
be certain things you will
always see. There are the
obvious normal things that
accompany every trade
show, regardless of the
industry it is for. There will
always be a ton of lame
giveaways to collect and
then later throw away. How
many key-chains and water
bottles do you really need?
There is plenty of candy
available at the various
vendors, usually the better
ones have the better name
brand candy. And the other
commonality I have noticed
at many of the trade shows
I have attended, is the
totally boring and tired
Polo shirts and suits. You
always see a ton of stodgy
old guys in suits and dress
shirts who seem to look the
part of a banker or a stock
broker. All day hanging
out in a chair sitting idly
in their respective booths
faking an interest in their
product when you walk by.
Is there anything less
attractive or interesting?
The big highlight for me at
the ISS show in Nashville,
was the reassurance that
the company I work for
not only stands apart from
other Medical Goods and
Mobility Devices companies,
but takes a purposeful
turn in the other direction.
How many other show
exhibitors made a point to
plan in advance, a series
of coordinated costumes to
match not only the booth,
but our new product, and
the city we were in. What
an ingenious tie into the
home of Rock & Roll! The
Freedom staff were dressed
as Woodstock attendees
and Elvis’! By the end of
the first day of exhibiting,
every show attendees
knew who we were, what
company we represented,
and what products we had.
They also knew who the
fun guys were with the cool
bikes and crazy tie dyed
Funky Monkeys.
The Funky Monkey giveaway was a hit! When we
ran out half way through
the first day, we realized
what a huge draw we
had created. We had
requests the rest of the day
Thursday and all day Friday.
Thanks Freedom Concepts,
for not only creating a
cycle of mobility, but
proving you could create
one without a monkey up
your butt!
Calling all Manitobans - See you June 12, 2011!
Visit us at our service tent!
Sunday, June 12th, 2011
Rehabilitation Centre for Children
633 Wellington Crescent
8:00 am Registration
9:00 am Opening ceremonies
and official kickoff
disabilities and special needs.
For more information visit
http://www.crf.mb.ca/eventsdisplay.php?entry_id=11316
Creating a CYCLE of mobility
Freedom Concepts is Celebrating 20
Years of Creating a CYCLE of Mobility
and will provide “FREE Bike Tune-Ups”
on all F3 Bikes at this year’s
RBC Cruisin’ down the Crescent.
This service* includes:
- Full Inspection
- Replacement of foot straps
and handlebar foam
- Brake adjustment
- Tire pressure check and inflation
- Tightening of nuts and bolts
What is Cruisin’?
A fun-filled family day for people of
all ages and abilities, and one of the
biggest fundraisers for the Children’s
Rehabilitation Foundation.
Come out to help the Foundation but
stay for the music, entertainment,
free bike tune-ups* by Freedom
Concepts, free kiddie zone, free
BBQ lunch and t-shirts for registered
participants, silent auction, prizes,
raffles and lots and lots of fun.
Walk, jog, bike, skate or wheel
down fabulous Wellington Crescent.
Enjoy the music, entertainment and
fabulous hosts. All while raising funds
to help Manitoba’s children living with
Creating a CYCLE of mobility
TM
1.800.661.9915
www.freedomconcepts.com