Easterseals Iowa and Heartland AEA partner to help West Des Moines child with mobility challenges
Easterseals Iowa and Heartland Area Education Agency are helping a 2-year-old child in West Des Moines with Down syndrome overcome mobility limitations using a new assistive device.
Wednesday marks Assistive Technology Awareness Day, and the partnership is making everyday life easier for Axel, who is reaching significant milestones with the help of his Heartland AEA therapist and the Permobil Mini Explorer.
This device, designed for children aged 1 to 3, helps them move independently and explore their surroundings, supporting early development.
Two months ago, before using the device, Axel could only stand with assistance for a short period. Now, his physical therapist reports that he can stand alone for longer durations, defying his previous mobility barriers.
"We were just looking for an extra piece to kind of bridge the things that he's doing," Axel's physical therapist, Emily Sweeney, said. "And private therapy, the things that I'm doing with him, working at home, and that his parents are following through with. And so the Explorer Mini was just a great bridge to help add another piece of fun to get him to work on those skills."
Sweeney, who began working with Axel when he was 6 months old, said he is getting close to becoming an independent walker and hopes to transition him off the device in four months.
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