Group broadens wheelchair user’s horizons

Afsha Bawany

Friday, Oct. 3, 2003 | 4:13 a.m.

WEEKEND EDITION: Oct. 4, 2003

For parents of children in wheelchairs and with disabilities, finding a social group for their children can be difficult. But now a program called "Winners on Wheels" is being revived in the Las Vegas area and is looking for children who are interested in extracurricular activities, participating in community service and meeting new people.

The program was started by Marilyn Hamilton in Fresno, Calif., in 1991. After a hang-gliding accident caused her to use a wheelchair, Hamilton wanted to find a way to give children a place where they could feel comfortable and meet other people like them. The nonprofit organization has a mentoring and pen pal program, a bimonthly newsletter and website.

Las Vegas resident Stephanie Tredwell, 23, joined the program at the Valley View Recreation Center in Henderson when she was 16. It has come and gone in recent years but is now back up again with Tredwell as the leader.

At a recent club activity at the Barbara Greenspun WomensCare Center at St. Rose Dominican Hospital, Tredwell said being in the club helped her as she matured.

Now, she is encouraging more children and their parents to become involved.

"I just wanted to get everybody to know this program is here. I thought it was a great thing," Tredwell said.

So far five children have signed up for the group. The children do arts and crafts, go on field trips and watch movies. Tredwell hopes as more children join, more events can be planned.

Silvestri Middle School sixth grader Lindsey Williamson participates in the program and enjoys it because of the activities, her father, Allen Williams, said.

Williams said his daughter has spina bifida and uses a wheelchair and is constantly looking for something to do. Enrolling her in this club was the best solution, he said.

"There's not a lot of stuff out there for her to do in this town," Williams said. "It makes her feel more independent."

The club gives children the skills they need to become independent and find jobs when they get older, Tredwell said. It is designed to foster independence and teamwork for children in wheelchairs or with disabilities ages 8 to 14. Its goals are to build self-esteem, encourage achievement, have fun and provide education.

"I feel that if there wasn't a program like this, there's nothing else they can go to," Tredwell said.

The group meets twice a month on Wednesdays and may change locations and days soon. It can be hard for some parents to bring their children on school days so Saturdays may be a better option, Tredwell said.

Those interested in the group can call Tredwell at (702) 458-2296. Visit www.wowusa.com for more information about how to join the national program.