A generous donation of $25,000 from Edmonton's Al Shamal Shrine will go a long ways to help meet increasing demand for P.A.L.S, (Physical Activity Led by Students) an innovative and integrative program of the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation's Steadward Centre Free2BMe staff.
"It's clear that the benefits of P.A.L.S. and Free2BMe reaches the kids and extends to the families," said Al Shamal Potentate Grant Geldart. "This is very important to us."
Established in 1985, the Al Shamal Shriners are known for their support of Shriner's children's hospitals, and also their support of children and families beyond hospital treatment. With this donation, the Shriners recognize and support the positive impact of Free2BMe in the Edmonton and Capital region.
About the Steadward Centre-Free2BMe P.A.L.S program
Free2BMe offers physical activity programming to children and teens experiencing disability. P.A.L.S. is a unique program created to help integrate students' learning with practical experience, and to help meet increasing demand for adapted physical activity programming for children in the community. The result is students become knowledgeable in and able to develop careers in adapted physical activity--an emerging field in health and wellness and more children are able to access safe, effective physical activity programs to enhance their well being.
"Nearly 1,000 kids have participated in Free2BMe programs over the tenure of the program," says Associate Director of The Steadward Centre/Free2BMe Karen Slater, "Last year approximately 440 children participated in Free2BMe."
Approximately 110 children participate in P.A.L.S. each year. In the program a qualified Adapted Physical Activity consultant oversees six students, who work 1:1 with kids and teens. Students prepare weekly activity plans to support individual sessions. Free2BMe's staff supervise the sessions and activity plans. A total of 22 students served as a "PAL" last year.
Integrating Community Service & Student Learning
The P.A.L.S. program integrates several levels of Centre activity. The program is a creative, and sustainable means to increase the Steadward Centre's capacity to serve the community. P.A.L.S. also directly integrates student learning with applied experience and positive, community outcomes-in this case, in the health and well-being of children experiencing disability, and the professional viability of students once they graduate, should they choose to work in Adapted Physical Activity. Students come from all disciplines.
Samantha Smyth is in the science faculty and has worked in the P.A.L.S. program for five semesters. "The program leaders/consultants provide excellent training and support." An aspect of the program that Samantha feels is important is the tailoring of sessions to each participant. "At the start of each semester when each volunteer is assigned a potentially new participant. We are only told the name and age of the child plus any mobility or communication restrictions. We are not given more information about the specific type of physical or mental impairment or diagnosis." This is to ensure that students do not go into the first session with any judgments or preconceived notions about the capabilities of the child. In P.A.L.S. students are taught that a disorder or syndrome does not define the "ability" of an individual. "Just because a participant has Autism Spectrum Disorder or Down's syndrome does not mean that they are limited in the activities in which they can participate provided the necessary adaptations are made."
From hospital to home
Many children with chronic health conditions and disability experience long hospital stays, regular medical appointments and ongoing therapy treatment.
"This program is a wonderful connection to the community and children who need support beyond the hospital," said Al Shamal representative, Isaac Brower-Berkhoven. The goal of Free2BMe is to provide opportunities for children to live healthy, happy and active lives in the community. This is achieved through skill development, building strength, flexibility and stamina, enhancing confidence and "know how" and by providing opportunities to participate and be included.
David, like many parents, heard about Free2BMe from a hospital employee last year. His daughter, Sally is in the P.A.L.S. program. [David and Sally's names have been changed to protect their identity]. "When I first brought Sally here, she was so tired that I had to carry her up the stairs." Now, Sally can go up and down stairs, hop on one foot and can play a game of tag. To a parent whose child was unable to walk until the age of three, achievements such as these are incredibly meaningful. Although Sally's impairment has significant impact on her movement ability, and her health, David feels that she is very safe in P.A.L.S. "The staff really know their stuff," he said. "They did a really thorough assessment of Sally when we first came to the program. They make sure she rests when she needs to, and they have taught me an awful lot as well."
Free2BMe / P.A.L.S. program coordinator, Amanda Ebert said that while physical activity is very beneficial to every body, it is always important to progress in increments, getting to know each child and managing each child's abilities safely. Each child is assessed thoroughly for contraindications to exercise and activities are tailored with their unique situation in mind. "One of the challenges and joys of this job is encouraging each child to explore what they can do. Each child can succeed according to his or her own needs, desires and ability."
When asked what he would say to the Al Shamal Shriners for their support, David smiles, and says very simply. "That's easy. Thank you very, very much."