The staff at Schwab Rehabilitation Hospital in Chicago, IL has created a cycling program for Latinos with disabilities. The program was started to fill in the gap of physical activities and recreational opportunities available for Latinos with disabilities in the city.

Schwab Hospital now has 6 adapted bicycles that can be adjusted according to the physical capacity of the rider. Approximately every two weeks there is an organized ride through neighborhoods in Chicago. Riders gather about an hour before the start of the race in order to have enough time to make adjustments on each bicycle.

As a support, two therapists from Schwab Rehabilitation Center, participate in each ride. They work with participants and are available to assist with adjusting the bicycles if needed.

During the rides there are several rest breaks that allow riders to drink water and converse with others. This is a nice way for Latinos with disabilities to get exercise and participate in community recreation.

A rider's perspective
I am part of this program and I would like to share my opinion about it. I am paraplegic, a result of an automobile accident. I never imagined I would be able to enjoy a bicycle ride again. I am very grateful to those who take the time to create and organize this type of activity for people like me who have disabilities. For me it has been a self-esteem building activity and something I thought I would never be able to do again. Although I do it in a different way now, the experience is just as enjoyable. The only difference is now I use my arms to pedal instead of my legs.

I say this to offer perspective to those who believe everything ends after you acquire a disability, and to invite them to explore new ways to do things.

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