Profile: Handi Kids

When the Makis brought their 11-year-old autistic son, Hayato, to Handi Kids, they didn’t know what to expect. At first, he was apprehensive and afraid—especially when he met the horse he was expected to ride. Instead of turning away, the Makis vowed to keep trying, even if it would take some time for Hayato to get past his fears.

For parents of children with special needs, finding programs where their kids will be safe, feel engaged and have fun can be a real challenge. At Handi Kids, the recreational activities for young people with physical and cognitive disabilities are more than just fun. Therapeutic riding, known as “hippotherapy,” uses a horse’s rhythmic, repetitive movements to improve the rider’s muscle tone, balance, posture, coordination, strength, flexibility and cognitive skills—and it works.

Children have various transformational experiences at Handi Kids. One child was asked what his favorite part of camp had been. He replied, “I made a friend for the first time.” Therapeutic Recreation Specialist Caitlin Turner says, “When a child overcomes a disability that makes it extraordinarily difficult for him to relate to others, it’s a big deal.” Caitlin hears from parents as well. Two siblings made huge strides after a summer program, and their mother says, “The camp experience made an incredible difference in their abilities to relate to other children. Their schools called, raving about their progress. It was just remarkable.”

And what about Hayato? “Because of his time at Handi Kids, my son has conquered many of his fears. He listens to his director now, and that is not something we expected. Handi Kids has changed my son forever,” says Mrs. Maki.