AMBUCS MISSIONCreating mobility & independence for people with disabilities
Accomplished through a variety of national programs plus unique
projects at the chapter level
ORGANIZATIONAL HISTORYCurrently, there more than 5,500
AMBUCS™ members spread throughout more than 130 chapters in over 30 states – and we’re growing!
Founded in 1922 as American Business ClubsNow known as acronym AMBUCS
BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP Men & women who make a difference in their
communities Local & national service programs generate
satisfaction and pride Innovate service opportunities for people who want
to help in their community Work together to contribute to chapter activities and
goals Learn new skills that contribute to professional
development Make valuable contacts and develop essential
leadership skills
AMBUCS SCHOLARS Largest single private source of educational grants for
therapists in the United States Since 1955, AMBUCS chapters awarded more than
$7.6 million in scholarships to over 14,000 students! Eligible majors: physical therapy, occupational
therapy, speech pathology and audiology Applications available online from Mid-January until
April 15 annually
AMBUCS SCHOLARS Over $150,000 is
awarded annually with awards range from $500 to $1,500 annually, with one two-year award in the amount of $6,000
Award monies are deposited each semester to the student’s credit account with the financial aid office of the educational institution
AMBILITY Combines the words
AMBUCS and mobility Focuses on the AMBUCS
mission (creating mobility & independence for people with disabilities)
Achieved through: AmTryke therapeutic
tricycles Ramp Building Accessible Playgrounds
CLOSER LOOK: AMTRYKE Therapeutic
Helps individuals with Downs Syndrome, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, autism and many other diagnosis
Builds stamina, endurance, strength an self-esteem in children and adults
Fun! Accomplished while having fun versus the stuffy old
exercises that are tough to keep kids and adults motivated to do
Lets the riders experience independence and the ability to ride a bike with family and peers
AMTRYKE HISTORY In early 1990, Sue Haywood, a Physical Therapist,
spoke to Texas’ Longview AMBUCS Chapter about an expensive hand-driven tricycle she used that enabled her patients to experience the fun of riding a bike.
“The AmTryke evolved out of a basic need,” Haywood said. “I needed something that would
work and that I could really obtain.”
The Longview-built AmTryke readily fit a 3 year-old or a 14 year-old.
Each AmTryke was specially designed for each child.
AMTRYKE HISTORY… CONT’D The Longview AMBUCS
took up the challenge and began building a design by Sue and an engineer name Gene Allen.
During that time, the Longview chapter provided the Trykes via a mini-factory where they cut, bent, welded, painted and assembled all the parts except for the pedals and seat.
AMTRYKE HISTORY… CONT’D
To make this wonderful Tryke available to more children with special needs, the Longview chapter introduced the AmTryke at the 1990 AMBUCS National Conference. The response was terrific and the Longview chapter began to provide Trykes to other chapters!
In 1994, National AMBUCS Inc., took over the responsibility and created AmTryke, Inc.
To date, AMBUCS has provided over 15,000 AmTrykes around the world.
TYPES OF AMTRYKES AmTryke therapeutic
tricycles now come in many sizes and models for all kinds of ages and abilities.
All are developed and manufactured by AmTryke LLC.
Three Main Categories: Hand & Foot Cycles Foot Cycles Hand Cycles
AMTRYKE PLACEMENTS Potential riders can visit an Evaluation Site for a free
fitting or have their therapists work with the Resource Center to select an appropriate AmTryke model and any needed accessories
Obtaining an AmTryke: Determine if the individual’s medical insurance will cover
cost Order and pay for an AmTryke directly from
AmTrykeStore.org Ask local AMBUCS chapter to fund the AmTryke
Chapters fundraise to support these requests If no local chapter, rider is placed on National Wish List
RAMP BUILDING Many AMBUCS chapters
build ramps to create accessible homes and businesses
A detailed ramp building guide is available online at www.ambucs.org/RampBuildingGuide
ACCESSIBLE PLAYGROUNDS
Some AMBUCS chapters participate in building or refurbishing playgrounds so they can be used by all children
These chapters believe that it is important that no child be excluded from the interaction and socialization that takes place by playing with their peers
OUR LOCAL CHAPTER This is where you talk
about your chapter’s special projects & activities that take place on a local level Etc
Etc
HOW CAN YOU HELP? Consider joining our
chapter as a member List your chapter’s meeting
time and location here List your chapter’s dues
structure here List your chapter’s
attendance requirements here
Donate funding for AmTrykes or other projects AMBUCS in a charitable
organization under IRS 501(c)(3) regulations and provides tax receipts