Inclusion Empowers!™ in the News
Inclusion Empowers!™ in the News
Take a look and see what the Inclusion Empowers!™ team is up to!
Celebrating Bike First!: Ann and Cody Featured in Faces of MAC
Bike First! Founder & Executive Director of Inclusion Empowers!™ Ann Donaca and her son & Equity Ambassador, Cody Sullivan, were recently featured in Faces of MAC. The pair were recognized at the 2013- current MAF Impact Awards for their work with Bike First!, which teaches individuals with disabilities to ride bikes safely and confidently. Their story highlights how Bike First! goes beyond cycling, fostering inclusion, independence, and meaningful connections in the community.
Pedaling Together
This spring, Bike First! took center stage in a community-wide bike drive organized by the Multnomah Athletic Foundation (MAF). The program, which teaches individuals with disabilities to ride bikes safely and confidently, benefited from a collaboration with volunteers, club members, and Reborn Bikes. The event not only put more riders on two wheels but also strengthened Bike First!’s ongoing mission to promote inclusion, independence, and the joy of cycling for all. Reborn Bikes is an important part of Bike First! as they donated all the bike “mules” for our new fleet! Featured photo of Reborn Bikes Executive Director Joe Kurmanskie and Bike First! Floor Director & Volunteer/Rider Coordinator, Bobbi Sullivan,
Jump Start Guide
Regardless of ability, all students deserve the opportunity to participate with their peers, be outside, and feel the wind on their faces. Cody Sullivan and Ann Donaca were on the team as contributors to the Jump Start Adaptive Bike Education Guide for Oregon PE teachers. As leaders in teaching people with disabilities the skills needed to ride typical bikes, Bike First! documents are included in the guide.
This guide to adaptive bike education provides an overview of strategies, equipment, and lesson modifications for including students with disabilities and varying needs in learn-to-ride and bike safety lessons.