Up Up and Away

Just like any other field, the special needs world has fads/trends that get everyone excited.  About a year ago, the big talk filling my facebook newsfeed was the Upsee.  Essentially, it is a harness used to attach a child who is unable to walk to an adult and provides the child the feeling of walking while the adult walks.  Sounds like a great idea!  Well it is a great idea but one with a $500 price tag (as most all special needs equipment is exorbitantly overpriced).  So although it seemed like something Wes might like, he has fooled us before and hated things we've thought would be big hits.  So, we spent the last year debating whether the chance that he might love it and it might be great for him was worth the $500.  That was until he got on this amazing Medicaid waiver program that covers many of the "extras" not covered by insurance (ie. music therapy, horseback riding therapy, home modifications, etc.).  We discovered that this waiver will also cover a limited amount of adaptive equipment such as an Upsee.  So 6 weeks after starting the request for one, the Upsee showed up on our doorstep.  I was trying to not get my hopes up since Wes is quite particular about what he is willing to tolerate.  We are wanting it to encourage him to bear weight more and learn to isolate his leg motions (read stepping instead of hopping).  So here's the video proof that he LOVES it!