Cycle of opportunity
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This article was published 22/08/2019 (2213 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Freedom Concepts Inc. creates and designs bicycles and mobility devices that are suitable for individuals with special needs.
Staff at Freedom Concepts work in consultation with medical professionals, therapists and families in order to design a mobility device that meets the needs of each individual.
“Give us the need and we will find a concept,” stated Ken Vanstraelen, founder and president of Freedom Concepts. According to Ken, the inspiration for the name came from the belief that bicycles provide freedom.
Located at 2087 Plessis Rd., Freedom Concepts Inc. was founded in 1991. Born and raised in Transcona, Ken turned a one-time special request into a thriving business.
The marketing team at Freedom Concepts employs staff who travel across Canada and the United States with demo models. Marketing co-ordinator Harley Hudon explained that all products are built on-site and are delivered fully assembled. Freedom Concepts has worked to develop the ideal product for families living all across North America.
Products created by Freedom Concepts have changed the lives of individuals with a number of different disabilities including cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida and a variety of visual impairments. Recently, Freedom Concepts also designed a bike to be used by conjoined twins. For those individuals who must use their arms to propel them forward, Freedom Concepts also designs handcycles.
Not only can the adaptive bicycles assist individuals to strengthen their muscles, and/or improve their range of motion and balance, they also give the individual an opportunity for fun and freedom that they would not otherwise have. Unable to ride a standard bicycle because of their special needs, Freedom Concepts provides some individuals with the experience of riding a bicycle for the very first time.
Although best known for their specialized bicycles, Freedom Concepts also produces Chill-Out Chairs and Freedom Climbers. Chill-Out Chairs are made of foam and are cozy and supportive. Essentially hugging the individual, such chairs eliminate for some, the need for any type of strap or harness to safely secure them while seated. All chairs include an ottoman that can be used by the individual as a leg rest or as a chair for caregivers.
Freedom Climbers are designed to give youngsters an opportunity to practise their motor skills, increase their strength, co-ordination and balance. Newly designed Sitt’er Sleep’ers are essentially a power version of the Chill-Out Chair, that can recline.
With products suitable for toddlers as young as 18 months of age, adapted bicycles can be used by children and adults of all ages. Freedom Concepts is expanding its worksite on Plessis Road with an anticipated completion date prior to the end of this year.
For more information on the products offered by Freedom Concepts, log on to www.freedomconcepts.com or call 204-654-1074.
Cindy Murdoch is a community correspondent for Transcona. She can be contacted at reflections8@shaw.ca
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