Step-step, Emelyn

I've been long overdue with this post. Last month, Emelyn finally (after five months of waiting) has a gait trainer!

Emelyn cruising in her gait trainer out in the cul de sac.

Prior to the arrival of Emelyn's gait trainer, we had a borrowed gait trainer for a month or so thanks for CATS (Children’s Assistive Technology Service), but it’s not the one Emelyn really needed. The borrowed on was a little too restrictive and didn’t quite have the right hand/arm supports. But her new one, as Goldilocks would say, “Is just right.” And it couldn’t have come soon enough, because Emelyn is ready to go...well as long as there’s water at the end of the journey. So, I’ll stop typing now and give the people what they want…Emelyn cruising.

That giggle at the beginning…it’s just too much!

And those little legs in that bathing suit. Step-step, Emelyn.

 

So, what is a gait trainer? As you can see from the photos, it’s a wheeled device. It’s intended for individuals (children or adults) with physical disabilities, to provide the opportunity to improve walking ability. This allows Emelyn to be more independent as she practices walking. Used properly, it will help her learn to walk the right way.

 

As many of you know, I’m not determined that Emelyn walk independently. I’m much more determined that she have the right tools to communicate with us efficiently. However, I would love to see Emelyn be able to use her gait trainer to walk into school next school year. It doesn’t have to be the first day, but maybe by this time next year. I won’t be crushed if it doesn’t happen, but I like working towards a goal. I wonder if Emelyn feels the same way…