| The Gaudet Family is very active in their community | | | | Physioroll, and several Hands on Wall Panels. The Arch |
| despite the challenges in their own lives. Steve & | | | | & Log set is displayed in his room as an |
| Lydia Gaudet have 6 sons ranging from their early | | | | architectural element but it is really so much more. |
| 20s to their youngest Peter who is 9 years old. Peter | | | | The set can be used in a variety of configurations so |
| was born with Down's syndrome and thus family life | | | | that Peter can walk on it to practice his balancing. It |
| is often centered on him and his needs. The Gaudet | | | | can be used in lots of different patterns so once one |
| family live in Mobile Alabama and in addition to raising | | | | pattern is mastered Peter can change it and try |
| such a large family in a tiny house and dealing with | | | | something new. This can help improve motor planning |
| Peter's medical issues their house has been continually | | | | and stimulate his imagination as he chooses new |
| struck by hurricanes - including the worst hit by | | | | configurations himself. |
| Hurricane Katrina. This has had a devastating affect | | | | The therapy balls in his room included a hopping ball |
| on their home and their finances. The fear about how | | | | and Physiorolls - also known as peanut balls. The hop |
| long their home will hold out is a constant worry. In | | | | balls are great to bounce on and provide tons of |
| the midst of all this personal difficulty each member | | | | movement. The peanut ball can be used to roll on, sit |
| of this family is committed to donating their time and | | | | on, or lay on while the dynamic movement of the ball |
| resources to their community. With this in mind they | | | | will keep Peter in constant motion. |
| were gifted with some items to help rebuild their | | | | The Tubmobile for 2 was specifically requested by |
| house and provide a place for Peter to play with | | | | Peters teachers, although it is usually used for |
| toys that help his physical well being. | | | | younger children to ride in together, Peter uses this |
| Every kid with special needs is unique but Peter's | | | | fun ride on toy to provide sensory input. It can be |
| teachers said it was important that he get the | | | | used to make him rotate in a spinning motion, to |
| motion and activity on a daily basis. They explained | | | | stimulate his vestibular system, and by adding some |
| how he likes bouncing and rocking motions and that | | | | ball pit balls, it can provide proprioception and visual |
| he needed items that could help with his balance. He | | | | stimulation as well. Plus it's just plain fun. |
| goes to a learning center were there are a lot a | | | | The Hands on wall Toy is a fun way to give Peter |
| great products like soft play climbers. indoor | | | | the availability of finger painting without the mess. |
| parachutes for games and giant vinyl covered foam | | | | When he places his hands or fingers on the |
| tumble rollers. | | | | heat-sensitive surface the colors change and a brief |
| With inspiration from the learning center, Peter's | | | | image remains! He can change the patterns and make |
| room was transformed into a functional yet engaging | | | | lots of images showing cause and effect, helping |
| place filled with the sensory stimulation he needs on a | | | | hand eye coordination and it is visually stimulating. |
| daily basis. Against the backdrop of a bright colorful | | | | Their is no cure for children affected with Down's |
| mural Peter's room is a fun filled environment. Using | | | | Syndrome, however with the right toys their lives |
| the advise from the teachers Peter has an Arch | | | | can be made easier. |
| & Log set, a Tubmobile for 2, hopping balls, a | | | | |