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KPAC offering children with special needs a place to play and move
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Published: April 27, 2009
Tumbling, swinging on a rope and laughing, the group of children in the Kristie Phillips Athletic Center were having a blast trying out the gymnastic equipment. Their parents were even happier to see their children — who have special needs — developing a love for movement.
Alison Hemingfield, a board member for the Iredell County Autism Society, asked Phillips if her twin boys could be included in one of the tumbling classes. After discovering how much the boys enjoyed gymnastics, Hemingfield wanted to share the experience with other area autistic children.
"It's a struggle to find something for them to do because they need to socialize, but regular team sports are too competitive for autistic children," Hemingfield said. "We came here and they have been so accommodating. It's like a big family at this facility. I have five children altogether and they created a Hemingfield class so all the kids could be with each other, but not get too overstimulated."
On Friday, KPAC held an open house to introduce its new special-needs classes.
Phillips, a former Olympian, hopes KPAC becomes a refuge of sorts for the children.
"I've always been involved with the Special Olympics, but usually I hand out medals or make speeches. I would love to work with some of these kids and help them participate. It's such a positive experience."
The classes will be organized into age groups — for ages 7 and under, 8-13 and 14 and up. There will also be divisions for high- and low-functioning children.
"That way a low-functioning 14-year-old won't be stuck in the same class as a 4-year-old because it is a social issue and different children have different needs," Hemingfield said.
Sibling classes will also be held.
"Parents are usually dedicating the majority of their time to the child with special needs and you're always trying to figure out something for both of them to do, so no one feels left out," Hemingield said. "Parents can also volunteer and get a percentage off the cost of the classes if they do. Most parents will stay and help anyway because they know the needs of their child and that way they can save a few dollars in the process."
Lead instructor David McKinney will guide the children in stations that are about 10 minutes each and very structured. The kids will use the trampoline, do floor work and build their core muscle strength.
"I got a lot of the class ideas from Flaghouse, which is known for developing materials for special needs children," Phillips said.
McKinney said she is excited about the special needs classes.
"I've always wanted to do a special needs program and this facility is perfect for it. I'm prepared and all about it. It's structured, which autistic children need, but I also know when to let go and let them have fun."
Angie Mattingly brought her two boys, Bo and Austin, to the open house to check out the facility and see what it has to offer.
"I'm really excited that there is going to be a class dedicated to special-needs children," she said. "Other parents of autistic children really get it and the kids aren't going to be stared at or be the 'spoiler' of the activity. I'm also really grateful there's a sibling class, because it's so hard when Austin wants to do things with his brother. This is something they can do together and it's going to be fun for them."
Hemingfield said it's comforting knowing the children will fit in, regardless of their abilities.
"My kids loved soccer, but they were always 'blowing it' according to the other kids," she said. "This way, everyone is on the same wavelength and get it."
Lynn Martin brought her two children, ages 12 and 14, to the open house to check it out and was pleased with what she saw
"This really gives them an opportunity that's not afforded to them anywhere else," she said. "They can come here and not be judged.
For more information about the special needs classes, call the Kristie Phillips Athletic Center at (704) 872-2888.
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