Baby Steps

A couple months ago, Ari scored some cool new gear.  After a long while of hoping things would work out and jumping through many hoops (qualifying and getting funding for new equipment can be a maze, to say the least), Ari was lucky enough to get just the right kind of leg orthotics that she needed.  Ari got a new pair of SMOs, dynamic AFOs, and a SWASH.  Ari also got a shiny new posterior walker that she can use independently one day in the (hopefully) near future.  The SMOs and AFOs are generally to keep her feet and ankles in the correct, supported positioning while she is upright.  The dynamic AFOs, in particular, provide some extra correction for walking.  The SWASH is designed to keep Ari’s legs separated enough so that her leg scissoring doesn’t interfere with taking steps (she doesn’t cross her legs when she walks).

Recently, we’ve been so fortunate that our wonderful PT, Tammy, has been coming to our house to do Ari’s sessions.  In their sessions, Ari has been getting to practice walking up and down the hall with Tammy providing upper body support.  We use motivators such as Ari’s favorite toys, her Leapfrog Tag Reader or her Ipad.  In this case, Gabe managed to make a bead necklace look exciting enough to get her to move her feet.

Look at that determination!  This little sweet will not stop at anything until she’s reached her goal.  That’s my girl!

   

Savoring success :).

  

We’re really happy to finally have Ari up and moving.  I am so proud of her.