Special needs children receive trampoline therapy
By Anthony Welch
The Slice, Gazette, Colorado Springs, 9/3/03

Jumping on a trampoline can be therapeutic. ArtSports, a trampoline school at 780 Vondelpark Dr., opened its doors to children with special needs. Owner Mike Zapp forged partnerships with the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind, the Emily Griffith Center, Zack's Place, Resource Exchange and several school districts for children with behavior issues and occupational therapists in the area. Many other gyms didn't have the equipment needed for special needs children . Zapp wanted to help families that had no place to go. "People came to us with a need", Zapp said. "I have found ways to make it affordable to them whether it's free or they pay a minimal amount." ArtSports has special spotting rigs and a bungee cord system to aid those with physical disabilities and allow them to enjoy the trampolines. Occupational therapists work with the children for a period of time. Once the therapists feel the kids are ready to move on, Zapp takes over and enrolls them in one of his classes. The children are taught basic trampoline routines and movements. "The therapists" are working hard with my gym," Zapp said. "It's their goal to try and get these kids included or integrated into our regular gymnastics program." Zapp and his staff work with children ages, 9 months to 12 years old, who have physical disabilities, Down syndrome, fragile X, autism, cerebral palsy, deaf, blind, A.D.D., A.D.H.D. and emotional issues. The trampoline is a new experience for many of them. "It's often the first time a child has ever left the ground," Zapp said. "Some come in on wheelchairs and we put them in spotting rigs That takes all the weight off of them and allows them to get used to the feeling progressively." The sessions focus on 50 different trampoline skills, balance and agility, Zapp said. The children enjoy the challenge of leaning new things. "You learn balance much faster using a trampoline than using a balance beam," he said "It makes the kids get really excited. They can tell they're getting good. Kids learn it a lot faster than other such things like bouncing a ball." Tony and Shelly Verkamp of Briargate, have watched their 4 year old daughter Amy progress since she started therapy sessions at ArtSports a year ago. Amy has cerebral palsy and has been in therapy since she was in infant. Amy's therapist Katie Zellimer straps her into a harness and jumps with her on the trampoline. "She will stand up so tall while jumping and doesn't even realize how the hard work really is for her because she's having so much fun." Shelly said. "Her head and trunk control have dramatically improved." The Verkamps are grateful for Zapp's program. "(Zapp) has been so thoughtful in letting us utilize his equipment to benefit our daughter," Shelly said. "He realizes the Potential that Amy has and encourages her with a big smile each time we come." Zapp is amazed at what a trampoline does for the children. The experience at the gym brings out a lot in the kids. "Some of the children can't speak," he said "And their first word or noise they've ever made is during their time at the gym." Zapp and his staff are more than happy to lend a helping hand to those children in need. Just seeing the smiles on kids" faces is more than enough compensation. "It's not been that big of a deal to take a couple of steps forward and help people in need. It's a good feeling," he said." "We have several coach-volunteer if we have to, to make sure children have the time here."
Marge Fletcher's 8-year-old son, Hayden has taken sessions with Zapp for two years. Fletcher, of Skyway has noticed a major change in Hayden. "He's doing back flips and all kinds of things on the trampoline. He absolutely loves Mr. Z, (Zapp)," Fletcher said. "It's great stress relief for Hayden. His self-esteem has improved drastically." Fletcher said Haden doesn't do well with group activities, so private lessons with Zapp are beneficial. "Mike is just a phenomenal human being. He really turned my son into an athlete," she said. The sessions have had a major impact on Rhonda Allison and her two adopted sons. Joseph, 12 and David,10. Joseph is autistic and developmentally is between 3 and 5 years old, Rhonda said. David was a drug-exposed baby and weighted only two pounds at birth. He suffers from mild cerebral palsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. "They love it and look forward to it,' Allison said. For Joseph, getting used to bouncing around in the air was tough. After two years of sessions with Zapp, Joseph is now able to do flips in the air with the aid of the bungee cords. David has a better awareness of his body and movement, Allison said. She added both adore Zapp. "He understands them. He hugs them," she said. "He talks to them and encourages them."