Thursday, May 20, 2010

Special-needs program KEEN on helping kids

Adam Holdeman, 8, plays with a parachute as part of the Kids Enjoy Exercise Now, or KEEN, program at Springfield’s Key Center. Courtesy photo

When the Holdeman family returned to Fort Belvoir for a second tour in June, Crystal, a military spouse, knew she had to seek activities for her children.

Their daughter was active in Girl Scouts, so no problems there, as troops are sprinkled throughout the country.

Her son, Adam, required a bit more research.

The 8-year-old has developmental delays and requires more specialized opportunities to accommodate his needs. “It’s important every time we PCS and we’re trying to find new stuff, that we find out how we can support Adam,” Holdeman said.

That’s where the KEEN program came into play.

KEEN, or Kids Enjoy Exercise Now, is a comprehensive sports program for children with disabilities. According to a recent KEEN press release, the program’s goal is to encourage youth to build self esteem and explore various activities.

The program recently expanded with a location in the Fairfax County Public Schools’ Key Center in Springfield.

“When we moved back in June and got Adam started in the Fairfax County school system, it took some work to see where he fit best,” Holdeman explained. “That place was Key Center, and that’s where KEEN activities are held.”

Holdeman learned of the program when a KEEN representative offered details during a parents’ meeting.

“It sounded like it would be nice and it was an extra activity for him to do outside of school,” Holdeman said. “In Adam’s case, when he goes into that gym during a normal school day, it’s for adaptive PE or physical therapy. Here, he just gets to go out there and play.

“It’s not therapy,” she continued. “It’s a chance to say, ‘Let’s go have fun.’”

That fun includes plenty of exercise and fitness activities, such as throwing balls and taking a run or walk around the track. Holdeman said the group recently played with a colorful parachute.
For Adam, Holdeman said, KEEN allows him to play in a safe environment on his terms.

“Sometimes, we’ll go to the playground around here, and he’ll see kids his age running around playing tag,” she said. “He wants to reach out, he wants to join them, but he can’t. He knows he’s not going to be able to keep up with them. He doesn’t understand the rules of the game. But at KEEN, it’s his game.”

KEEN also helps Adam step out of his comfort zone, Holdeman said.

“He can be very shy around new people, and one thing that’s great is that through the first three sessions, he hasn’t had the same volunteer for any of them, which to me, is a good thing,” she said. “That way, he doesn’t get attached to one person and melt down when they’re not there. It also lets him get used to walking off with a stranger in a safe location, saying goodbye to mom and dad, and knowing that if we say it’s OK, he can go.”

Holdeman has also used the Exceptional Family Member Program on post, and often takes Adam swimming at Benyaurd Indoor Pool. KEEN, however, gives the family an opportunity to pursue new avenues to assist her son.

“It’s just one more piece of the puzzle beyond what EFMP can offer us here,” she said. “EFMP is great, no question. But we’re still a small community, and we’ve got to know what’s outside the gates to take advantage of it, too. Ultimately, it all goes hand-in-hand and offers one more option to help us out.”