Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., in conjunction with JoRide Bicycles of Northbrook, IL recently donated five JoRide Bicycles to the Special Education District of Lake County’s (SEDOL) Occupational and Physical Therapy programs. JoRide Bicycles were created for individuals with special needs, regardless of age or physical limitation, to create the ability, freedom, independence, comfort, and stability to learn how to ride a bike. The bikes are designed to increase balance skills, self confidence and independence. They promote fitness and can be used in adaptive physical education classes as well as assist with occupational therapy.

A special presentation was conducted at the Keshet International Center in Northbrook on December 11. Judi Cluff, Coordinator of SEDOL Occupational and Physical Therapy Services, and SEDOL Superintendent Dr. Tom Moline were on hand to receive the specialized bikes that will be used by OTs and PTs in their work with physically challenged students throughout Lake County. They will also be used by the Adapted Physical Education Program.

Steve Cohen, President of JoRide Bicycles, designed and named the first JoRide bicycle for his son, Joey. Joey’s inspiration has translated to mass production and distribution of the bicycle to children with special needs throughout Illinois thanks to Konica Minolta. Corporate Communications Key Coordinator James Norberto and several other Konica Minolta executives were on hand December 11 to give away a total of 60 JoRide bikes to students with special needs.

SEDOL is a special education joint agreement organized in 1960 to provide cooperative program planning, instructional programs, related services and professional staff development in order to assure an appropriate education for children with disabilities, from 3 to 22 years of age, residing within the boundaries of 35 participating school districts.