SUPPORTING THOSE WITH DISABILITIES
It is important to us to offer equine experiences to those that might not otherwise have them. Adults and children with disabilities meet and interact with equine at SFES. Experiences can be a visit, supported volunteering or formal Equine Assisted Learning.
Visits: Equine feel us in a way that can't be explained until you experience it. Individuals with disabilities often visit to meet an equine for the first time. Some of our equine are particularly sensitive and can offer a special moment for all.
Supported Volunteering: Many of our volunteers have experience working with those with disabilities. Some are retired educatoers or retired nurses and have professional training. SFES oversees all Supporting and Supportive oportunities.
Equine Assisted Learning: SFES Directors offer 1:1 long term opportunities for 2-3 individuals with disabilties who require specialized support. Hours in the day prevent us from hosting more than this number at one time. Slots are few but please let us know if you are interested. In EAS, the IEP and psychological information is reviewed and equine interaction is designed to help individuals meet goals, both here, and in other situations. When appropriate and after initial goals ar ed met, riding may be a part of this experience. In these cases, a hourly fee is paid and those funds are used directly to support SFES. The EAS providers are volunteers and led by Rhondavena LaPorte a retired special educator and behavior specialist with 35 years of direct and supervisory experience in Virginia Schools.
