PHOTOS | New York Institute for Special Education students ride tricycles to raise money for St. Jude’s

Staff from the New York institute for Special Education, located on Pelham Parkway in the Bronx, prepare students for their annual “Trike-A-Thon ” fundraiser Wednesday. The students are part of the Readiness Program, where they are provided special services to help them with their disabilities. “We work on helping them to develop scissor skills, helping them to hold on to a pencil. Help them … spoon feed themselves, drink from a cup,” said occupational therapist Kim Talmor. Photo Pamela Rozon

Preschoolers focus on winning their races during the annual “Trike-A-Thon” fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The students train for the races months in advance. “So many people will say to me, ‘oh my goodness, you work with (disabled) children. It’s so depressing,’” occupational therapist Kelly Wise said. “It’s actually the opposite because every step they make is an accomplishment.” Photo Pamela Rozon

Preschoolers look at each other in awe, celebrating as each one of their peers earns a license. School psychologist Renee Badami says the event teaches children to be kind to others and not give up, no matter how hard things seem. “It’s just an overall wonderful event that kind of touches on a lot of different goals that we want to have for kids,” she said. Photo Pamela Rozon

Cheers and laughter fill the school halls as preschoolers from the New York Institute for Special Education finish the race. A total of 15 classes participated in the races Wednesday, with each having been sponsored by the school’s staff. Photo Pamela Rozon

Each child in the Readiness Program at the New York Institute for Special Education is challenged with their own disabilities, some with autism, visual impairments or down syndrome. The race encourages every child to work hard with their peers, it’s viewed as a massive success by both staff and parents. Photo Pamela Rozon