Changing the World
Through Play
Founded by Occupational Therapists building a more inclusive world - one where every child, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to play, grow, and thrive.
Every child is born with purpose and potential
Gye Di means "Believe" in Ghanaian. Our mission is to design and build an indoor recreation and trampoline park created specifically for children with complex physical disabilities - spaces that are truly without barriers.
Too often, society separates kids by their abilities when what they really need is a space to connect. Gye Di is that space: a place where inclusion is the standard, not the exception.
We believe in the greatness of all children.
Our Services
Therapy that believes, technology that opens doors, and events where nobody sits on the sideline.
Intensive Therapy
A variety of therapeutic services at a much more intensive rate than traditional therapy, to build mobility and strength in children with motor disabilities.
Powered Mobility
Every child wants to move. We train children - often much younger than anyone expects - to drive powered wheelchairs and move independently.
TheraSuit & SpiderCage
A wearable orthotic garment and the Universal Exercise Unit, used together to improve posture, alignment, and functional movement patterns.
Sensory Integration
Our gym is full of options that integrate all sensory systems - swings, trampolines, crash pads, messy crafts, gardening, and farm animals.
Reflex Integration
Targeted exercises that help the nervous system inhibit retained primitive reflexes, so higher-level motor control and cognitive development can emerge.
Speech Therapy
A playful, engaging speech therapy environment where children grow their communication skills through meaningful, motivating activities.
Adapted Events
Adapted baseball, hiking, FarmYard Friends, and the Adapted Fall Festival - real events where kids of all abilities play together, not side by side.
Wondering if your child is a good fit?
Talk to one of our providers - a therapist reads every message.
Our Big Dream
An indoor recreation and trampoline park created specifically for children with complex physical disabilities - without the limits a typical playground quietly hands out. Here is how we get there.
The Clinic
Intensive therapy, powered mobility training, and assistive technology out of our clinic in Queen Creek - TheraSuit, SpiderCage, DMI, and a full sensory gym.
Adapted Events
Free community events across the year - adapted baseball, hiking, FarmYard Friends - plus the Adapted Fall Festival, our annual fundraiser.
An Indoor Rec & Trampoline Park
A facility built from the ground up for children with complex physical disabilities - where a typical kid and a kid in a power chair choose the same activity, and neither has to be accommodated after the fact. We are in the process of fundraising to purchase and build the Big Dream.
Gye Di is an Arizona Qualified Charitable Organization - every donation is eligible for a dollar-for-dollar Arizona tax credit.
How it works →Our Team
Melanie Thompson
Over 20 years in Arizona pediatrics, with a rare specialty: teaching very young children to drive powered wheelchairs. NBCOT Impact Award recipient.
Lauren Janke
Assistive technology, seating and positioning, and the power of play. Also an Adaptive Video Gaming specialist.
Events
A variety of events throughout the year that give children of all abilities the opportunity to come learn, play, and explore together - most of them free.
What Families Are Saying
Melanie has been Houston's therapist for the past 2 years. In addition to being a fantastic therapist, she is an even more amazing person. She sees Houston's potential and gets excited at all of his accomplishments.
Her knowledge and skills as a therapist really make her stand out, and my daughter was excited to go back for every session. She taught her how to use a wheelchair at the age of 2.
Gye Di created an adapted mount for his wheelchair holding an adapted nerf gun hooked to a switch. He fires rounds without pulling a trigger. Given Carter's limited mobility, that took real creativity.
She challenges just enough to stretch him and gives lots of praise. She taught me to make small adjustments at home to achieve the greatest results. I know she cares deeply about my son.
Rima is very professional and created a positive environment for our daughter. Through her experience and expertise we have watched Karsen reach goals, and she gave us guidance to help at home too.
She has never said "can't" when it comes to Gena. Switches let Gena use an Xbox. Gye Di taught her to use a motorized wheelchair and then fought insurance to get her one of her own.
Gallery
Let's talk about your child
Whether you're after an intensive, curious about powered mobility, or want to bring your family to an event - we'd love to hear from you.