We have observed over the years that when our students are in the pool, their bodies are not working against them. This experience provides access to a level of freedom and mobility not otherwise available to them. The water helps support students' body weight so that they can move their legs, stand, take a few steps, or raise their arms and splash.
In addition, aquatic therapy relaxes the tight spasticity of our students' muscles. This water experience not only works on students' motoric abilities, but also stimulates one-on-one communication interactions. As students hold onto their instructors, they give and receive eye contact and cues for 'more, up, down, finished' along with frequent sounds of joy. Students are also able to work on their ADL skills such as assisting in dressing, undressing, and showering.
We currently have the capability of providing this pool experience for 3-5 students per week. Staff and students travel to Waltham to an indoor pool that has a zero-access entry ramp. This therapeutic exercise, however, would be beneficial for all 25 of our students - some on Wa daily basis, but for most, at least once per week.
So it is our intention to fund raise to build a wing onto the school which would house a pool; changing rooms with lifts and tables; and wheelchair accessible showers. Having this facility on site will provide our students with constant access to all the benefits of aquatic therapy thus enhancing their freedom and growth.
