New to the long list of recreational opportunities for swimmers, now there is the provision available to assist disabled persons to enjoy the warm water. The 10-week program, Adaptive Water Therapy, is now available for people who can benefit from moving their bodies in the warm water.
Scotts Valley Parks and Recreation has a lift that can facilitate either being seated or in a sling. People who cannot easily enter the water from the chair can be lowered into the water in a prone position. Ellen Buckingham, a registered nurse and certified developmental disabilities nurse said “there are lots of people in Scotts Valley with disabilities and accessibility issues who can benefit from stretching in the warm water.”
“There was a 60-year-old person, a 21-year-old person and a 2.5-year-old in the pool enjoying adaptive therapy together” said Buckingham.
Dave Cox described how much his son, Cameron, loves to stretch in the water and to participate with a group of people. He said “the harness allows Cameron to get out of his chair and into the pool. He loves swimming.” Cameron is a 21-year-old quadriplegic.
Recreation Division Manager Kristen Ard, recommends that anyone who wants to learn more about this program, turn to the Scotts Valley Parks and Recreation 2015 Summer Activity Guide on pages 7-8.
Ard says “a punch card with five possible punches can be purchased for $25 or a single visit may be purchased for $5.” The program started June 26, and there are 10 meetings. It takes a while to set up the machine so anyone needing to use the lift should call in advance to request that it be made ready.
