Unlocking Aquatic Accessibility: Empowering Individuals with Autism Through Inclusive Pool Experiences

In a heartwarming display of community support, the Sherwood Autism Center and Kansas City Councilwoman Melissa Patterson Hazley have joined forces to provide a private pool day for children and teens with autism. This event, hosted at the Southeast Community Center in Swope Park, aimed to create a safe and accessible environment for individuals with developmental disabilities to enjoy the summer staple of a pool day.

Fostering Inclusive Aquatic Experiences for the Autism Community

Addressing the Unique Needs of Individuals with Autism

For many individuals with autism, navigating public spaces can be a daunting challenge. The sensory overload and unpredictable nature of crowded environments can often lead to discomfort and anxiety. This private pool day, however, offered a sanctuary where these students could freely explore the joys of swimming without the added stress of navigating a bustling public setting.Lauren Walton, an occupational therapist at the Sherwood Autism Center, emphasized the importance of such specialized events. "A lot of our kiddos with autism, they struggle especially in crowded environments or they might do unexpected things and that can be hard when they're around people who don't understand," she explained. "So it's really awesome for them to be able to have a time to get to come here and experience swimming."

Fostering a Safe and Supportive Environment

To ensure the participants had a safe and comfortable experience, the organizers took several measures. The pool was closed to the public, admission was free, and extra lifeguards were on staff to provide personalized attention and support. This tailored approach allowed the students to fully immerse themselves in the aquatic activities without the added pressure of navigating a public setting.Patricia A. Jones Macklin, who attended the event with her 16-year-old great-nephew who has autism, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity. "This is great for him because he loves water, but we haven't been able to take him to many places where there's water because of the danger of all that. So he's very happy to be here today," she said.

Highlighting the Importance of Accessibility and Inclusion

Councilwoman Melissa Patterson Hazley, a driving force behind the event, emphasized the city's commitment to ensuring accessibility and inclusion for all members of the community. "People with autism have a special affinity for the water, but oftentimes they don't have opportunities to participate in our public pools," she said. "So I wanted to demonstrate the fact that we do have pools that are accessible and we can be really good partners for the communities that might have special needs."Hazley's "Tour de Pool" series, which showcases accessible pools across Kansas City, is a testament to the city's efforts to cater to the diverse needs of its residents. She expressed her belief that the city's public pools are prepared to welcome individuals with various disabilities, encouraging families to explore the available amenities.

Fostering a Sense of Community and Belonging

The private pool day not only provided a safe and enjoyable experience for the participants but also fostered a sense of community and belonging. The event allowed individuals with autism and their families to come together, share experiences, and find solace in a supportive environment.Walton, the occupational therapist, noted the excitement and anticipation among the students leading up to the event. "They're definitely excited, they've been talking about it for a week," she said, underscoring the profound impact such specialized events can have on the lives of individuals with autism and their families.By creating inclusive and accessible spaces, the Sherwood Autism Center and the City of Kansas City have demonstrated their commitment to empowering individuals with autism and ensuring they have the opportunity to fully participate in the joys of summer activities, like a day at the pool.