S:US Day Habilitation Program Participants Dive Into Summer Fun
Photo: S:US Day Habilitation program participants, Christopher, Wandalys, and Jaime, with staff after a fun day at the Sunset Park public pool.
This summer, people with intellectual/developmental disabilities supported at S:US’ 5th Avenue Day Habilitation Program went swimming at the New York City public pool in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. It was a warm, sunny day and a great way to cool off! Yvette McBean, the Program Director of 5th Avenue Day Habilitation Program, enjoys taking participants to this pool every year to practice their swimming skills and take advantage of the many free opportunities New York City offers the community in the summer. She shared that one participant “…was very excited about swimming in this pool because years ago, he competed in the Special Olympics. It was his first swim in an outdoor pool in a long time. This is his first year attending S:US’ day habilitation program and he was so happy to go into the deep end since he is a strong swimmer.”
Among those enjoying the swim was Christopher, a participant in the 5th Avenue Day Habilitation Program, who said: “It was cool, refreshing, felt good and fun. I want to go again!”
Wandalys, another participant, expressed , “It was so good to swim with friends. It was fun and refreshing.”
Jaime, who also cherished the day, shared “I splashed around and stayed in the shallow end. I taught myself how to swim when I was younger because we had a pool in our backyard. I had a wonderful time and I hope to go again.”
Theosha Cutler, a Direct Support Professional (DSP) who works with Jaime, stated “It was a great experience. The folks we support really enjoyed it and it was my first time swimming with them along with their first time at this pool. I swim on my own but seeing the expressions on their faces – their smiles and joy, how they lit up – it was amazing! I was grateful that I could be a part of the activity, see them swim and witness their joy. It was new for all of us.”
We are grateful to the DSPs and staff for supporting our Day Habilitation Program participants in their adventure of a swimming session!
