Skip to main content

Go Fish!

Gale, Ben's physical therapist, started working with him in the pool one year ago.
Ben has always liked the water. He has received lessons or therapy for the past six years, with lots of recreational play in between. Ben's progress has been phenomenal over the past year - working with Gale, his physical therapist, combined with all the water work we did in the pool last summer made a difference. Endurance and confidence in the pool increased, and Ben's ability to move his body deliberately in the water is remarkable. Ben goes where he wants in the water, and if he decides he is going to chase a brother, watch out!

Gale is jumping at the bit to get Ben in the swimming event for the Special Olympics, but she, I mean, Ben will have to wait. This sport does not start until middle school. I try to tell her it is just more time for Ben to improve his stroke, but she is ready now. Gale's excitement and enthusiasm definitely drives her to push Ben. However, she makes sure he has fun and knows that having Sean and Logan as part of the session is a way to motivate Ben.

The local YMCA has been generous and kind in letting us use the pool with Ben and his therapist. We truly appreciate their support. It is pretty cool when staff stop by to see Ben at work, and today, I noticed a fellow swimmer, stop and watch Ben for quite awhile. Many have been amazed at his improvement - he has come along way from holding onto our necks for dear life.

With a life jacket on, Ben can swim the length of the pool, especially if he is racing with his brothers. This is with minimal help and only to get his legs down from the PT. He propels himself through the water using his arms and legs.

Today, Grandma and Grandpa were there to watch and he had a smile on his face the entire time.

Ben sees the stairs as a place to rest...just for a minute. Gale keeps him off his toes, so to speak!

Comments

  1. I can attest to Ben's greatly improved movement and his rise in confidence in the water. It is so gratifying to see. His smile tells it all. A large thank you to family, therapists, and other sources of inspiration for Ben, all helping Ben to gain this confidence and resulting enjoyment. This is very beneficial for him. . . Grandpa Jerry

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Thank you for reading my post. I appreciate you taking the time to comment. If you wish to contact me directly, please let me know and I will email you.

Popular posts from this blog

Impromptu Pet Therapy

  Ben met Doodle today. One of the staff at his day program brought him in. Ben loves dogs and these photos made my day. 

Parenting an Adult Child with Disabilities

  "Parenting an Adult Child with Disabilities" is a series on eSpeciallyBen. As Ben approached 18, it was clear our role changed as parents. We needed to help Ben transition into adulthood. These stories are meant to assist other families who face, or will face, some of the same challenges. Talking About the Future Guest Post - Matt Wilson Legal Guardianship, Medicaid and SSI Researching Group Homes Questions to Ask at a Group Home Visit Referral Packet for Group Homes Getting Assistance from a Care Manager From Group Home Placement to Discharge Reaching for Independence

Parenting an Adult Child with Disabilities: Talking About the Future

Ben in the middle with Dad (left), Carla Payne with Aging Care Matters and Mom This is the first of several posts about parenting an adult child with a disability. Ben will be 19 this summer; I am learning along the way. As always, I hope to pass on resources and wisdom. Discuss the future.  If your adult child is able to participate in planning for their future, ask them how they envision it. Let them draw a picture. Ask them to tell you a story. Maybe they can sign a few words that mean a lot to them. Find a way to get them involved. How do they see themselves living? By themselves, in a group home, with another family or with a sibling? Where do they want to live? In another city, in an apartment, in a house? How far away do they want to live from family? What level of independence can they handle? Do they want someone to check in on them? Do they want to find a job? Do they need a job coach or supportive employment? Who will help them with their finances? Is there someone they tru