GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

At the Y, we recognize the importance of maintaining inclusive spaces and adapting our programs wherever possible to meet the needs of our community. In the case of C.W. Avery Family YMCA member Tiffney Hart, adaptive aquatics programming has been invaluable for her daughter Mahogany.

“Mahogany has autism and cerebral palsy and she has been going to physical therapy her whole life. I wanted to find a fun, new way for her to engage her muscles,” Tiffney said. “While I was looking for programs in the community to help fill her day, I ran across the Y’s Sensory-Friendly Swim program.”

Designed to be inclusive and accommodating for individuals with diverse sensory needs, YMCA Sensory-Friendly Swim times feature a quiet environment with no music and little-to-no whistle use by lifeguards with the goal of creating a welcoming space for swimmers of all abilities. Tiffney said Mahogany made an instant connection with Y staff during their first visit. 

“We met (swim instructor) Janet Kubas-Furnish and she was so sweet. She said the Y also offered one-on-one adaptive lessons. Now we’ve been coming in once a week for swim lessons for almost a year,” Tiffney said.

As is the case for each participant in adaptive swim lessons, the Y’s aquatics team tailored alternative movement options to meet Mahogany’s individual needs and help her thrive.

“She’s improved her core strength and swim lessons are also building her leg strength and her cardiovascular endurance,” Tiffney said. “She has been able to do phenomenal things like holding onto the side of the pool by herself for more than 10 seconds. She’s never been able to do something like that outside the water.” 

And the value of visiting the Y has gone beyond the scope of just swimming for Mahogany. 

“While she’s in the water, she’s also working on her social skills,” Tiffney said. “When anyone else is around in the pool, Janet will remind her to say hello. It’s bridging the gap between disabled individuals and non-disabled individuals.”

Tiffney said the experience is reflective of the overall atmosphere offered at the Y. 

“Everyone at the Y is so accepting, kind, and readily able to help. It’s a warm, family environment,” Tiffney said. “The Y builds bonds, opens doors, and has really raised the standard for what I think is possible for Mahogany. The experience here has helped me be a better advocate for recreational programs and facilities for individuals with special needs.”

To learn more about YMCA adaptive aquatics programming, please click here or speak to a member of the Aquatics staff team during your next visit.