S:US Day Habilitation Program Participants Dive Into Summer Fun

S:US Day Habilitation Program Participants Dive Into Summer Fun

Photo: S:US Day Habilitation program contributors, Christopher, Wandalys, and Jaime, with workers after a enjoyable day on the Sunset Park public pool.

This summer time, folks with mental/developmental disabilities supported at S:US’ 5^th Avenue Day Habilitation Program went swimming on the New York City public pool in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. It was a heat, sunny day and a good way to chill off! Yvette McBean, the Program Director of 5^th Avenue Day Habilitation Program, enjoys taking contributors to this pool yearly to apply their swimming expertise and make the most of the various free alternatives New York City affords the group in the summertime. 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 these having fun with the swim was Christopher, a participant within the fifth Avenue Day Habilitation Program, who mentioned: “It was cool, refreshing, felt good and fun. I want to go again!”

Wandalys, one other participant, expressed , “It was so good to swim with friends. It was fun and refreshing.” 

Jaime, who additionally 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, said “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 workers for supporting our Day Habilitation Program contributors of their journey of a swimming session!