A Saline County woman will offer swimming lessons to youth with intellectual disabilities.
Megan Hill, Saline County native and 3rd-year Occupational Therapy student at the University of Central Arkansas, will be conducting her capstone project at River Center, called Swimming Without Limits.
Hill partnered with Benton Parks and Recreation and KIDSource Therapy to create the project.
Swimming Without Limits is an adaptive swim program designed for children ages 8-18 with intellectual disabilities. The research program will be alongside and under the Benton Sharks. Over the course of the 8-week swim program, children will learn water safety, the four different swim strokes, build social skills, improve confidence and independence, as well as have the opportunity to participate with kids their age. The goal of this research project is to kickstart more community programs for children with disabilities in the Saline County area.
“I believe it is important to understand what occupational therapy is in order to understand why programs for people with disabilities is important in the Saline County community,” said Hill. “Simply put, it is assisting people to achieve independence in their lives, providing opportunities, and engaging fully in occupations they enjoy.”
Sponsors making this program free for participants are Everett Buick GMC, Baxley Penfield Moudy Realtors, Adams Pest Control, Big Red Stores, and various private sponsors.
“We are honored to work with Megan to achieve her goals on the Swimming Without Limits capstone project,” said Stephanie Jones, Director of Benton Parks and Recreation. “Megan has volunteered at numerous adaptive programs and events within the Parks Department and she is making a difference in our community.”
If you are interested in volunteering for the program, please contact Megan Hill at [email protected].