Kids with disabilities make a splash into swimming through camp

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – Around 900 kids drown in the U.S. each year, according to the Children’s Safety Network. The risk increases for children with disabilities.

The nonprofit iCan Shine hosts week-long camps to teach kids with disabilities how to swim.

“They are just as capable as us. They just might need a little extra time and support in order to learn these skills, and they’re just as important as everybody else,” said volunteer Hannah Wiebe.

Courtney Askren quickly signed her 5-year-old son Kyler up.

“He has cerebral palsy. He was diagnosed at 16 months old. He had a surgery in St. Louis last summer,” she said. “He loves the water. He’s always loved the water.”

iCan Swim volunteers teach kids life-saving skills.

“They’re actually able to roll over from being on their stomach to their back and get to the wall. So that imitates if they were to fall into a body of water, they know how to flip over, call for help and get to safety,” explained Alyssa Sciaudone, iCan Swim instructor.

Throughout the camp, each kid’s buddy reviews their progress to make sure each kid hits their goals.

“He’s getting his feet out of the water. He’s kicking better. He has even more confidence being in the water now where he can’t touch, so that’s really good,” Askren said.

Each kid rises above their disability to be safe while making a splash.

The nonprofit also hosts a camp for kids with disabilities to learn how to ride bikes.

If you’re interested in getting involved next year, please contact physical.therapy@wichita.edu .

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.