Families enjoy Spokane's first sensory-friendly swimming program

SPOKANE, Wash. - For those with special needs, going to a public pool can be overwhelming. That's why a new sensory-friendly swim program is making the experience accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

The A.M. Cannon Aquatic Center looked a little different Friday afternoon, with less whistles and smaller crowds.

"Just to watch her smile and have a great time, that is all we can ask from our kids right? And she doesn't have the opportunity because of the crowds," said Scott Gordon, a parent of a child with nonverbal autism.

Gordon has not been able to see his daughter Chloe swim in a pool for two years.

Friday, both were smiling ear-to-ear.

"These kids deserve to enjoy the pool like the other kids do," Gordon said.

Gordon helped create the sensory-friendly swim program, a private pool time for swimmers of all ages with sensory sensitivities.

Sarah Jackson, a parent who also had a sensory-sensitive daughter, was thrilled to hear about the program. She said initiatives like this mean a lot to special needs families like hers.

"It is a little overwhelming when you take your special needs kid to a public pool," Jackson said.

During the 45 minute private swim time, swimmers enjoyed zero depth entry, slides, and play structures.

Gordon said he hopes to make this program last throughout the summer and bring it to other pools across the city.

"This is a really great idea and I just hope it keeps growing," Gordon said.

The program will run at the A.M. Cannon Aquatic Center for the next three weeks. Each swimmer needs a parent or adult caregiver at the pool during the swim time.

If you are interested in signing up, you can reach out to abusch@spokanecity.org

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