This is Rachael, and she loves water. But for years and years we was so afraid to let her near the water due to her lack of knowing how to swim. But by pure luck we live in a community that has a indoor swimming pool that is right next to her school and she was able to take swimming as part of her regular school schedule~ she has amazed us all at her swimming abilities. She can swim under water, tread water for up to 15 mins. and can do a breast stroke all thou she tends to use her legs more than her arms, and I no longer worry if she's going to drowned in a normal situation of a average pool. Rachael is non-verbal but the smile on her face while swimming speaks volumes about how happy this has made her. I think we need to let "our" kids do what makes them happy and you'll be amazed at what they can do if just given the chance. We've also managed to get her a communication device that has helped her so much from her frustrations due to her lack of verbal abilities. And to some of the parents just starting this VERY long journey~Please don't give up, never stop trying because for "our" kids we are all they have...and once you see your child respond no matter how small the task is, it makes it all worth it. I know I'm not using my typing skills properly, but I'm trying to use the space given. And I wish I had someone telling me this 18 yrs. ago so I'm gonna use up every space~ NEVER let someone tell you something about your child that you know isn't true...they are bright and they CAN DO IT...with patience/love.

Serrina Slay
Blackfoot, ID