Sink or Swim
By Sports 'N Spokes, Vol. 31, No. 3, pp. 15-20Publication Date: May 2005
Article discusses adaptations for swimmers with disabilities, and focuses on a research project conducted by the United States Access Board (USAB) in conjunction with the National Center on Accessibility (NCA) that focused on access to public swimming pools. The organizations conducted four primary activities: (1) a literature review, (2) a national survey of 300 people with disabilities, (3) a national telephone survey of 150 swimming pool operators, managers, and adaptive aquatic directors, and (4) pool testing of adaptive designs and devices. A number of these devices are pictured and discussed, including the Wet Vest Collars and Float-Its from Hydro-Fit, which are floatation devices created for specific parts of the body. The Liberty Lift Platform Lift is designed for commercial applications, as it allows people to participate in water therapy programs. The device is non-invasive, as it allows the swimming area to be used for both therapeutic and recreational purposes. Aqua Creek Products also offers a line of stainless-steel pool and spa access lifts, while Natural Access has manufactured the Landeez All-Terrain Wheelchair, which is a pool-entry chair with a weight capacity of 375 pounds. The results of the USAB/NCA study can be accessed online at http://www.ncaonline.org/pools/poolstudy.shtml.
Assistive Products Discussed: LANDEEZ ALL-TERRAIN WHEELCHAIR
REHAB WET VEST
WET VEST ORIGINAL
LIBERTY LIFT
Published by: PVA Publications (Website:http://www.pvamagazines.com)
Paralyzed Veterans of America (Web Site: http://www.pva.org )
This publication is included in the library of the National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC), accession number J49664
