Swim Class For Developmentally Disabled Comes To Ross County

Presented By McDonald’s, I’m Lovin’ It!

(Columbus) — The Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio (DSACO) announces the expansion of the its iCan Swim Camp to Chillicothe, Ohio.

iCan Swim is designed to help people with developmental disabilities achieve their aquatic goals and learn valuable water safety skills during the weeklong program. iCan Swim is a program coordinated and managed by the Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio (DSACO) and in partnership with iCan Shine, a nonprofit organization that provides quality recreational programs for individuals with disabilities throughout the country.

DSACO brought the iCan Swim program to Columbus in 2019 in partnership with Goldfish Swim School. The incredible success of the program among swimmers with developmental disabilities helped fuel DSACO’s intent to offer this program to families in Chillicothe and its surrounding areas, in partnership with the YMCA of Ross County and the Pioneer Center.

”We are so excited to bring this program to Ross County as DSACO continues to expand its reach throughout Ohio! Creating pathways towards inclusion that help families—and communities—feel more empowered is a part of our mission, and we believe that this program is a win-win-win for everyone involved.”

The week-long camp will take place July 19 – July 23 at the YMCA of Ross County in Chillicothe, Ohio. Swimmers must be at least 3 years old by the start of the camp and have a disability. The fee to participate in the camp is $150. Swimmers who have a Down syndrome diagnosis qualify for DSACO’s Recreation Scholarship to assist financially with payment of the camp. More information and registration can be found on DSACO’s website at: dsaco.net/events/icanswim.

Additionally, DSACO is seeking volunteers for this program to act as physical, emotional, and motivational support to an assigned camper for the duration of the camp. Volunteers must be at least 15 years old, unless accompanied by an adult, and must be able to attend each of the 5 days of camp for the same session(s) each day. Volunteers must feel comfortable in water and know how to swim.

The Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio (DSACO) is the leading source of information, support, and referral assistance to over 5,000 individuals, families, and community professionals throughout 23 Central and Southern Ohio counties. Our mission is to support families, promote community involvement, and encourage a lifetime of opportunities for people with Down syndrome.