going to be able to do that." But how do they know? We don't know. Why shouldn't kids with disabilities swim? Why shouldn't they be able to move their body in whatever ways they can?

Swimming is the great equalizer and an inclusive swimming program can provide space to accommodate all abilities of children to participate. Mobility is not a limitation. I want to acknowledge that it’s a lot of hard work on the part of the parents to do these activities for their kids because it involves planning and coordination and having the right equipment, like a wheelchair-accessible van, but it’s so worth it. 

Another unique aspect of the inclusive swim program we participate in is that there are volunteers in the pool, many of whom are students pursuing degrees in the medical field, where this kind of one-to-one experience with kids like Sammy is really formative. Some volunteers look like they’ve been working with kids with disabilities forever. And when you see what volunteers who receive training to work with kids in the water can do, it’s inspiring because it widens the possibilities of what other activities could be made available for kids with disabilities. The experiences the volunteers have in working with kids like Sammy also helps to normalize disability. You realize this could be replicated elsewhere or with other activities with someone like Dori Maxon, who has the knowledge to make these things accessible. Though in reality, there are very few activities available for kids like Sammy. The Bay Area needs more programming available for children with disabilities. 

"THE EXPERIENCES THE VOLUNTEERS HAVE IN WORKING WITH KIDS LIKE SAMMY ALSO HELPS TO NORMALIZE DISABILITY."

There's no cookie-cutter way to navigate the path ahead as the parent of a child with disabilities. You learn to be adaptable and adjust expectations. Inclusive swimming is a great option to help your child's light shine brightly. •

Sammy swims with SNAPkids, founded by Dori Maxon PT, in the San Francisco Bay Area. SNAPkids’ mission is to enrich the lives of children and young adults with disabilities by providing community-based accessible swimming programs. These programs enable children to swim, exercise, make friends, and just be kids having fun in the water. Learn more at: snapkids.org

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Joey Enos lives with his partner Anna MacNeil. They have recently moved to San Mateo to raise their 9year-old son, Sammy. Raised in Alameda California, Joey Enos has been an artist his whole life and has had a professional career in museum collections and art services throughout the Bay Area. Joey received a Master of Fine Arts from UC Berkeley Art Practice in 2014. Joey published his first book in 2022, Radical As Folk, a historical document of the history of the Emeryville Mudflat Sculptures. After living in Emeryville for many years, Joey and Anna moved the family to the San Francisco Penisula for Sammy’s schooling. Sammy has been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, and Cortical Visual Impairment. With the security of being close to a supportive network of schools and services, the family enjoys exploring new and exciting experiences for Sammy and the family, including adaptive surfing and sports.