Sport for Confidence occupational therapists make a splash with Paralympian
The team of occupational therapists and sports coaches at Sport For Confidence have all completed training to integrate inclusive swimming equipment into pool sessions .
‘ Adding the use of this equipment into our inclusive swim sessions will enhance the experience for participants , supporting independence , relaxation and play in the water ,’ says Cara McCarthy , Sport for Confidence occupational therapist .
Developed by Paralympic swimmer Martin Mansell ( pictured above , demonstrating the equipment in the pool ), the swimming aid is made of a unique matrix of balls giving total support , flexibility and independence in the water to people of all abilities , disabled and nondisabled , young and old .
Martin explains : ‘ In addition to the multitude of proven physical benefits associated with swimming , immersion in water also offers many therapeutic benefits , making it an ideal activity for many people with cognitive and mobility impairments .
Through the use of [ the equipment ], we improve the accessibility of swimming for those who struggle to support themselves in the water , making them feel safe , secure and able to enjoy the unique sensation of being in water taken for granted by many non-disabled people .’
Cara adds : ‘ The rate of participation in swimming among disabled people lags far behind the rest of the population . According to Sport England ’ s Active People Survey , 2,912,800 non-disabled adults in the UK swim once or more per week , compared to just 331,500 UK adults with a disability .
‘ Through investment in specialist equipment … we are tackling this inequality and working towards a more equitable society where everybody is able to access and enjoy the facilities and services they need to lead a happy , healthy fulfilling life .’ Visit www . sportforconfidence . com or www . floatsation . com .
Nominate the next speaker for our 2023 Casson Lecture
We ’ re looking for the speaker for our 2023 Elizabeth Casson Memorial Lecture . If you know an occupational therapist who has made or is making a significant contribution to our profession , we want to hear from you .
Use our nomination form to tell us why this person would make a great speaker for the lecture . Our lecture is an opportunity for the chosen speaker to talk about a topic important to them and the profession .
The 2023 lecture will take place in April 2023 . Nominations are open until 5pm on Tuesday 31 May 2022 . Our Council will then choose the 2023 speaker . Visit rcot . co . uk / nominate-for-casson .
6 OTnews April 2022