August 10 , 2023 The Beacon • 7
LESSONS from Page 6
or play as they needed so they would enjoy the water . Two lifeguards also were there to keep everyone safe .
Hayli Brown brought both of her sons to the classes . Marvin is 5 and has autism , and Theo is 2 .
“ I wanted the boys to take lessons so they could become more familiar and comfortable around water . My goal for them was to be able to keep themselves afloat or be able to get out of the water , in case they were to fall into a body of water . I think it ’ s important for them to have their own class because their level and goals are much different than someone who is working on swimming techniques ,” Brown said . “ Both boys have their own tolerance level and pace .
“ A regular class is a lot more structured , and my children would fight against that . This class and type of structure allowed them to get comfortable and not feel forced .”
April and Travis Goodwill brought their 3-year-old son Reid to the classes .
“ I wanted Reid to take lessons because I know how important it is for children and adults with autism to not only know how to swim , but also to know about water safety ,” April Goodwill said . “ Accidental drowning is
MOBILE
POWER WASHING
Fences , Sidewalks , Houses , Decks , Etc .
740-502-5393
Coshocton County and Surrounding Counties
CALL FOR ESTIMATE
BF-91825 the No . 1 cause of death for autistic children , and Reid loves the water , so he needs to learn how to be safe in the water and what those boundaries are early on . So this class was a huge opportunity for that .
“ I think it ’ s important for people with special needs to have their own class so that it is easier to work one on one with them and it be a comfortable environment for them to learn . Many people with special needs have the same concerns and limitations , so having others like yourself in your class makes it very welcoming . For my family , I know that when we come to class , there are other families there that understand what it is like to have an autistic child and his lack of safety awareness , so we all look out for each other . We may not get that in a regular swimming class .”
Wendy Haney brought her 7-year-old son Wesley to the classes . She said
SEND US
YOUR her goal was to help keep him safe when they go to a lake or pool .
“ He has learned confidence in his own abilities and that getting his face wet is OK . He had so much fun . He didn ’ t even want to get out even though he was cold ,” Haney said .
Tyler Rice was one of the adults in the class . His grandmother Emily Gephart brought him to the lessons . She said she wanted to bring him so he could learn the basics of water survival and what to do in an emergency .
“ Tyler is not afraid of water but is more confident in the skills he has learned in just a few days ,” Gephart said .
Starfish Aquatics Institute will offer the swimming lessons for those with special needs again next year . The dates will be shared on ASK Autism ’ s Facebook page next spring . Anyone with special needs is welcome to join the classes .
NEWS jsellers @ alonovus . com
DELI SPECIALS Sale Prices Good August 9-22 , 2023
Provolone Cheese ...........................................$ 2.65 lb . Pepper Jack Cheese ........................................$ 2.85 lb . Cajun Turkey Breast .......................................$ 4.85 lb . Frozen Soft Pretzels 3 ct . .................................................
$ 7.49 ea .
NEW Andy ’ s Seasonings
Fish & Chicken 10 oz ...................................
$ 1.89 ea .
Customer Appreciation September 1-2
30341 Coshocton Rd East of Millwood on US 36 Hours : M-Th 8-5 F 8-6 • Sat 8-4
Walhonding , OH 43843 West of New Castle 740-427-2255
BF-123774
PRODUCTION
$ 25.16- $ 32.00 HR
MECHANIC
$ 35 . OO - $ 40.32 HR
YOUR CAREER STARTS HERE
Abby Clark Electrician Apprentice - 2 years of service
ELECTRICIAN
$ 38.23 - $ 44.50 HR
MULTICRAFT
$ 39.27 - $ 44.50 HR
Eric Thomas Electrician B - 24 years of service
$ 198 / MO . FAMILY MEDICAL COVERAGE , 401 ( K ) RETIREMENT , LIFE INSURANCE , & AD & D INCLUDED
MDOHJOBS . COM
BF-113291