We are excited to announce that The Light House has received a $2,000 grant from the Norma and Malcolm Baker Recreation Grant and Autism Speaks for students at our Learning Campus to take swim lessons at East Lyme Aquatics Center.
Drowning is one of the leading causes of death for those diagnosed with autism. Children with autism are 160 times more likely to die from drowning than children without autism, according to a recent report by the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. This link stems from a variety of factors, including impaired communication abilities, lack of adequate swimming programs, and habits that lead children with autism to wander to find relief from social situations.
The Light House’s primary and secondary schools are located in downtown Niantic and serve members of the Southeastern Connecticut community. As a year-round school, our teachers and paraprofessionals are constantly looking for new ways to engage students and utilize the community around them. Getting outside is particularly difficult during the winter months, so these lessons gives us an incredible opportunity to give our students the chance to receive instruction that is customized to their specific needs.
The opportunity to learn and practice important water skills will increase their confidence in the water and their ability to swim independently, both of which will decrease the future possibility of any drowning related incidents.
For more information about the Norma and Malcolm Baker Recreation Grant, you can go here.