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Scuba diving can be life-changing for anyone who experiences it but for children with disabilities, gliding effortlessly below the water?s surface is especially transformative.?
Some kids will got that chance Saturday afternoon when the Handicapped Scuba Association hosted an introduction on scuba diving for pediatric rehab patients at Miller Children?s Hospital Long Beach?s full-size indoor pool.
?For me to see him swim after a major surgery, that?s one of the best things,? said Veronica Ramirez, whose 13-year-old son Jeremy has had 15 surgeries and counting for a neuromuscular condition called?spina bifida.
Young patients living with a variety of conditions, including brain injuries, tried on scuba gear and learned how to breathe underwater with an apparatus thanks to HSA, a nonprofit organization based in San Clemente, CA dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities worldwide since 1981.
?This is the first time we?ve done scuba diving,"?said Mariana Sena, a recreational therapist at Miller Children?s Hospital, in a statement. "It?s part of our recreational therapy and community re-integration program. It gives the children the opportunity to do something new and positive.?
Miller Children's Hospital is also the only hospital to offer scuba diving, which is beneficial because it allows patients with disabilities to experience mobility.?
Aside from gaining new skills and movement, HAS instructors and the rehab team at Millers Children?s Hospital believe children who engage in play and recreation as a means of rehabilitation also increase another important area in their lives?confidence.
?The unique thing about diving is they get to leave their disabilities behind once they get in the water,? said Denise Dowd, an HSA diving instructor, in a statement. ?Diving is a mental sport. They get to participate on an equal basis with able-bodied people and often do it better.??
The nearly three-hour event took place at the hospital?s own indoor rehabilitation pool that although full-sized, is only two-five feet deep, which is ideal for those relying on wheelchairs or braces, according to the hospital.?
?This is amazing. He was so excited, he didn?t even want to go to sleep last night,? ?Maria Gutierrez?said in a statement?of her son Enrique.
Enrique, 14, was?born with VACTERL association. Having just learned how to swim this summer, Enrique said he got the hang of diving in a matter of minutes.?
Miller Children?s Hospital Long Beach is located at?2801 Atlantic Avenue,?Long Beach,?CA90806. For more information about the hospital, click here.?
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