Swimming pools in Massachusetts

[mrst]

Hi
I'm moving to Massachusetts in April with my Husband, does anyone know any disabled swimming pools in Cambridge?

I am an amputee from birth below my right knee.
I am shy when it comes to summer when wearing shorts, dresses and swimming so would prefer to swim in a hydrotherapy/ disabled swimming pool

Many thanks
Niki

[allenuk]

Hello Niki, and welcome.

Hope you get some good info from my US comrades.


Allen (London).

[cherylm]

Sorry...I don't know the east coast at all. I assume that you've "googled" for something like "swimming pool for the disabled in Cambridge"??

You might also look into contacting physical therapists in the area to see if they know of any such facilities..... In southern California, I was aware of a little-promoted but open-to-the-public program that included facilities aimed at people with disabilities. It was run through a community college...that might also be an avenue to pursue.

Finally...and I'm not being critical, just making a suggestion...take a look at what makes you feel sensitive about being in a "regular" public pool. If it's something like feeling embarrassed or self-concious about your residual limb, think about ways to accommodate that. For my first few years after my own amputation, I wore a "swimsuit" that included leggings: the side for my full leg was cut off at the same length as the actual swimsuit, while the side for the partial leg was cut to the length of my stump and sewn closed at the bottom. It gave me enough confidence to "face my fears" until I could go into a pool with my leg "uncovered"...at which point, I found out that most folks didn't really care. Now, of course, if you have an actual physical weakness that would make being in a pool with others a problem, that's another matter entirely........

I hope you do find a way to swim...it can be such a wonderful, free, sort of feeling! Good luck with your move!