Everyone in the pool

trailblazer

Who: Louise Kublick

What: Runs an aquatics program at Bloorview that gives over 4,000 children the opportunity to swim in integrated classes each year. Trains swim instructors at municipal pools across Ontario in how to include children with disabilities. Invented and brought to market a wet suit that helps children with limited movement maintain body heat in chilly community pools or lakes. Chaired an inclusive aquatics committee which developed a training guide for Canadian Red Cross swim instructors. For Swimmers who Move, Learn, Communicate or Behave Differently provides teaching tips for working with kids with a variety of disabilities, including how to use equipment like floatation belts and mirrors; how to adapt movement skills and in-water games; and how to communicate with children who are non-verbal. It will be printed in every province.

Why: “I grew up at a cottage and I can’t imagine a life without aquatics. It’s such a great activity because it’s so social, so freeing and so relaxing. For a child not to be able to experience that would be a crime. And there’s no reason for any child – no matter what their disability – to not have that experience.”