AquAbility is a nonprofit corporation committed to providing recreation through swimming for people with physical and visual disabilities. AquAbility is a Paralympic Sports Club and a division of the United States Olympic Committee. AquAbility is based in Ketchum. Programs are offered at Zenergy Health Club in Ketchum and at Boise State University.
AquAbility is available to people of all ages who are challenged by a
variety of permanent physical restrictions which limit their activities,
including but not limited to: paralysis, stroke, visual impairment,
multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, amputations and spinal cord injuries
IPT: What is AquAbility’s Mission or goal and how do you accomplish it?
Director Karen A. Morrison: The goals of AquAbility are to foster physical and cognitive benefits, raise self-esteem, promote fitness, encourage and cultivate social interaction, improve quality of life and allow for independence in the sport of swimming for adults, veterans and children with physical and visual challenges. The program focuses on individualized instruction to enable participants to swim independently despite their disabilities. Some participants also choose to compete in the sport, reaping the benefits that competition brings.
IPT: What is the history of AquAbility?
Morrison: AquAbility was founded by Director Karen Morrison in 2010, a result of Morrison’s life-long passion for teaching and coaching swimming. She wanted to reach out to people with disabilities so they could enjoy the many benefits that swimming provides. Morrison is a certified Adapted Aquatic Instructor, Disability Swim Coach, and Advanced Health & Fitness Specialist and brings 40 years of experience to the program.
AquAbility has an interest in serving veterans with disabilities.
IPT: How do you raise money? How do you use that money?
Morrison: AquAbility operates entirely on donations and grants from individuals, organizations and foundations. Additionally, fundraising events are held throughout the year to raise monies needed to continue to offer programs.
Funds raised are used for pool rental, instructor fees, equipment and operating expenses so that we can continue to reach out and offer our unique service to people with physical and visual disabilities.
IPT: What can local residents do to help AquAbility?
Morrison: We implore the community to spread the word about AquAbility and the service we are providing. We want to reach out to more people with disabilities and introduce them to the benefits and positive life changes that can occur through involvement with swimming. More information about AquAbility can be found on our website www.aquability.org. Donations are gratefully accepted and deeply appreciated and allow AquAbility to continue to offer professional swimming instruction for people with physical and visual disabilities.
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