William O’Dwyer

St. Francis Xavier University

Project location: Nova Scotia, Canada

Water Safety Program for ASD (Autism spectrum disorder) Population

Initiative

My initiative is based around the fact that 91% of non-medical deaths for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are related to drowning. So I want to work with the YMCA of Pictou County to develop a comprehensive swimming curriculum and level assessments for the swim program to run. I want to create a guide to help other organizations roll out this type of program.

Community Connection

My initiative is focused on the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) community in Pictou County, Nova Scotia. In working with this program over the past year, I have had the absolute pleasure of meeting the most incredible and strong families in the ASD community. Having the opportunity to connect with these families and work with the affected individuals in the pool has been an unparalleled experience. I have been working with people with exceptionalities ever the last three years in a variety of environments, so it is awesome to focus my time and energy on this deserving community.

What do you hope to achieve?

This year by learning and using Coady’s approach to community I look forward to becoming better able to discover individuals’ potential, with the hopes of catalyzing lasting change within them. I also intend to take this approach into my life after the fellowship so I can help individuals of any background create success within themselves.