When climbing the stairs out of the Ball Pool Tuesday, Leslie Klingenberg, 23, was able to make the first step without any assistance, an accomplishment that Klingenberg stuck with her for days. Klingenberg participated in Adapted Water Activity Venues for Everoyne, an exercise program for people with different disabilities.
The program started at Ball State in 1987. Students serve as therapists for community members, as well as students. Klingenberg has been an A.W.A.V.E. client for eight years.
Thursday was the last time A.W.A.V.E. clients and instructors met for this semester's session. Instead of using the pool as they did for the past two and a half months, the group shared stories and snacks in celebration of each individual's achievements.
A.W.A.V.E. student instructors train for five weeks before they are introduced to their clients. During the preparatory period, the students develop a program that would best fit their clients. After the training period, the students met with their clients in Ball Pool every Tuesday and Thursday for 50 minutes. The program is free for participants.
A.W.A.V.E. student instructors are responsible for developing individual programs and keeping track of the program. Each class, the students record the exercises they did with their client, the client's vitals, and write a general evaluation and reflection of that day's program. Many of the student instructors are exercise science majors.
"It's not a strength building program," A.W.A.V.E. director and exercise science professor Ron Davis said. "What we try to do is keep them exercising."
Kathy Morrison's daughter, 5-year-old Erin, just finished her second semester in A.W.A.V.E. Erin has cerebral palsy and is the youngest A.W.A.V.E. participant.
"All of the movement in the water is good for her because she can't move on her own," Morrison said. Part of Erin's program is to get her used to being in the water and being splashed. Two students are required to assist Erin in the pool. Erin also does exercises to improve her range of motion.
"She really likes bouncing and fast activities," Morrison said. She told the instructors that if they try to combine lots of movement with the exercises, they will be much more successful with Erin. Erin also worked on being able to float on her own.
"The students are really open to trying new things and suggestions," Morrison said.
Morrison said the program is "really a wonderful thing for our community." She said it allows people who wouldn't otherwise be able to be in the water to have the one-on-one help that they need.
The program has also been an encouragement for Kathy Morrison. She said seeing some of the exercises older participants can do allows her to see what Erin may be able to do in the future.
Brandi Zook, freshman secondary education major, joined the class as a client half way through the session.
"I just wanted to get back to swimming," she said. Zook was in an accident that makes her use a wheelchair.
Zook said her biggest challenge was she was afraid of drowning, but after a while she relaxed. She said the best part of A.W.A.V.E. was "getting back into the groove of swimming and being with Joey." Joey Duncan, senior, was paired with Zook in the pool. Zook plans on participating in the program again next year.
Darci Ruster, junior exercise science major, was an instructor this semester for A.W.A.V.E.
"I think some people can be discouraged by the disabilities, but I look at it as a challenge," she said. "It's rewarding to me."
Student therapist for Leslie Klingenberg, Ruster used one session each week to work with Klingenberg in the water and one session out of the water.
Ruster said her biggest challenge was making sure Klingenberg was getting a workout.
Klingenberg suffered a head injury from a car accident as a child.
"I wish we had a lot more time," she said.
Annette Klingenberg, Leslie's mother, said the program has been positive for her daughter.
"As well as the physical help she receives, she also gets the social interaction," she said. Klingenberg said Leslie has increased her flexibility through A.W.A.V.E. and has been able to continue with follow-up exercises at home.
A.W.A.V.E. will begin again fall semester.
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