Pilot program kicks off for kids and teens with Autism

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A new pilot program hopes to fill a need in the Capital Region, and help save lives.

The program offers swim lessons to kids and teenagers with autism.

The first session was held today at the JCC on Whitehall Rd. in Albany.

Organizers say it was a success. They tell us the goal of the program is health, happiness, and safety.

Swim volunteer, Mary Kavaney, explained just how necessary programs like this can be:

“Of accidental deaths of autistic kids, 90% are drowning. So these kids like the water, they want to be near the water, and their parents don’t have the energy, time, or money to get them lessons. So that’s why I started it.”

The founders are hoping to organize more sessions in the future.

If you’d like to get involved, you can call the JCC and either make a donation, or volunteer.