Water and
disability
2013 - 14 / SCHOOL PERSONAL PROJET
OBSERVATION & ORIENTATION
Same accessories as able-bodied
For people from the 2nd to 6th level of disability, most of water therapists use the same accessories as able-body persons do, which means water noodles and other floats.
But much different pace and fear
"Unlike able-bodied people who advance their skills in 2 or 3 months, it takes 2 or 3 years for people with a disability " (Instructor Susan Smith) and "even if some patients succeed in swimming, they feel really ascared and unable to swim without any buoyancy aid. There is someting missing between swimming aids and no swimming aids...." (Instructor Eric Malan)
PROJECT
WAZU
Gain confidence with water at your pace
This swimming belt enables to take easily one layer off whenever the users want. The difference between 5 layers and 4 is slightly different so that the users nearly don't feel it.
Natural and secure position
The belt enables the most natural position (buoyancy works as lever system). As it is tied around the chest, it is also more reassuring than a float.
Inclusive product
People learning slowly to swim, having water phobia, people suffering of a temporary physical weakness or elderly seem to have the same trouble in learning to swim than disabled. This is an inclusive product.
TESTING MODELS & DRAWINGS
