Jul 17, 2006 12:17 pm US/Central
Program Puts Sails In The Wind For Disabled People
Judd Goldman Program Teaches Developmentally, Physically Disabled How To Sail
by Jim Mullen
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
There is nothing like going sailing on a beautiful summer day, and a program in Chicago proves that people with disabilities do not have to miss out on the fun.
As CBS 2 Disabilities Reporter Jim Mullen reports, the Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Program has taught people with disabilities to sail for the past 15 years.
After years of partial paralysis and pain, Donna Feldman has found heaven on earth on the water through sailing with the program.
"With sailing, I have the camaraderie of being out with people, of doing things with people, of sharing things with people," Feldman said.
The program has taught people with disabilities that when it comes to sailing, they are limited only by the wind.
"I think they learn to appreciate what they're capable of doing," said Dennis Berner of the Judd Goldman program. "They learn that they are, in fact, able to do a number of things that they didn't think at first they were able to do."
Children older than 8 years old and adults are welcome at the program. As part of their instruction, they operate parts of the boat and sails.
Berner says the program can help people with a number of different disabilities, including "developmental disabilities; a variety of physical disabilities, sight impaired, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy."
Berner also says a lot of thought goes into setting sail.
"You really have to initially assess the disability," Berner said. "If they have a side of the body where one has strength and the other is weak, then you have to assess what part of the boat would be more accessible for them."
But before fun comes safety.
"We have on the boat two chairs," Berner said. "One forward acts as a sort of crew chair, one toward the stern acts as a skipper chair. Each is equipped with a belt and shoulder harness."
Feldman says she feels totally safe, and totally free while sailing. She even brings her dog, McGuiness, who loves the breeze.
"My confidence has increased," Feldman said. "My stamina has increased. Being out in the sun, enjoying the sunlight, is wonderful."
The cost of lessons begins at $65.
The program's Web site said its namesake, Justin "Judd" Goldman, suffered a disabling bone disease at the age of 17, but learned to sail and later competed in races and founded a class of boats over the next 58 years.
Goldman's wife, son and daughter adopted the program in conjunction with the Chicago Park District and Chicago Yacht Club, a year after Goldman's 1989 death, the Web site said.
The program has also operated a pilot initiative to with the Chicago Park District to teach inner city children how to sail, the Web site said.
(© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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