A remarkable Bridgwater woman has achieved her dream of becoming a swimming teacher, despite facing significant challenges. Emily Gold, an autistic woman, enrolled in a level one swimming assistant qualification at a local leisure center. However, she encountered difficulties due to her speech and language difficulties. Discovery, a charity supporting autistic individuals and those with learning disabilities, stepped in and facilitated her employment at the 1610 Trinity Sports and Leisure Centre. Ms. Gold achieved her qualification in August and now works full-time there. She expressed her interest in becoming a swimming instructor, citing its potential for interesting interactions. According to the National Autistic Society, autism is a lifelong neurodivergence and disability that affects how people experience and interact with the world. It is a spectrum, meaning it includes a wide range of traits or characteristics that vary from person to person. For Emily, this meant struggling with speech and language, prompting her to work on improving her communication skills. To achieve the qualification, Ms. Gold underwent two placements and completed training in the water and at the poolside. This included leading swimming demonstrations, physically supporting children in the water, and encouraging them verbally. The children 'always' enjoy working with her, and she finds it 'enjoyable' too. Jenny Hughes, a swimming coordinator at the center, praised her ability to listen and support children in the water. She also noted that Ms. Gold's diverse teaching experiences have contributed to her success. Kirsteen Middleton from Discovery shared that the charity strives to get people into paid and 'sustainable' employment. She also mentioned that they had to adapt the theory exam to accommodate Ms. Gold's needs, ensuring she could pass it. This achievement is a testament to Emily's determination and the support of those around her. It also highlights the importance of creating inclusive environments for individuals with autism and learning disabilities. So, if you have any stories you'd like us to cover in Somerset, get in touch! Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and Twitter, and send your story ideas to us via email or WhatsApp.
