SHAKE-A-LEG MIAMI HELPS KIDS OVERCOME DISABILITIES

        

Shake-A-Leg Miami, Inc; transforms Biscayne Bay into a recreational and educational playground using water sports as tools for empowerment and independence. Limitations and barriers disappear at Shake-A-Leg Miami, as disable kids from all backgrounds, with different challenges and obstacles learn and have fun at the same time.

Shake-A-Leg was created by Harry Horgan, who once suffered a severe spinal cord injury and decided not only to help himself maximize his independence, but also dreamed of one day being able to teach others, specially kids with disabilities.

According to Mr.Horgan, many parents never even imagined seeing their quadriplegic kid on a boat sailing solo, but after 2-3 days of attending Shake-A-Leg, parents get completely amazed by seeing their kid’s accomplishments and improvements. “Some parents even cry,” said Mr. Horgan.

           

“To witness a child who has never been in a boat before, become an active participant of the crew, is a beautiful sight. For over 21 years, I have seen this countless of times and it’s still a thrill,” said Mr.Horgan.

            

At Shake-A-Leg Miami, they don’t believe in barriers, they believe in the ability of water to heal.  Their mission is to make learning fun and innovative. 

            

The Coconut Grove based organization offers summer camps, afterschool programs, sailing lessons, kayaking, canoeing, moonlight sails as well as regattas. All programs use accessible equipment to enable all sorts of disabled kids to get out in the water and have fun.

           

Children learn to navigate 20-foot boats and smaller dinghy type boats, in which they can learn to sail by themselves.

           

At certain times, they also use textbooks, participate in fine arts, music, dance and computer programs to learn science and math, but afterwards kids get on the water to experience and apply what they learned out of the water. 

            

Jonathan Santos, 11 year-old quadriplegic, thinks Shake-A-Leg is the best way to have fun and meet true friends.  “I met my girlfriend and best friend here at Shake-A-Leg, the teachers and volunteers are very friendly.  When I’m here I don’t feel different compared to other kids, but when I’m in the street I feel that people look at me weird,” said Santos.

            

As Miami’s Gateways to the Bay, Shake-A-Leg makes it easier for disable children to learn the skills it takes to enjoy ocean and to provide an environment where their disabilities become invisible.

            

“My son Bryan was 6 years old when he first started attending Shake-A-Leg, he was always afraid water, he even cried when it was time to bathe him, but now he loves taking a shower thanks to Shake-A-Leg, plus he is even the captain of the youth sailing team and is able to teach others sailing tricks, “said Sabrian Garcia, mother of disable child.  “Thanks to Shake-A-Leg he has more confidence in him self, he sees that he can sail like anyone else.”

            

According to Dr. Cadiz, from Pediatric Psychology Associates, disable children that are continuously active in a particular sport are less likely to be depressed and often show improvements in behavior. In addition, in 2007 a study by Emory University and the University of George showed that disable kids who participate in water sports improve in strength, coordination, and flexibility.  Also, the study indicated that many parents noted a decrease in secondary health complications.

            

Self-sufficiency is something that is implemented continuously during daily activities at Shake-A-Leg, the non-profit organization wants to make sure disable kids do things on their own. "You can do it, come on, let's try one more time, come on..." are some of the more repetetive phases at Shake-A-Leg.

            

Many might wonder where the name “Shake-A-Leg”” comes from? Shake a leg is an attitude to get up and do it your self, and not to wait for someone else to do it for you. “This attitude is live and always implemented in any activity we teach, it teaches kids with certain disabilities to be independent and not to relay on others,” said Ashley Sullivan, Education Director at Shake-A-Leg.

           

 “If I catch another fish it would be tick, tack, toe, three fish in a row” recited Nicholas Smith, a blind kid who has been attending Shake-A-Leg for the past 4 years. “I learned how to swim and fish because I once decided to shake my legs and pay close attention to the instructor.” 


At Shake-A-Leg testimonies like this one shows how many barriers can be broken through the use of water.

            

Shake-A-Leg will continue every day to build friendships, instill confidence, independence and teach skills to provide hope and new opportunities for those that are disabled.

Barth Green M.D., Co-Founder of Shake-A-Leg Miami, describes how Shake-A-Leg Miami is a place that creates opportunities for anyone willing to "Shake A Leg" and jump on a boat. Harry Horgan is not only the Co-founder of Shake-A-Leg Miami but he is an inspiration to others as an avid sailor with a physical disability.

"I'm proud to launch a boat and a dream every once in a while." -- Harry Horgan