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La Pine resident urges city and partners to support swim lessons for autistic children
Summary
Resident Samantha Adams presented a petition asking the city to help amplify efforts for autism‑friendly swim lessons and to seek insurance coverage for such services, citing safety concerns after saying many children who elope face drowning or vehicle risks.
Samantha Adams, a La Pine resident, urged the council to help amplify a petition she created advocating for autism‑friendly swim lessons and greater access for children who elope. “My daughter just turned 4 in April,” Adams said. “I have here in front of me a petition that I created on behalf of my daughter. She is autistic… 93 percent of those children either get hit by a car or drown.”
Adams said she sought swim lessons in Bend but was quoted a 25 percent surcharge because she does not live in Bend. She asked the council to help get attention for the petition and to explore options for lessons, including working with local hotels, pools or health providers. Council members and staff suggested organizing a parent group, gathering specific local numbers, and approaching local pools or hotels with medical documentation and pediatrician recommendations.
City staff and council offered to provide suggestions after the meeting; staff encouraged Adams to compile data on how many autistic children under age 5 in the community would benefit and to pursue partnerships with nearby providers and county planning/grant resources for programs such as Safe Routes or recreation grants.
