…The foundation teamed up with Project P.A.C.E (Parent and Child Enrichment), a Beaverton organization that specializes in working with children with autism spectrum disorders, as well as Down Syndrome Network Oregon, Rose City Yacht Club and Island Sailing Club to provide families with a unique opportunity on the water.
During the outing, parents are along for the ride as their children take the wheel.
‘This day-sail program has been a powerful and positive experience for the families we work with,’ said Eric Hamblen, co-founder of Project P.A.C.E. 'The water is a natural draw for children with autism.
‘The excursion allows children and their families to share a novel experience together.’
The chance to enjoy an outing on the river meant a great deal to the Zyweck family of Tigard.
Marcus Zyweck, an 8-year-old third-grader with autism, wasn’t quite ready to return to the dock after his turn as captain.
‘He did not want to go back into the harbor,’ said his mother Ana Zyweck. ‘He was laughing and enjoying himself. He refused to take the boat in because he was having so much fun.’
Marcus was not alone.
His older brother Alex, 10, took time during the voyage to sit on the bow of the boat and dangle his feet in the water.
‘I also liked invading the other ship,’ Alex joked. ‘I wanted to pull up to the other one and crash into it.’
‘The boys earned a reputation early on as pirates,’ their mother added.
For Ana Zyweck and her husband, Christian, the day on the river was filled with warm memories.
‘It was very pleasant and peaceful,’ Christian Zyweck said. ‘It was nice to be able to spend time together.’
Those words were music to Saidah’s ears.
‘Taking these families out is very rewarding for me,’ he said.
There have been times that Saidah has watched a child with autism laugh for the first time, prompting his mother into tears.
‘She had never heard his laughter before,’ he recalled.
He also receives e-mails from families talking about the impact the sailing trip had on their loved one’s life.
‘One mother, whose son is nonverbal, said her son was all excited about getting a medal and certificate,’ Saidah said. ‘He went to bed that night and when he woke up in the morning he said, ‘Boat, sail today.’ That’s pretty neat.’
Saidah and volunteers Bob and Mary Laird, who donated the use of their 42-foot Nova sailboat, took time at the end of the day to praise the young sailors and pose for pictures…