College of Rehab Students Build Real-World Skills Through New Adaptive Paddleboard Program

This summer, Jefferson kicked off a series of adaptive paddleboard sessions on Center City Campus for people with disabilities. The program helps individuals who rely on wheelchairs for mobility to build their confidence in the water and allows occupational and physical therapy students to strengthen their real-world skills.

Joseph Tagliaferro, a lifeguard and lifelong swimmer, volunteered for the inaugural event at the Jefferson Recreation and Fitness Center Pool on Aug. 7. He earned his undergrad degree in exercise science at the University and is now pursuing his doctor of physical therapy as part of the 3+3 program.

“I thought this could blend my two worlds and help make the water accessible to everyone,” Tagliaferro says. “I hope to gain a better understanding of how I can incorporate aquatic therapy with patients with spinal cord injury and make things fun.”

Doctor of occupational therapy student Paige Nye attended the event as well. A trained lifeguard like Tagliaferro, she also looked to expand her skills.

“I want to get to know people in the community with a spinal cord injury a little better and see how they adapt and can do their hobbies with their injury,” Nye says.

Megan Cleary shared this enthusiasm at the pool. The doctor of physical therapy student enjoyed exploring the benefits of aquatic therapy and putting classroom lessons into practice.

The idea for the program formed last year when occupational therapy assistant professor Dr. Amanda Parezo attended a paddleboard session at Autumn Lake in Williamstown, N.J.

Here, Dr. Parezo, who sustained a spinal cord injury after being struck by a stray bullet in 2021, connected with event organizer Bruckner Chase. He founded Ocean Positive and its Blue Journey Unified program, which offers adults with spinal cord injuries, disorders and movement challenges the opportunity to paddleboard, swim and kayak.

After learning more about his program, Dr. Parezo invited Chase to guest lecture at her occupational therapy classes. The three paddleboard sessions, held in conjunction with the Jefferson Recreation and Fitness Center, grew from the collaboration.

“These outreach opportunities provide a meaningful, hands-on experience for students to engage directly with the community and learn alongside professionals from various disciplines,” Dr. Parezo says.

Adaptive paddleboarding helps to make aquatic environments and recreational sports safe and accessible for everyone while building confidence, strength, fitness and, importantly, community, Chase says.

“I couldn’t be happier to be here and doing this,” he says.

To open each two-hour session, Chase explains the organization’s background and goals and safety measures for students and participants. Then, after everyone heads into the water, Chase and his team show the proper techniques and progressions to get participants on the boards.

Matthew Adams assisted with the lesson. He broke his fifth cervical spine vertebra four years ago after tripping and hitting his neck by a pool while lifeguarding. A former surfer, Adams often paddles with Chase and visits schools with him. “He has helped so many people,” says Adams’ mom, Marie, by his side.

Marten Bradley took to the pool as well. He has used a wheelchair for 43 years. The adaptive swimmer, surfer and paddleboarder provides guidance from a patient perspective and frequently accompanies Chase in the water.

“I always love working with students, giving them real-world situations,” says the California native before doing a few laps. “I think it’s important.”

Not all participants had reached the same level of comfort in the water. For example, this experience marked the first time Philadelphia resident Yolanda Dugger went in a pool since her accident.

Instead of paddleboarding, Dugger worked closely with alumna Dr. Tatiana Guerrero-David in the pool to boost her confidence. The Class of 2023 doctor of occupational therapy grad became interested in this program after volunteering at They Will Surf Again in Wildwood, N.J., earlier this summer.

“I thought there was a lot of community building, which is great for psychological wellness,” says Dr. Guerrero-David, who had Dr. Parezo as a professor. “I wanted to get more involved.”

Joining everyone in the pool, Dr. Parezo called the initial run at Jefferson a success and noted occupational and physical therapy students have another chance to volunteer—Sept. 27 at Autumn Lake. She also plans to make adaptive paddleboarding a regular part of the University pool programming.

“It’s a unique opportunity for the students to engage with the community,” she says. “Come here, get in, use the boards or swim and learn.”