An adult male is seated in a whirlpool after using a personal transfer lift to access it.

Making the pool, changing area and showers accessible for people with disabilities was a major consideration. Working together, the St. Charles County YMCA and ShowMe Aquatics worked out an arrangement in which the Y provided space and ShowMe provided the primary funding to make the facilities accessible. A pool lift was added at the center of the deep end of the pool. Modifications were made to the locker room area to create an accessible changing area complete with a transfer table and a personal transfer lift that allows persons with mobility limitations to change, toilet, and shower all with little or no assistance required. The modifications to the changing area have proven to be popular with many of the Y's members, from seniors who like the seated shower and grab bars to families with infants or young children who appreciate the available table and extra space. With the remodeling of the whirlpool and sauna area, the accessibility features have been extended to provide access to the whirlpool via a personal transfer lift as well.

Accessible changing area with a ceiling mounted personal transfer lift

Pool lift at the St. Charles County YMCA pool