The pool where deaf children in Bolivia learn to swim with signs

Learning to swim is an achievement for any child, but for those who are hard of hearing it becomes a challenge with an extra level of difficulty.

In a community in La Paz, Bolivia, instructor Olga Laura Salamanca guides a dozen children to stay afloat in the water.

Salamanca launched this year one of the few free programs to teach hearing impaired children to swim.

Without hearing aids, the sensation of being underwater and the echo from swimming pools often cause disorientation in children.

The instructor combines proofreading with sign language in each lesson.

Salamanca's hope is to pave the way for these children.

It took her two decades to learn to swim, simply because her traditional instructors couldn't communicate with her.

For the parents of her students, the classes are not only a way to start good health habits, but also provide an inclusive learning environment.

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