| Since 1995, Dan Harrington has shared his lifelong interest in golf with others as a PGA professional. A member of the Western Washington Chapter Junior Committee, Harrington also shares his passion in working with individuals with disabilities through the Metro Parks Options Golf Program. The accessible golf program reaches more than 30 individuals in the Tacoma area with year-round instruction. Harrington, the lead instructor, has been working with individuals with disabilities for four years.
1. How did you become interested in teaching golf to individuals with disabilities?
For my golf professional career goals and personal achievement.
2. With which disabilities are you most familiar?
I have a range of experience with physical and developmental.disabilities.
3. What is your favorite instructor story about working with and individual with a disability?
During one of the lessons on the Williams Nine, I was working with Leonard, one of our golfers. Typically he gets very obsessed with soda pop and hamburgers and loses focus on the task at hand - golfing. He likes to ask questions and he wanted to know my name and other things about me. I told him my name was Dan. He then told me his birthday was the next day and asked me what my birthday was. I told him my birthday was December 22nd, close to Christmas. From that point until the end of the round he continued to call me Santa Dan because my birthday was so close to Christmas. It was really a great experience for me as an instructor of the program to have a personal connection with one of the golfers.
4. What is your advice for instructors who have not worked with individuals with disabilities in the past?
Volunteer for Special Olympics or Specialized Recreation programs. It is a great experience and really teaches you a lot.
5. Do you offer clinics, private instructions, or continual lessons for individuals with disabilities?
Yes, based on level of functionality. |
