Empty wheelchairs line the deck. A device that looks like a small crane hangs over the pool.

Life vests, sometimes more than one, support the pale, contorted swimmers quietly absorbing the soothing warmth.

Except for Roger.

Roger is the loud one. And the splashy one. He churns up the water with his withered legs, soaking anyone who comes close and then roars with laughter.

His life jacket isn't like the others either. He let it be known that he doesn't like the ones that wrap around his chest. His looks like a big foam bib. The head support rises above his head, giving him a set of Mickey Mouse ears.

Therapist Gary Newman wades around the bobbing bodies to Roger. He works his patient's limbs back and forth, stretching and loosening muscles tightened from nonuse.

"Let's see you kick more, Rog," Newman says. He obliges with a wide grin and more guffaws.

"And he's a little bit ticklish right down here," Newman says, reaching for Roger's ribs.

Roger throws his head back, sticks out his tongue like Michael Jordan and laughs more heartily than before. He is in his element.

Before Roger goes to sleep each night, he gets back in the pool, figuratively speaking. He watches a videotape of himself swimming and receiving a gold medal at the Special Olympics. He seems to relive the moment in his wheelchair, laughing and kicking as if he were in the water.

Making a plan

Every person who lives at the center is assigned a development team, which might include as many as a dozen people.

This week happens to be the week for the annual evaluation of Roger's "person-centered plan," which is similar to a parent-teacher conference.

All those with a hand in his development gather around a long table to discuss his progress for the past year and goals for the next. There's a nurse, social worker, psychologist and several therapists including physical, occupational, recreational and music. Roger also is there along with his sister and legal guardian, Kathy Ackman — "Sissy" to Roger — and her husband, John.

The team goes over every aspect of his life, from his health and happiness to his civil rights. The only health concern during the year is a broken finger, likely suffered while being moved in and out of his wheelchair. They discuss his daily schedule, his needs and wants.

Ackman mentions that when she shops online with him, he picks one thing and sticks with it. He doesn't like to go back and forth.

"That's because he's a man," Rutledge deadpans.

The meeting breaks up after each team member gives a report. Roger and his sister approve of the direction things are going.