Skokie, IL
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Adaptive Aquatics Program

At British Swim School, our mission is to “ensure that every person regardless of age or ability has the opportunity to become a safe and happy swimmer.” That’s why we offer a special abilities aquatics program that takes our traditional methods and places them into a specially designed program to work with swimmers of any ability, making them feel comfortable and safer in the water.

How does the training work?

We understand that there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach. Each franchise must go through our specialized training to offer the Special Abilities program. This training includes a detailed manual, lesson plan reviews, and a final test to educate our instructors on the physics of water movement, how to clearly communicate with swimmers, and specific behavioral characteristics for Autism and ADHD. The training for our Special Abilities Program gives our instructors detailed behavioral characteristics and suggested strategies for a multitude of disabilities and needs. We provide opportunities to increase teaching knowledge, and techniques that ensure the best swim lessons possible for every swimmer.

Parental involvement: Setting the stage for success

Discuss the instructor that will be the right fit to get the best possible results from each student. In selecting an instructor, we consider temperament, voice quality and tone, gender, personality, and any other relevant factors based on the specific needs of the swimmer.

Collaborate with the parent to identify the right time and location for the lessons. This decision considers noise level, light exposure, outside stimulation, time of day, and location. Our goal is to provide the best possible learning environment for each student!

Identify the best class level based on the abilities and goals of the swimmer. Our Dolphin 1 and Dolphin 2 class ratio can be 1:1 or 2:1 depending on the requirements and goals of each participant.

 

What levels do we offer?

British Swim School’s Special Abilities program is tailored to each individual student and focuses on their strengths first. We offer two levels in our Special Abilities program: Dolphin 1 and 2. These classes begin with a one-to-one ratio and may increase based on the progression of the swimmer. We recommend that each swimmer starts in a private class in order for them to become accustomed to their surroundings and to build a relationship with their instructor. Our goal is to acclimate every swimmer to our teaching methods, and, if possible, integrate the swimmer into our traditional classes when ready.

 

Drowning prevention & other benefits for children with special abilities

Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in children with Autism. This high drowning risk makes learning to swim even more critical within the special abilities community. Having the ability to save yourself in the water is a critical life skill.
Participation in an aquatics program provides many benefits in addition to water safety. The ability to swim can complement many other land-based physical programs and activities. For children with physical challenges, the water can offer more independence than on land because of the unique support water provides. Some of the greatest benefits of aquatic activities are improved fitness, greater swim abilities, increased water safety, and better quality of leisure time through instructional tasks, constructive feedback, and structured practice.

 

Contact Your Local British Swim School for More Information. Following the mantra, ‘Survival of the Littlest,’ our team is dedicated to teaching water survival skills to individuals of every age and ability. Our Adaptive Aquatics program is offered at select locations. Please contact your local British Swim School for more information!

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