Special Needs Lessons

In addition to SwimAmerica(tm) Swim Lessons, Swim Fitness Center offers a special swim program of small group lessons and private swim lessons that is designed to provide an educational and therapeutic environment for students with special needs.

The lessons are planned by Aileen Donnelly, a certified aquatic specialist and is a member of the American Red Cross, United States Swim School Association, United States Swimming Coaches Association and {other}. The lessons are taught by staff members that are certified instructors and have a combined experience of 20 years working with student with special needs. Our instructors are trained in dealing with special needs children. They are supported with continual education, guidance and training internally and externally. The certified instructors have experience working with children with physical, academic, and emotional needs.

The aquatic environment is excellent for "special children" because water exercise improves flexibility, range of motion, strengthens and tones the muscles without hurting vulnerable joints. The body is working with buoyancy, not gravity, so the child can do beneficial exercise for a longer time than he/she can on land.

Through participation in the program, the "special child" learns to feel more positive about himself/herself in an environment that promotes success mixed with fun and play.

He/she is able to forget about his/her limitations while learning new behaviors, skills and learning strategies. The goals of the program are to increase the child's self-esteem, strength, coordination and swim skills. Lessons that appear simplistic and fun are in reality carefully orchestrated and tailored to each child's special needs and abilities.

Below is a list of some of the needs with which we have previously worked:

• Oppositional Defiant
• Behavioral Disordered
• Developmental Delay
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• ADD/ADHD
• Intellectual Disability
• Physical Disability
• Downs Syndrome
• Cerebral Palsy

Please contact us regarding the specific needs of your child even if not listed here.

Call 973.729.3737 for additional information, or pre-register online today and one of our booking managers will give you a call.