1. International Adapted Aquatics
Conference
April 30th, May 1st, 2012
SAVE A LIFE

3. Who Am I and Who Are You?
• Sue Nelson
– Aquatic Program Specialist
– Coach
– Aquatic Fitness Center Co-owner
– Aquatic Development Therapist
– Aquatic Fitness Professional
– Consultant
– Who are you and why are you here?

4. Aquatic Developmental
Therapy/Exercise
Define: Development Therapy
Define: Aquatic Development Therapy
Result: Health & Wellness

5. Aquatic Developmental Wellness
Program
CREATING RIPPLES PROGRAM
• Bridge the Gap
• Empower the parent

6. Wellness Component
From Therapy to Wellness
Who is addressing?
Why Early Intervention?
“It’s not just about the Olympics”

7. Creating Ripples Program
Objectives of Aquatic Developmental Wellness Program
• Parents will learn:
– about water being therapeutic
– techniques for handling child in water
– importance of play and Brain Development
– principles of water
– safety in and around all pools and water
– best flotation devices
– movement and exercise for development

8. Creating Ripples Program
STRATEGIES
• Parent Involvement
• Direct hands on service
• Training for use in pools, tubs, spas, etc.
• Play based therapy
• GOAL = getting parent and
child in an independent program

9. • Water Session Format
– Entry
– Water Adjustment
– Body Work
– Functional Skills
– Games
– Exit

10. • Addressing ……
– Cognitive skills
– Expressive language
– Fine motor skills
– Gross motor skills
– Personal/Social skills
– Sensory integration

11. A few disabilities that can benefit
• Fragile X Syndrome • Spinal cord injury
• Anglemann’s • CHARGE
Syndrome
• Rett
• Spina Bifida
• Fetal alcohol
• Hydrocephaus
Syndrome
• Schizencephaly
• Brachioplexus at birth
• Stroke
• Traumatic brain injury • Cerebral Palsy
• Muscular Dystrophy

12. Local Interagency Council - LIC
An organization in which families, local
service providers, and interested community
members meet to support a family centers
system of services for children with special
needs.
Main focus is usually for
children “Birth to 3 yrs.” but
may be extended.

13. Service providers …..
• educator and resource provider
• link to services
• partner in the child’s services
• assistant to the family
Goal = enhance child’s
development

14. Part C Early Intervention services
are developmental and meet needs for ….
• physical development
• cognitive development
• communication development
• social and emotional development
• adaptive development

15. Some terms …..
Collaboration
Community board
Outcomes
Natural Environment
IFSP (Individual Family Service Plan)
EI services

16. International Adapted Aquatics
Conference
April 30th, May 1st, 2011
SAVE A LIFE
snelson@usaswimming.org