Adapted Aquatics at the Achievement Centers for Children

Adapted Aquatics is a program designed for children with neurological, developmental, and cognitive challenges, and teaches them independent swimming and water safety.By introducing students to the water gradually in a quiet setting in private lessons, they are better able to focus their attention.

While enrolled in the Achievement Centers' Adapted Aquatics program, students learn American Red Cross Aquatics Level I, II and III swim skills. However, the ultimate goal is for our students to be able to one day join traditional swimming classes in their own communities. Other goals and benefits of the Adapted Aquatics program include:

• Providing a sense of freedom to children who require physical assistance through water therapy, while encouraging them to push past their physical limitations
• Allowing children to move their bodies in ways that may be difficult for them on land
• Building strength, increasing cardiovascular endurance and improving motor planning skills
• Helping children with sensory impairments learn how to exert more control over their body's movements
• Providing opportunities for continued social interaction with family, friends and other children

Each child receives individualized, progressive lessons by qualified, experienced instructors that make learning achievable, sensory integrative and fun.Our adapted aquatics classes are held at our Westlake location and at LifeWorks of Southwest General Hospital. Karyn Kaschalk, an instructor of adapted aquatics for over 17 years, leads the program at our Westlake facility.