The Adapted Aquatics Instructor online course provides a strong foundation of knowledge for swim instructors who plan to work with individuals with disabilities in the water. Covering 20 disabilities, additional modules include information regarding legislation applicable to adapted aquatics, goal setting and planning, diversity, equity, and inclusion, working with unique populations, and guidelines for seizure management in the water.
Each module includes:
- One or more lectures by leading experts in the field of adapted aquatics
- A learning activity
- A downloadable lecture transcript
- An 8-question quiz
The format consists of:
- An overview of the disability
- Possible challenges to aquatic activity
- Safety precautions
- Best practices for adaptations when teaching
Depending on the module, there are also additional videos, downloads, and other resources.
Safety and risk management are emphasized throughout.
Quizzes after each module check knowledge and prepare the learner for the final 100-question exam that must be passed with 80% to complete the online course.
The Adapted Aquatics Instructor online course is a prerequisite for certified swim instructors who wish to obtain the Adapted Aquatics Instructor Credential by attending a practicum workshop to gain hands-on experience with individuals with disabilities in the water.
Estimated time to complete: 10-12 hours
Outline:
- Introduction (20 minutes)
- Module 1 – Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (30 minutes)
- Module 2 – Legislation, Assessment, Planning (1 hour)
- Module 3 – Physical Disabilities Part I (1 hour)
- Section I – Congenital limb reduction/deficiency and acquired amputees
- Section 2 – Spinal cord injury
- Section 3 – Multiple sclerosis
- Section 4 – Arthritis
- Module 3 – Physical Disabilities Part II ( 1 hour, 10 minutes)
- Section 1 - Spina bifida
- Section 2 - Dwarfism
- Module 3 – Physical Disabilities Part III (1 hour, 10 minutes)
- Section 1 - Cerebral palsy
- Section 2 - Muscular dystrophy
- Module 4 – Intellectual/Cognitive Disabilities (1 hour, 30 minutes)
- Section 1 – Intellectual disability
- Section 2 – Down syndrome
- Section 3 – Fragile X
- Section 4 – Autism
- Section 5 – Using social stories and picture schedules
- Module 5 – Learning Disabilities (LD) and Hyperactivity (ADHD) (45 minutes)
- Module 6 – Traumatic Brain Injury and Stroke (30 minutes)
- Module 7 – Sensory Disabilities (45 minutes)
- Section 1 - Deaf or hard of hearing
- Section 2 - Visual impairment
- Section 3 – DeafBlind
- Module 8 – Unique Populations (1 hour)
- Section 1 Infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with disabilities
- Section 2 Adult and elder swimmers with disabilities
- Section 3 Veterans and first responders with disabilities
- Section 4 – Fearful swimmers with disabilities
- Module 9 – Best Practices for Management of Seizures (15 minutes)
- Exam (1 hour, 30 minutes)