Special Needs
Swim Lessons for Children with Special Abilities
At Katie's Kickers, we believe every child needs the opportunity to learn life-saving swimming skills, and that all children are safer and happier when they learn the basics of water safety, no matter the challenges they face. Currently, more than 62 percent of our swimmers have medical or academic diagnoses.
Our program is tailored to meet the individual goals of each swimmer, emphasizing comfort in the water, prioritizing safety, and teaching the fundamentals of swimming within the limits of a child's physical and developmental capabilities.
Get started!
Please complete your summer profile, including the Disabilities/Special Needs section. Once your registration is confirmed, we will send a follow-up form to gather more details about your swimmer’s specific needs. This information helps us understand your goals and create a lesson plan that meets your swimmer’s needs.
Will my child with special abilities benefit from swim lessons?
Swimming lessons can be therapeutic and particularly calming for swimmers with special abilities. The water soothes sensory overload, providing a sense of weightlessness and easing physical discomfort. Additional benefits are improved balance, coordination, strength, and range of motion. Parents often notice a boost in their child's confidence and self-esteem. At Katie's Kickers, your child will learn to swim in an environment that is not only safe but also nurturing and supportive.
Lesson plans are individualized and structured around the goals and interests of the swimmer. Children with special abilities thrive with teachers who are empathic, patient and flexible. Katie's Kickers instructors have experience teaching the necessary skills at the appropriate time for children with a variety of special abilities.
Get started
Please complete a New Swimmer profile in our portal below. Once submitted, our team will reach out to schedule your swimmer.
For new swimmers with special needs, our policy is to begin the first season with Coach Katie, a certified adaptive swim instructor. This allows her time to get to know each swimmer, understand their unique strengths and needs, and thoughtfully recommend the instructor and class placement that will help them feel most comfortable and successful moving forward.
