Melina Slotnik has been teaching children with special needs how to swim since she was 13 years old. She has had her nose broken and her skin clawed and bitten as the children adapted to the aqueous environment, but after almost 40 years of teaching, Slotnik is convinced that swimming is the perfect therapy for disabled kids. Because of their physical limitations, special needs children will need to be well-equipped before they head to the pool, to ensure their safety. However, the physical and psychological rewards for your disabled child will likely be well worth the extra effort.
Flotation Devices
The weightlessness and freedom of movement afforded by water can be a special delight to children with cerebral palsy and other motor disorders. There are several aids you might consider to keep your special needs child afloat. Water wings, which are air-filled balloons that slide up under the child's armpits, are one option with minimal bulk. You might also opt for a full life vest. For a more independent child, consider using a water board or dumbbell that the child can hold on to while he paddles with his feet.
Hearing Protection
A child with tubes in his ears will need to be equipped with specialized plugs or a fitted cap to protect the tubes from water damage. Children with hearing aids will need to remove the aids before going in the water. The delicate equipment is not water safe. Teach your child some basic sign language so you can tell her when it is time to come out of the pool or if she has gone too deep.
Incontinence
For some special needs children, bladder control is an embarrassing problem. Before you send your special needs kid for swim lessons at the pool, find waterproof swim diapers that will prevent accidents. Swim diapers are available in infant, child and adult sizes. You may also need to look for a swim suit that will slide or snap over bulky diapers.
Lessons
The best swimming aid for your special needs child may be professional lessons. Slotnik points out that for disabled children, learning to swim is as much a psychological as it is a physical challenge. Some recreation centers and schools offer group swim classes for special needs children. Other times, it may be necessary to higher a private instructor who is familiar with your child's limitations and needs.
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