Adapted Aquatics Instructor

Earn your credential

In-person Classroom Option

The in-person classroom option is only available through colleges and universities when the Adapted Aquatics Instructor course is included as part of a degree program or specialized courses.

Online Study Course Syllabus

• 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)

In Water Practicum

Attendance at an in-water practicum is required to earn the Adapted Aquatics Instructor credential. With the guidance of an Adapted Aquatics Instructor Trainer or Faculty, candidates get real-world experience working with individuals with disabilities in the water. Additional experiential activities during the practicum include simulating swimming with reduced sensory input and limb reduction, practicing using a mobility lift for water entry and exit, and seizure management scenarios.

Monica Lepore, Ed.D

Lead faculty

Professor Emeritus, West Chester State University

Angela Beale-Tawfeeq Ph.D., M.P.H.

Associate Professor of Health and Physical Education Teacher Education at Rowan University

Kathleen Burt, CPRP

Facility Director Natatorium Health & Fitness Center
City of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio

Margarita Fernández-Vivó, Ph.D., C.A.P.E.

Professor at University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez

Ann Hughes

Adapted Aquatics Instructor Trainer

David Lorenzi, Ed.D

Professor in the Department of Health and Physical Education, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Director of the Special Needs Activity Program (SNAP)

Dori Maxon, PT, PCS, MEd

Founder, Director of SNAPkids - Special Needs Aquatic Program, snapkids.org

Liddie MacNeil

Therapeutic Recreation & Adaptive Aquatics, Tucson Parks and. Recreation

Ruth Meyer, MEd

Kinesiotherapist

Cost

Enrollment in the online study course - $150
Registration for the practicum workshop - $175
Total - $325

Enrollment Options

* Enroll in the online course at any time.
* Register for a practicum workshop when you have completed the online study or when a session is convenient for you to attend.
* Some practicum workshop registrations are bundled together with the online course if you have not enrolled separately.

• Enroll in the online study course here

Upcoming Practicum Workshops

2025 dates coming soon!

RECOMMENDED TEXTBOOK

Adapted Aquatics Programming: A Professional Guide

Available from Human Kinetics

• Purchase Here

Recommended reading

Aquatics for Individuals With Challenges

Available from the Starfish Aquatics Institute

• Purchase Here

RECOMMENDED ADDITIONAL TRAINING OPTIONS

• Learn More Here