TIPS FOR USING A VISUAL SCHEDULE

• Use these PECS photos to create a swim lesson plan that gives visual support for some or all of a session. Eventually you will want to decrease visual supports when possible.

• Allow options for activities that support the techniques and strategies for you to overcome roadblocks and achieve swim skill benchmarks. Use the First, Then or the Choice card if you need to add breaks for the swimmer.

• Ideas for use can include:

  • Swimmer picks 3 and you pick 3
  • Give swimmer 4-6 cards and let them pick the order for the lesson
  • Use the First then card if you need to use only a couple picture during the lesson
  • There is no “recipe” for what swimmer will benefit from this type of schedule. One good tip is to ask the parent if they communicate or use the PECS for increase in following directions, transitions or to reduce anxiety

• Non-verbal swimmers, seekers and anxious students may benefit from short term use of this schedule. They can point to the photo, perform the activity and then turn it over to signify it is finished.

• The schedule is to compliment your lesson and often you will need to be flexible to try this technique and determine its value in your lesson and assess the response of the swimmer. If you don’t need it and don’t find it helpful its ok not to use this strategy. Remember you can set up the equipment as a schedule poolside or use an iPad if you want to try other techniques.

• On a case by case basis you may find that you may make a few strips of laminated activities, specifically for a difficult client. (Example – PECs for Dressing)

At Swim Angelfish, we have a visual schedule at each pool as part of our standard equipment. If you’d like to see what other equipment we use, check out our free training video – Equipment Tips: for Sensory and Motor Challenges. We wanted to offer other aquatic professionals and parents the ability to make their own visual schedules to use at the pool as well.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Download the printable (under the supplies to the right) Print out all pages.

2. Using a paper cutter or scissors, cut out the PECS Pictures into individual squares.

3. Place the squares in the laminating sheets, leaving at least a quarter inch space between each picture.  THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT.  You need that space to create a water-tight seal around each picture.

4. Send through hot laminator (if using hot laminate), press together (if using cold) or go to your local office supply store (like Kinkos or Staples) to have them laminate.

5. Using a paper cutter or scissors, cut around each square, leaving a little bit of laminate around each edge.

6. Now you are ready to use your PECS! Once wet, they easily stick to a kick board.

7. Store all laminated PECS pictures inside your MESH BAG OR OPEN BASKET. (Note – do not store in a closed container as they may not dry properly!)

8. WATCH YOUR  SWIMMING LESSONS TRANSFORM

SUPPLIES

  • 6 – 8.5 x 11 HIGHEST QUALITY laminating sheets
  • 1 – paper cutter or scissors
  • 1 – Kick board to stick PECS to
  • 1 – MESH BATH CONTAINER OR OPEN BASKET – to store laminated PECS
  • Printed PECS pictures (download below)
Looking for Aquatic Therapist Training?

We can give you the tools you need to help special needs clients achieve therapy goals and improve their independence in the water.

Learn new treatment and handling techniques, understand how to integrate reflexes and overcome roadblocks to help your pediatric clients achieve their therapy goals. We have 4 in-depth online courses to choose from.

Our online training courses will help you strengthen your aquatic therapy skills and allow you to earn CEU’s. Our on-demand platform makes learning flexible to fit into your schedule.

Dive into Our Specialized Pediatric Aquatic Therapy Program!

The unique program that Swim Angelfish offers is created by an OT/PT team with over 60 years combined experience. We have experienced Recreation, Occupational, and Physical therapists who are specifically trained in pediatric aquatic therapy. We use a fun, innovative and multi-sensory approach using the therapeutic properties of the water to reach your specific therapy goals.

We can help improve self-regulation, motor coordination, strength, balance, endurance, and more. There are several options for therapy sessions depending on your needs, including private, semi-private, and small group sessions.

Ailene Tisser, MA, PT, Founder

Ailene is a pediatric Physical Therapist with more than 25 years of experience treating a variety of diagnoses, both in and out of the water. She is NDT (Neuro-Developmental Treatment) trained in pediatrics and is trained in DIR/Floortime. She is currently certified as an Autism Specialist by IBCCES. Ailene brings all of her Physical Therapy expertise into the water, where she helps children of all abilities feel safe, confident, and independent. She combines her passion and skill for working with children with special needs with the therapeutic properties of the water to achieve amazing results. She enjoys sharing her knowledge and experience by educating other Aquatic Professionals so that they can also make a significant impact on the lives of swimmers with special needs.

Cindy Freedman, MOTR, Founder

Cindy is a recreational therapist and an Occupational therapist. After working for ten years as a recreational therapist in a variety of settings, she pursued a Master’s degree in OT. Her career as an OT includes specialty training in sensory integration, reflex repatterning, and aquatics. She is currently certified as an Autism Specialist by IBCCES. As a swimmer and national champion diver, Her love of the water combined with her education and work experience created them an opportunity for Swim Angelfish to become a reality! “Our mission is to create an aquatic community of trained instructors so that together we can decrease the alarming statistic of drowning being the leading cause of death for children with special needs.”