Join Ailene & Cindy at the 2025 AOAP and NDPA Water Safety Conference in St. Pete Beach, Florida, from February 1-8. 

Join us for the latest advice on adaptive water safety, programming, and diversity & inclusion in adaptive aquatics! We are all experiencing more interactions with swimmers who have Autism, Anxiety, Down Syndrome, ADHD, Sensory and Motor challenges. Renowned experts Ailene & Cindy will share their knowledge and insights throughout this conference, providing valuable information for anyone looking to improve their aquatic programming for special needs students. Mark your calendar for these exciting and informative talks – you won’t want to miss them! 

Monday, February 3, 2025 2:10 PM – 3:20 PM
How to run programs for swimmers with Autism, Anxiety, Sensory and Motor Challenges
Are you seeking innovative program options to cater to swimmers with Autism and other special needs? We have the solutions you’ve been searching for! Discover our proven, time-tested program offerings that have been successfully implemented. Learn how to address the needs of your community by incorporating the following programs: 

• Sensory Swim: A program designed for all ages, including parents and siblings, to provide a sensory-friendly aquatic experience. 

• Aquatic Exercise for Swimmers with Special Needs: A program tailored for teens and young adults, offering specialized aquatic exercise routines. 

• Mom and Me Program Ideas: Engaging activities for families of children with diverse special needs, fostering bonding and development. 

• Siblings Assisting Swimmers with Autism: A program that empowers siblings to actively support their autistic siblings in the water. 

• School Groups for Individuals with Autism: Group swimming sessions designed for students with Autism, providing a structured and supportive environment. 

Thursday, February 6, 2025 8:55 AM – 10:05 AM 
Autism, Anxiety and Special Needs Water Safety Toolkit Resources for Hosting a Community Event 

Discover a leading adaptive water safety toolkit specifically designed for swimmers with Autism and other special needs. Created by a team of occupational and physical therapists with over 25 years of aquatic experience, this comprehensive toolkit offers valuable, free resources to enhance your drowning prevention and community education efforts. 

With Autism rates rapidly increasing in the U.S., it’s crucial to prioritize water safety for individuals with special needs. Learn how to improve safety for swimmers with Autism, Anxiety, Down Syndrome, ADHD, Sensory, and Motor challenges. 

Whether you’re seeking an aquatic in-service topic or guidance on hosting an all-abilities water safety day, this session provides the tools you need. We’ll share footage from two successful events: one in collaboration with a police dive team and another featuring community partnerships with Step Into Swim and the Stew Leonard Foundation. Learn how to plan, organize, and implement such impactful events in your own community. 

Sunday, February 2, 2025 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Swim Whisperers® In Water Workshop 

In order to register for this workshop, you must already be a certified Swim Whisperer. If you are not, make sure to sign up to obtain your Swim Whisperer before this workshop takes place. 
 
Master Adaptive Techniques Learned in Levels 1-4.  Improve pacing and progression with this small, hands-on Swim Whisperers group session taught by Cindy Freedman and Ailene Tisser.