USSSA National Conference 2026: Sharing Our Passion for Adaptive Aquatics
Orlando had more than just Minnie and Mickey Mouse this week! Ailene and Cindy were splashing their way into the United States Swim School Association (USSSA) National Conference October 19-21, 2026 joining more than 400 attendees, many of whom traveled internationally to be there.
Swim Angelfish was excited and grateful for the opportunity to present to the entire group. Through three interactive presentations focused on adaptive aquatics, we shared our passion for helping swim professionals better understand and support swimmers of all abilities.
It was inspiring to be part of a gathering of aquatic professionals coming together to share ideas, learn from one another, and explore new ways to help their swimmers and communities thrive.
In-Water Training: Focus on Sensory Behaviors
Our first presentation was the in-water portion of a two-part discussion on managing sensory behaviors in swimmers. We had over 150 instructors join us for this interactive session!
Ailene and Cindy got everyone up and moving, with participants jumping, spinning, and experiencing firsthand how different movement patterns can help regulate swimmers with sensory needs. They explored different sensory profiles and worked in groups to understand practical drills they could incorporate into their lessons to help swimmers regulate, engage, and participate more successfully.
It was wonderful to see so many instructors getting involved and experiencing these strategies for themselves!
Why Adaptive Swim Training Matters
The following day, we joined a panel discussion to share our perspective on the importance of adaptive training for swim professionals.
We discussed why instructors need the knowledge and tools to work with swimmers of all abilities, along with the importance of communicating and collaborating with parents to better understand each child’s individual needs.
When swim professionals understand their swimmers and have practical strategies to draw on, they are better equipped to adapt their teaching approaches and create more meaningful learning experiences.
These conversations are an important part of building a swim school community where professionals can learn from one another and work together to make swimming more accessible.
Helping Swimmers with Sensory Needs Thrive
Our final presentation brought us back to the classroom, where more than 200 attendees joined us to explore video case studies featuring swimmers with sensory needs.
We shared examples of what was possible when instructors understood how to help swimmers become regulated and how this could support their participation in swimming lessons.
These discussions are at the heart of what we do at Swim Angelfish. We love helping aquatic professionals move beyond simply recognizing challenges to understanding the swimmer in front of them and finding practical ways to support their progress.
Presenting our Adaptive Aquatics Resources
We also had a booth in the exhibit hall, where we enjoyed so many meaningful conversations with attendees looking for more adaptive aquatics training and resources.
It was exciting to hear their interest in the depth and variety of topics covered in our online courses and the different ways these resources could support their work with swimmers of all abilities.
Our booth was across from our partners at Aqua Mentor, giving us the opportunity to share our joint creations, including our stop signs, puzzle pieces, and picture kickboards. People loved seeing these resources and learning how they could be used to support communication, understanding, and participation in aquatic environments.
Explore our adaptive aquatics resources and equipment to discover practical tools for your swimmers.
Sharing Our Passion for Adaptive Aquatics
We had a wonderful time sharing our knowledge and passion for the work we do. One of the best parts of the conference was the warm welcome we received and the thoughtful feedback from attendees who were grateful we were there.
It means so much to know that swim professionals are looking for ways to expand their understanding of adaptive aquatics and bring new tools and strategies back to their own communities.
If you’re looking for practical ideas and resources to support your swimmers, explore our Resource Reef for tools, activities, and guidance from Swim Angelfish.
Thank you to USSSA and everyone who welcomed us, joined our sessions, visited our booth, and shared their experiences with us. We loved being part of this year’s conference and look forward to continuing to learn, collaborate, and help make swimming more accessible to everyone!
