Diving Deep at the IAFTC 2024

We’re back from the International Aquatic Fitness & Therapy Conference (IAFTC 2024), and let us tell you, it was an incredible experience!

Engaging in the conference as presenters as well as participants gave us the opportunity to learn from the best in the aquatics industry, expand our knowledge, connect with a global community, discover fresh approaches for adaptive aquatics as well as share our passion and expertise.

Adaptive Aquatic Presentations for Children with Autism & Special Needs

This year Swim Angelfish was able to offer two presentations at the IAFTC. This conference combines the AEA (Aquatic Exercise Association) and ATRI (Aquatic Therapy and Rehabilitation Institute) for the past two years all under one umbrella for Aquatic Professionals around the globe.

The first Swim Angelfish presentation was geared towards Aquatic Therapy, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Recreational Therapy audiences. The presentation was called Equipment Innovations in Pediatric Aquatic Therapy. It was broken into an in-water session and a classroom learning session where we could explain and demonstrate how to use equipment to reach aquatic therapy goals with pediatric clients.

The second presentation was on Autism Strategies for Inclusion and Success. We geared this to fitness instructors that are trying to improve and increase inclusive programming. The group loved diving into some of the Swim Whisperers roadblocks we typically see with this population and learned practical strategies to overcome them.

Cindy and Ailene with Ruth Sova, President of Aquatic Therapy & Rehab Institute (ATRI)

Cindy and Ailene with Sally Walker (CARA Therapy) and Kerri Heilman (Milestones On the Go, LLC)

Embracing Learning

We had the opportunity to take classes and learn from the best of the industry experts like Ruth Sova who founded ATRI. We took classes both in and out of the water with Beth Scalone PT (San Diego), Julia Meno, Donna Lewen, Rodna Bordner and JDG Therapeutic Technique from Brazil.

We also went shopping and brought back some fun new equipment from the exhibit hall. Some things you will see us trying over the next few weeks are the Hydrorider Bands, The Water Horse and Body Buoy. We learned some new techniques in Watsu, Aqua Stretch and Ai Chi that we will be doing more of in the pool as well.

The Final Lap

We love being able to not only share our passion and expertise about Aquatic Therapy and Adaptive Swim with other aquatic professionals, but also the opportunity to learn and bring back new and innovative ideas to share with our clients and staff.

Ailene Tisser, MA, PT, Founder

Ailene Tisser, a pediatric Physical Therapist with over 30 years of experience and co-founder of Swim Angelfish® and the Swim Whisperers® method, specializes in aquatic therapy and adaptive swim for children with special needs. Trained in NDT, DIR/Floortime, and certified as an Autism Specialist and Primitive Reflex Specialist she fosters water safety, confidence, and independence in her young clients. Ailene is also passionate about educating aquatic professionals, setting a standard of excellence for adaptive aquatics training and professional development.

Cindy Freedman, MOTR, Founder

Cindy, MS, OTR/L is an occupational and recreational therapist with over 30 years of experience specializing in pediatrics and aquatics. Driven by a passion for helping children with special needs reach their full potential, Cindy co-founded Swim Angelfish, an organization dedicated to providing adaptive swim and aquatic therapy services as well as professional training. Her expertise in sensory integration, reflex repatterning, and aquatics, coupled with her love for water and experience as a national champion diver, has enabled her to make a profound impact on the lives of countless children. Cindy is certified as an Autism Specialist by IBCCES, and shows an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of children with special needs.