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 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.”