Inspiring Insights at NDPA AOAP 2025

Ailene and Cindy were so proud to attend the AOAP/NDPA 2025 conference in Tampa, Florida last week. They came away feeling refreshed, inspired, and more connected than ever to our mission of transforming abilities through adaptive aquatics.

We share some of the inspirational insights that motivated them during this incredible experience.

What we cover:

Inspirational Insight 1: The Power of Community and Shared Learning

Hosting a pre-conference in-water workshop for over 20 Adaptive Swim Whisperers® certified instructors was a powerful start to our conference journey. This gathering was a powerful reminder of the strength of our community.

Seeing these dedicated aquatic professionals come together to practice techniques, share program ideas, and learn from each other was truly inspiring. It reinforced our belief that by sharing our expertise, we can empower instructors to make an even greater impact on communities of swimmers with special needs across the US.

Inspirational Insight 2: The Importance of Partnerships and Recognition

Walking into the registration area and seeing a large banner announcing AOAP’s endorsement of our program was a moment we’ll never forget! This landmark endorsement of Swim Angelfish and the Adaptive Swim Whisperers® certification course by the Association of Aquatic Professionals is a huge step forward.

It validates the work we’ve poured our hearts into and amplifies our reach, allowing us to connect with a wider audience of aquatics professionals dedicated to inclusion. We’re so excited about the possibilities this partnership holds and the positive impact we can create together.

Inspirational Insight 3: Igniting Innovation in Adaptive Programming

Our presentation on Adaptive Aquatics Programming was met with such enthusiasm! Seeing a packed house of aquatics professionals eager to learn about creative program groups like Parent/Child, Swim Squad, Swim Team, and Boot Camp was incredibly energizing. We shared our ideas and encouraged them to think outside the box to meet the diverse needs of their communities. There was a great energy in the room, and we left feeling inspired by our audience’s commitment to inclusive programming.

Inspirational Insight 4: The Value of Networking

The exhibit hall provided a fantastic opportunity to connect with so many of the 1500+ attendees. Sharing our online training programs and resources was just the beginning. The real magic happened in the conversations we had with instructors using our resources with success, the stories we heard, and the connections we made. These moments of shared experience and passion are what truly fuel our work.

Inspirational Insight 5: The Real-World Difference We Are Making

Hearing story after story about how our program and resources have positively impacted individuals was incredibly validating. These stories are the heart of our work. They remind us why we do what we do and fill us with immense pride. Knowing that we’re making a tangible difference in people’s lives is the greatest inspiration of all.

Inspirational Insight 6: The Life-Saving Impact of Our Work

Receiving the 2025 Lifesaver of the Year award from the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA) was an incredible honor. This prestigious award for monumental and lifesaving contribution in adaptive aquatics, water safety and drowning prevention recognizes our dedication to making swimming accessible and enjoyable for all.

Our work focuses on three key areas:

  • Effective Swim Lessons and Aquatic Therapy
    Swim Angelfish provides specialized adaptive swim lessons and aquatic therapy for children with Autism, Down Syndrome, sensory sensitivities, motor challenges, anxiety, and other needs. Our team create safe, supportive environments where these children can overcome obstacles and develop essential water safety skills, empowering them to become safer and more independent in the water.
  • Adaptive Swim Whisperers® Certification
    To address the need for specialized training, we developed the comprehensive, multi-level Adaptive Swim Whisperers® Certification Program. This online program equips aquatic professionals worldwide with the skills to effectively teach and support swimmers with diverse needs, expanding inclusive aquatic instruction.
  • Adaptive Water Safety Toolkit
    Swim Angelfish is committed to accessible water safety resources. Our free Adaptive Water Safety Toolkit has already impacted instructors and families globally, providing valuable information and resources to improve water safety and drowning prevention within the special needs community. We are incredibly proud of its positive impact.

The cheers from our many Adaptive Swim Whisperers® certified instructors in the audience were overwhelming. Their support is our greatest reward, and we share this honor with each and every one of them.

Inspirational Insight 7: Empowering Others to Take Action

Our presentation on using the Adaptive Water Safety Toolkit to create local Adaptive Water Safety Days was truly inspiring. We shared our experiences partnering with organizations like the Massachusetts State Police Dive team, Middlesex District Attorney, Stew Leonard’s Foundation, Stewie the Duck swim school, Wilton YMCA, and Equip Program PT students. These partnerships demonstrate how communities can work together to improve water safety. We believe that water safety is a shared responsibility, and we’re excited to see this movement grow.

Inspirational Insight 8: The Importance of Funding

The conference closed with a powerful presentation by Rowdy Gaines about his incredible Step into Swim Grant. We’re deeply grateful that our swim lessons have been recipients of this grant, which has enabled so many families of children with Autism and other challenges to access vital water safety skills. Rowdy’s dedication and the impact of the Step into Swim program are truly inspiring, and we’re honored to be a part of this important work.

The NDPA AOAP 2025 conference was a wave of inspiration, leaving us with renewed passion and a deeper understanding of the power of community, collaboration, and the impact of our work.

We look forward to continuing the work we love and growing the Swim Angelfish mission of Transforming Abilities with Adaptive Aquatics.

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.”