Adapted Aquatic Council
Adapted Aquatics: Empowering All Through Water
Adapted aquatics refers to specialized aquatic programming designed to meet the unique needs of individuals with disabilities. Grounded in developmentally appropriate practices, these programs promote safety, physical health, and social connection by tailoring instruction to a wide range of physical, sensory, cognitive, and emotional abilities. Adapted aquatics is essential not only for teaching critical water safety and drowning prevention skills but also for building confidence, mobility, and overall wellbeing. Lessons often incorporate inclusive equipment, individualized goals, and input from swimmers and caregivers, ensuring person-centered experiences. By addressing accessibility through facility design, staff training, and culturally responsive instruction, adapted aquatics fosters truly inclusive aquatic communities. It reflects a commitment to equity, affirming that everyone—regardless of ability—deserves safe and joyful access to water.
Programs & Services in Adapted Aquatics: Inclusive Instruction for All Abilities
Our Adapted Aquatics team, led by national experts Dr. Monica Lepore and Adrienne Wesley, with support from the council, the Adapted Aquatics Council offers specialized support to organizations, educators, and families working with individuals with disabilities. Through a blend of professional development, community partnerships, and tailored aquatic programming, we help ensure safe, inclusive, and effective aquatic environments for people of all abilities.
We provide expert consultation and facility audits to help aquatic centers, schools, and community programs develop or improve their adapted aquatics offerings. Our assessments go beyond ADA compliance, offering practical, individualized recommendations.
We offer Adapted Aquatics Certification programs for both individual instructors and groups. Our credentialing prepares professionals with essential knowledge and hands-on training to serve individuals with diverse needs in the water.
Our team designs customized curriculum to support swim instruction and aquatic therapy for children with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Down Syndrome. These curricula incorporate trauma-informed, sensory-aware, and developmentally appropriate teaching practices.
We partner with local schools, community agencies, and organizations to create workforce development pipelines for aspiring aquatic professionals. Programs include training, certification, supervision, and community service opportunities.
We offer support for high school and college students pursuing careers in:
Physical and Occupational Therapy
Our team provides training and coaching support for swim instructors, team coaches, and caregivers working with swimmers with autism, ADHD, and Down syndrome. We offer guidance in adapting practices for both recreational and competitive environments.
Check out the recent suggestions the Adapted Council created for the National Water Safety Action PlanÂ
Meet Our Leadership Team
Adrienne Wesley
Chair
Chair of the Adapted Aquatics Council, Adrienne is a passionate advocate and expert in inclusive aquatic access. She leads national efforts to promote accessible swim programs and consults on best practices for safe, adaptive instruction.
Dr. Monica Lepore
Chair
Co-Chair and nationally recognized leader in Adapted Aquatics education, Monica brings decades of expertise in curriculum development, certification, and training. She champions inclusive swimming through research
Get Involved: Join or Support
Join us in creating inclusive aquatic experiences for all. Whether you’re looking to participate, volunteer, or support our mission through donations or partnerships, your involvement makes a difference. Fill out the form below to connect with our team and learn how you can help expand access and impact.
