Special Needs Swimming

Special Needs Swimming

Adaptive Aquatics

Halliwick Concept: Water-Based Supportive Therapy
Infant-Adult
Group classes and 1:1 sessions

The Halliwick Concept is a water-based, supportive technique assisting participants as they work towards increasing their strength, motor, and language skills. Swimmers will learn to gain independence in the water and meet functional living goals on land. All swimmers will be given a formal intake and placed in a group or with a trained practitioner for 1:1 sessions. 

Penguins Group Learn-to-Swim Classes (Mixed Ages)
We understand that every child is unique, and our skilled instructors are adept at adapting teaching techniques to suit each individual swimmer’s learning style. Our small class sizes ensure that each child receives personalized attention, while our low swimmer-to-instructor ratios allow for focused instruction and support every step of the way.

Progression is key in our program. We believe in setting achievable goals for every child, celebrating their successes no matter how small, and guiding them through a journey of continuous improvement. With a carefully structured curriculum, our swimmers gradually build confidence and skill in the water, mastering essential techniques while having fun and learning to be safe in the water. Using water-based motor skills and proper breath control, children will work toward independence in the water with an emphasis placed on combined proper stroke work and endurance. Beginner-level swimmers focus on water safety and the foundations of stroke development. Intermediate-level swimmers take the next step to advance their freestyle, backstroke, and breaststroke. Advanced-level swimmers learn to follow a swim workout plan to build their endurance and athleticism.

The co-directors of the JCC Swim School, Caitlin Boker and Elana Pici, have a combined 40+ years of experience in aquatics. For more information about our incredible staff of instructors, please email jccswimschool@mmjccm.org.

Children will be given a formal intake and placed in groups that best suit their individual goals. To arrange an intake, please email us at jccswimschool@mmjccm.org.

For more information please email Caitlin Boker.

Scholarships for our adaptive swim programs are supported with a generous grant by Autism Speaks.

Help us continue to ensure accessible programming for everyone. Please support Special Needs programming at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan.