Swimming Programs for Special Needs Children in Fairfax County Virginia

Jim: Do you think swimming or aquatic therapy is appropriate for my special needs son?

Steve: Absolutely Jim... positively without equivocation.

In general, the swimming community is the most supportive group of families we have come across in the 18 years that we have been involved with kids sports in Fairfax County.

The Special needs volunteers are as you can imagine...outstanding human beings.

Your child does not need to be involved in competitive Special Olympics programs to physically and mentally benefit from aquatic training.

For some reason, water has a special power, it is almost spiritual.

It has a calming effect on children when they are introduced to it in the right way.

The following information was taken directly from Fairfax County park web page on Adaptive Aquatics: Click here to view.

Adapted Aquatics

"The Park Authority's award-winning Adapted Aquatics is an individualized swimming and water activity program for customers with physical and developmental disabilities.

This success-oriented program targets individuals who do not currently meet the prerequisites for participating in an inclusive environment.

The program is designed to develop basic swim skills in a structured setting with one-on-one support from trained volunteers.

Students may register for:

1. Adapted Aquatics Group Classes – These courses are conducted by American Red Cross certified Adapted Aquatics Instructors and trained volunteers.
2. Small group lessons (one to four students) – These lessons are offered at all RECenter pools. Flexible scheduling is available. Classes can also be arranged for school groups and group homes. Call 703-324-8565 for more information.

Please note that family members may be requested to assist in the water if volunteers are not available."

Also available are Special Olympics prep programs for developmentally delayed youth who want to participate in swimming competitions.

These swim meets are awesome and  encouraging. Check out what the county currently has available HERE.

Here is the main Aquatics Specialty page: Swim now!

If you are relocating to Fairfax County and have a special needs child or adult in your care, here is a link to Fairfax County Special Needs Resources that serve care givers and their families. 

Additional information to help you prepare for your move can be found at Relocation Resources for Northern Virginia