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Aquatics staff describe expanded adaptive swim lessons and accessibility features
Summary
Garland Parks & Recreation staff outlined adaptive swim lessons, accessible pool features and outreach plans. Lessons cost $65 for eight sessions; staff said registration and individualized accommodations are available by phone and the department plans additional autism-aware training and focus groups at new facilities.
Samantha, who identified herself as staff in Garland Parks & Recreation's Aquatics & Athletics program, told the committee the department prioritizes inclusion and has designed adaptive swim offerings across city pools.
"We are also CAPRA certified," Samantha said, noting the accreditation is held by fewer than 3% of U.S. parks and recreation agencies. She described accessible pathways, adaptive water features, ADA lifts, transfer stations and ramps at recently designed facilities and said accessible restrooms and water fountains are standard.
Samantha described the adaptive lessons as individualized: registration is handled by phone with the swim program supervisor who asks about needs, goals and avoidance cues. "The cost of $65 for 8 lessons, that is the same as a group lesson," she said, adding lessons are offered for ages 5 and up across several city pools and that sessions typically have about five to eight slots.
The program uses adaptive equipment — flotation devices, adaptive wheelchairs that can enter the water, pictorial cards in English and Spanish for nonverbal or deaf participants — and sometimes allows a parent or guardian in the water when safety protocols require it.
Samantha said the department plans additional autism-awareness staff training and will send a staff member to outside training to adapt curriculum internally. She also described a planned focus group at the Surf & Swim facility once the site is turned over, and a prospective partnership with "Swim Angel Fish" to strengthen instructor training.
The committee asked about subsidies and publicity; staff said adaptive program information appears in play guides, the registration site and on the city website and that program accommodations are provided on an "ask" basis. Samantha agreed to share program materials with committee members by email and welcomed feedback for a possible consolidated "all abilities" resource guide.
