Adapted Aquatics Program at Verland’s Sewickley Campus

Verland’s Adapted Aquatics Program at the Sewickley Campus allows individuals of all ages and abilities to discover the joy of water activities in a safe and supportive environment. The program is not only designed to promote physical fitness but also to encourage relaxation and social engagement through customized aquatic exercises and therapeutic techniques. Led by trained professionals, participants receive personalized attention to help improve mobility, coordination, and confidence in the water. Whether for recreation or therapy, the Adapted Aquatics Program provides a welcoming atmosphere that encourages independence and fun while helping each person meet their goals.

Our Adapted Aquatics program provides individuals the opportunity to enjoy the many benefits of water through a custom-tailored experience in our campus pool.

What Adapted Aquatics Supports

Adapted aquatics supports participants by making water activities accessible, safe, and fun. At Verland, you’ll learn which modified swimming techniques are right for your physical, cognitive, or sensory needs. Beyond teaching swimming skills, adapted aquatics provides the confidence and social connection that everyone needs and deserves. Participants often experience improved strength and flexibility as the water reduces stress on joints and muscles.

In a supportive and inclusive setting, everyone is encouraged to keep going at their own pace, and no two people are exactly alike! Our instructors work hard to create positive experiences for everyone. We know that adapted aquatics helps everyone experience the many physical and emotional benefits of being in the water, and we are there for you every step of the way.

Who Receives Adapted Aquatics Services

So, who receives adapted aquatics services? The program is designed for anyone who lives on our Sewickley Campus and needs specialized support in water activities. The services go a long way to help those with physical disabilities, including mobility impairments, spinal cord injuries, or muscular conditions, who may require assistance entering the water or need modified instruction. The program also supports those with developmental or cognitive disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disabilities, by providing sensory-friendly environments and teaching methods that are tailored to each person’s needs.

Anyone with limited mobility or balance issues who needs to improve strength, flexibility, and confidence in the water can also participate in adapted aquatics services. The program is a great option for individuals recovering from injuries or surgery as part of their physical rehabilitation. Those with chronic health conditions, such as arthritis or neurological disorders, often find that low-impact exercise is helpful and that they thrive in our program. Our program is designed to help people of all abilities experience everything that aquatic services has to offer.

Our pool features a warm, temperature-regulated environment to ensure maximum comfort and therapeutic potential. From rolling into our pool on a water chair, using the ADA-compliant ramp, to stepping into the pool via ladder, Verland’s carefully-planned arrangement accommodates each individual’s abilities.

Each person’s strengths and needs are assessed before the creation and implementation of individualized aquatic programming. Whether individuals receive regularly-scheduled sessions or occasional recreational swimming, they thoroughly enjoy interacting with our Adapted Aquatics Team.

Adapted Aquatics Within Residential Living

At Verland Sewickley Campus, our program is tailored to each individual’s needs through personalized activities. Our trained staff work closely with participants to build confidence, improve mobility, and promote wellness through structured exercises and swim sessions. Individuals love the aquatic setting, which allows them to relax while improving strength and coordination. At Verland, it is easy to experience joy and independence in the water, which can help build confidence in many aspects of life. With adaptive equipment and supervision, we make safety a top priority, ensuring a safe experience for all. By integrating adapted aquatics into residential living, Verland supports each person’s journey toward greater independence, physical strength, and well-being.

The psychological, social, and physiological benefits of adapted aquatics are observable and meaningful for the residents at Verland. The psychological and physiological benefits stem from engaging individuals in gentle movement, floating, and water play in therapeutic water temperatures. Our 90-93 degree water temperature has proven to reduce stress and anxiety, stimulate blood circulation, and relax the musculoskeletal system. In addition, the buoyancy property of water reduces the gravitational pull on the residents, allowing them to move their limbs more freely and ambulate with less assistance from staff.

Verland’s Adapted Aquatics program also encourages socialization, as individuals receive one-to-one attention with aquatic therapy staff and the opportunity to interact with peers during group swim sessions. Adapted Aquatics staff are adept at utilizing pool-based activities and tools to maximize a client’s level of engagement and enjoyment.

Learn More About Verland Programs

When the time comes to take the next step, contact us to learn more about Verland’s adapted aquatics program. We are ready to answer questions and show you how compassionate, individualized care can help create new opportunities and a better future.