AUTISWIM -May 24-June 28th, 2013

AutiSwim Camp was formed in 2010, with hopes of creating a safe and exclusive enviroment for teaching swimming skills and safety.  What exactly is AutiSwim?  Autiswim Camp is a 7 week structured program, for children with Autism with the parent or caregiver assisting in the water.  The focus is pool safety, developing swim skills, and being confident in or around water using visual and sensory aids. Over 30 children with special needs and their families have utilized the program in the past three years.  The camp currently serves students who have a diagnosis or suspected diagnosis of autism and welcomes all special needs families.

This program is in existence due to the brainstorming of Julia Boyd, a parent of a child with autism,  Jill Rohr, The Mattoon Y Aquatic Director and Amber Schemmelpfenning, a former lifeguard with our Y. . The camp itself rquires certified lifeguards and swim instructors on hand to help with the camps.  Julia, is the parent liason, who is also a Certified Austism Specialist working with the program to help assist the families and provide more resources.    The majority of our lifeguards are certified by Jill Rohr and she has orientated the entire staff to know what to expect during camp.  With the trained and knowledgeable staff, the enviroment is welcoming and understanding.  Families are encouraged to speak with Jill or Julia for more information or for specific needs the Y can be of assistance.  Autiswim is offered in two seven week sessions during the summer months.

Goals of the Program:

•     Work together with staff and parents to set individual swimming goals for your child.
•      To participate in a swimming exhibition event at the end of the program
•      To build self-esteem and family support with your swimmer

 

NEXT AUTISWIM CAMP DATE:  July 5th-August 9th-  Registration open June 9 through June 29th .  Class meets Fridays 5-5:45pm

 

 

                          Open Swim for Families with Special Needs

 

 

 

 

Starting in January 2012, the YMCA extended an opportunity for bi-monthly open swims to reach out to special needs families and to add to the concept of the Autiswim Program.  The plan will  continue in the fall and winter as it has become a popular and a much needed time for families and fellowship.  Sponsorship for this monthly outreach is available as a donation if anyone would be interested.

Planned Autiswim Open Swim Dates:  Generally held the last Sunday of the month in non-summer months.

•      February 24th and June 30th- 4:30-6:30pm.  Fee:  $0 if sponsored/ $10 per family if no sponsor

Autiswim Open House-  Every Spring we hold Autiswim Open House to reunite families from past camps and to welcome new families to our program.  Dates for the open house are the last 2 Fridays in April.  Planned dates:  April 19th and April 26th.  Times are from 4:30-6:30pm

 

If you have questions reguarding the Autiswim program. feel free to contact:                                           

 

Jill Rohr at jrohr@mattoonymca.org or 234-9494

 

Julia Boyd, Parent Liason, a jboyd@consolidated.net or 273-4793