ADAPTIVE AQUATICS PROGRAM

Newton YMCA | Thursdays | 10:15-11:00am
FREE for members | $6 for non-members
Participants are primarily through Progress Industries. Members of the public are welcome to join with permission from Aquatics Director, Kaylee Franke. 
Participants:
1. Ambulatory
2. Have Intellectual Disability
3. Verbal skills to express preferences/needs
4. No inherent fear of water
5. Ability to dress themselves
6. Coed Class
​Activities:
1. Water Aerobics
2. Games
3. Adaptive movement (if needed)
4. Cursory swimming skills
​5. Exercises

Meet Instructor, Denise Doucette 

She has absolutely loved water from the time she was little! 
 
During her high school years, she became a certified lifeguard and swim instructor. This enabled summer employment at the local city pool. She also coached a novice swim team for 2 seasons. When she began attending college, she was a lifeguard at the school's outdoor, Olympic-sized pool. Additionally, she voluntarily managed the Men's Water Polo team. Eventually, she was hired at a rehabilitation facility to create a year around program of adaptive aquatics. The goal was to design swimming skills and exercises for individuals with physical challenges.
 
In terms of her full-time career, she had various roles over the years as a social worker and therapist. These positions provided a background of working with individuals who presented with mental health stressors.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Kaylee Franke at (641) 792-4006