At Upper Valley Aquatic Center, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to feel safe, confident, and successful in the water.
Our Adaptive Swim Program provides individualized instruction and support for swimmers with a variety of physical, cognitive, sensory, and developmental needs. Through patient coaching, relationship-building, and personalized goals, participants develop critical water safety skills while gaining confidence, independence, and a lifelong connection to aquatics.
For many families, finding swim instruction that meets their child's unique needs can be challenging. That's why our Adaptive Swim Program has become such an important part of UVAC's mission to make swimming accessible to everyone.
Join Us for Our Adaptive Swim Safety Event
On Friday, June 6, UVAC will host an Adaptive Swim Safety Event designed to raise awareness about the importance of water safety for individuals with disabilities and special needs.
The event will provide an opportunity for families, caregivers, educators, and community members to learn more about adaptive swim instruction, connect with resources, and see firsthand how specialized swim programming can make a meaningful difference.
Water safety is a critical life skill. Studies consistently show that individuals with disabilities face a higher risk around water, making access to quality swim instruction more important than ever. Through events like this, UVAC hopes to create greater awareness while helping more families discover programs and resources available in our community.
A Special Moment with a Student and His School
Recently, a memorable moment came when Adaptive Swim Instructor Kana had the opportunity to celebrate the progress of one of her swimmers in a very public and meaningful way.
After months of hard work in the pool, the swimmer demonstrated the skills he has learned through the Adaptive Swim Program in front of his classmates from First Branch Elementary School in Tunbridge, Vermont. In a heartwarming show of support, his entire grade came out to watch.
As classmates gathered poolside, he confidently showcased the techniques and abilities he has developed through his lessons.
The experience highlighted how adaptive aquatics can help participants build skills that extend far beyond the pool. It also demonstrated the incredible support that can come from a community celebrating one another's successes.
The photos from the day capture those moments beautifully: a swimmer sharing his accomplishments, a teacher's dedication, and a group of classmates cheering him on every step of the way.
See the Impact for Yourself
We invite you to watch the videos we've been sharing below featuring participants and families involved in our Adaptive Swim Program. Their stories speak to the transformative power of swimming and the meaningful relationships that develop through adaptive instruction.
As we prepare for our Adaptive Swim Safety Event on June 6, we're proud to continue expanding opportunities for swimmers of all abilities and helping create a safer, more inclusive aquatic community throughout the Upper Valley.