LE3 .A278 2017

2017

Seaman, Roxanne

Acadia University

Bachelor of Kinesiology

Honours

Kinesiology

Kinesiology

Previous research has shown that children and youth with disabilities benefit socially, cognitively, and physically from adapted aquatic programming. The objective of adapted aquatics is to improve fitness, swim strokes, water safety, and quality of life through instructional tasks, corrective feedback, and structured practice (Lepore et al., 2007). The purpose of this study was to investigate the constructs of adapted aquatic programming for children and youth with disabilities, appointing the most successful and effective adapted aquatic programming approaches. Data were gathered through a content analysis involving interviews using a semi-structured format, followed by reviewing and evaluating adapted aquatic programming materials. The participants of this study included professionals in adapted aquatic programming and students working directly with adapted aquatic programming as student instructors at S.M.I.L.E. with the participants. The data analysis revealed eight emergent themes related to the study’s purpose. These themes were identified as: (a) effective communication, (b) soothing environment, (c) skills checklists, (d) use of equipment, (e) routine, (f) one-on-one interaction, (g) positive reinforcements, and (h) free play. This conceptual framework will now be implemented in the S.M.I.L.E. program at Acadia University, with the goalto further improve the aquatic portion of the program.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:2124