Document Type
Report
College
College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Department
Occupational Therapy
Degree
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Report Date
7-2024
Faculty Mentor
Wells, Erin
Doctoral Experiential Coordinator
Latour, Debra
Abstract
"Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) can present with impairments in the areas of physical development, learning, language, sensory processing, and behavior. These impairments can lead to difficulties with daily life activities and participating in other meaningful occupations such as play, education, and social participation. Occupational therapy can aid in decreasing the impact of these challenges using several different approaches. Aquatic therapy is one approach that benefits children with I/DD. This is due to the physical properties of the water that create a supportive physical and sensory environment for an individual and their needs (Brokaw, 2022). The aquatic environment’s properties create a positive physical environment for the child from the surface tension, buoyancy, and hydrostatic pressure. However, the environment may need to be altered. Overall, aquatic therapy supports sensory, cognition, motor function, and community integration in children with I/DD to reach developmental and therapy goals."
Recommended Citation
Kennedy, Michelle, "Implementing a Sensory-Friendly Adaptive Aquatics Program at the Springfield Jewish Community Center for Children with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities" (2024). OTD DEx Reports - College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. 84.
https://digitalcommons.law.wne.edu/otd/84
