Autism Speaks Swimming and Water Safety Scholarship Fund (For Organizations)

This program provides funding to programs and organizations that provide swimming and water safety lessons for people with autism in local communities. The money is used for the organization or program to offer scholarships for swimming and water safety lessons to financially disadvantaged people with autism. If selected, organizations may receive up to $2,500 in scholarship funds.

Funding is awarded on a quarterly basis, so to apply for the program, the application deadlines are May 21, August 13, and November 12.

Please note that individual people with autism and their families are not eligible to apply for this funding. However, if you know of a swimming/water safety program in your area, Autism Speaks encourages you to contact them and encourage them to apply for the funding.

Applications for the program are submitted online, and more information can be found here: http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/grants/swimming

YMCA Special Needs Swimming Instruction

Here's a list from the National Autism Association of YMCA locations that offer special needs swimming instructions. http://nationalautismassociation.org/resources/autism-safety-facts/swimming-instructions/

"How to Teach a Child with Autism to Swim" Video

"The Swim Professor on Autism and Swimming" Video

Water Safety: The Ultimate Life Skill

Autism expert Jim Ball, EdD, BCBA-D shares his tips and strategies for teaching water safety for people with autism. From taking sensory issue into consideration to teaching strategies, such as using visual supports, Dr. Ball covers this topic with lots of helpful suggestions.

Read the article here: http://autismdigest.com/water-safety-the-ultimate-life-skill/

Drowning Prevention for Children and Adults with Autism Video

Positively Autism May Topic: Water Safety

With summer approaching, water and pool safety becomes more of a concern for all parents. This may be particularly true for parents of children with autism, who are often drawn to water without understanding the potential dangers it may pose.

This month, we'll share resources to help you keep your children safe around the water.