The Aquatics Program at the Franklin Learning Center modifies the aquatic teaching environment, skills, equipment, and instructional strategies for people with disabilities. Aquatics is important for children because of the buoyancy afforded by water. Many people whose disabilities impair mobility on land can function independently in water, through modified instruction, in an aquatic environment without the assistance of braces, walkers, or wheelchairs. Swimming strengthens muscles that enhance postural stability. Students learn how to swim, safety skills in and around water, recreational skills/ games, and interaction among peers in an aquatic environment. Learning to blow bubbles, hold one’s breathe, and inhalation/exhalation during rhythmic breathing are additional techniques instructed during weekly classes.

Adaptive Physical Education provides students with disabilities a means to master physical education goals. Individualized physical education programming allows students to move at their own pace in a setting that fits their individual needs. By modifying instruction and equipment, students with disabilities are able to achieve success while building strength, endurance, and skill levels that will hopefully keep them physically active for the rest of their lives.