Lessons for Swimmers with Special Abilities

At Miller Swim School in Tulsa, we know that swimming is a fundamental life skill, and that all children are safer and happier when they learn the basics of water safety, no matter the challenges they face. Our Adaptive Aquatics program considers the basic goals of each swimmer as we promote comfort in the water, focus on safety, and teach the basics of swimming to the extent a child’s physical and developmental ability allows.

Will my child with special abilities benefit from swimming lessons?

Lessons can also be therapeutic and, for many swimmers with special abilities, very calming. Water can soothe sensory overload and give swimmers a feeling of weightlessness and relief from physical discomfort. Other benefits include balance, coordination, strength, and range of motion. It’s not uncommon for parents to notice confidence and self-esteem boost, either. When your child learns how to swim with Miller Swim School, they receive all the benefits of swimming in a safe, and supportive environment.

Children with special abilities best succeed with flexible, patient, empathic teachers who use individual-focused methods. Miller Swim School Certified Adaptive Aquatics instructors have experience teaching the necessary skills at the appropriate time for children with a variety of special abilities, including:

  • ADHD
  • Autism or ASD and other related developmental challenges
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Down syndrome
  • Sensory struggles
  • Other Physical challenges

Adaptive Aquatics

Get Started

Our Adaptive Aquatics program at participating locations starts with an online questionnaire form that allows us to understand your swimmer, and their goals, and helps us develop a plan to best fit their unique challenges and abilities. We then set up a time for an on-site orientation before enrolling in lessons. In our Adaptive Aquatics program, we recommend swimmers start with private classes to ensure proper instruction and safety. We work together with you and at the swimmer’s pace through our curriculum to reach goals and objectives.

Our Programs

Therapeutic Aquatic Program (T.A.P.):
Therapeutic lessons best help swimmers with muscular and limb challenges or those who struggle with head control. The goal of this program is to help children gain strength while using buoyancy and hydrostatic pressure. With this program, it is important to have a parent, caregiver or physical therapist present with you as we begin to understand the child’s movement capabilities and challenges.

Adapted Swim Levels:
Our three Adapted Swim levels utilize a specific framework and structure that helps swimmers with special abilities achieve milestones, while still allowing for flexibility and adaptation for individualized lesson plans and goals. These levels incorporate foundational safety skills as well as foundational swimming skills.

Find a Class

THE MILLER DIFFERENCE

60+ Years of Lessons

Miller Swim School has been serving the Tulsa community since 1960!

Proven Curriculum

Developed by experienced world class swimmers and Olympic champions

Over 300,000 Students

in Tulsa have developed the life skill and experience the joy of swimming at Miller

TESTIMONIALS

Heather

“The instructors are great with the kids and I see improvements each week.”

Larry

“My son is confident when he is in or around water, which makes us much more comfortable and confident about his safety.”

Candace

“I was sold the first lesson my son had. He looks forward to coming to class every single week!”

OTHER PROGRAMS

  • Infant & Toddler Swim Lessons
  • Children’s Swim Lessons
  • Adult Swim Lessons
  • Private & Semi-Private Swim Lessons
  • Swim Team
  • Open Swim
  • Swim Parties
  • Swim Camps
Infant & Toddler Swim Lessons

Infant & Toddler Swim Lessons

Our ParentTot classes for babies 4+ months are a great way for parents to bond and socialize with their baby while teaching vital water safety skills like breath control, floating and kicking. We also offer Toddler Transition classes for toddlers ages 2-3 years. Parents join their swimmers poolside until they are ready to transition to a small group class without a parent nearby. Both classes focus on foundational water safety skills as well as developing a comfort in the water, which are crucial in developing swimming skills.

Children’s Swim Lessons

Children’s Swim Lessons

We offer a variety of swim lesson programs for children of all ages and levels. Whether your child is just starting to get comfortable in the water or moving on to more advanced techniques we have you covered. Our progressive curriculum starts with foundational skills in beginner level classes and develops swimmers to be advanced swimmers. We offer a variety of class types from small group classes featuring a 4:1 student to teacher ratio to semi-private and private lessons.

Adult Swim Lessons

Adult Swim Lessons

Whether you are just starting out, overcoming a fear of water or you are looking to refine your swim skills, our program gives adult swimmers at every level the opportunity to improve their skills. We offer a variety of class types for adults from small group classes to semi-private and private lessons. It’s never too late to learn this critical life skill.

Private & Semi-Private Swim Lessons

Private & Semi-Private Swim Lessons

Our private swim lessons allow swimmers of all ages and levels to progress through our curriculum at their own pace with one of our certified swim instructors. Each 30 minute class will be customized around mastering the skills to become a better, stronger, safer swimmer. Private and semi-private lessons are great options if you are looking for more time focused on your individual swimmer or siblings wanting to be in the same class.

Swim Team

Swim Team

Our swim team prep program takes swimmers who already have knowledge of the competitive swimming strokes and want to refine their swimming skills. The program includes regular weekly sessions with a set workout with an out of water coach whose primary goal is to mimic an experience one would have on a recreational swim team.  Whether you’re looking to prepare for a summer swim team, get a jump start on swim team training or just get some mileage in the water practicing stroke technique, our Swim Team program will add a dose of weekly water fun to your schedule.

Open Swim

Open Swim

Our family swim is a great time for your family to practice swimming skills outside of regular swimming lessons or to enjoy our kid and family friendly swimming pools and stay active year-round. We encourage our current swimmers and their families to utilize this time to practice water safety, improve on swim skills and socialize with other families. Our warm water indoor pools make family swimming enjoyable for all.

Swim Parties

Swim Parties

Want to make your child’s next birthday party unforgettable? Host your celebration with Miller Swim School! Our heated indoor pools, certified lifeguards, and indoor party room are a wonderful way to celebrate birthdays without worrying about the unpredictable Tulsa weather.

Swim Camps

Swim Camps

Our seasonal swim camps are perfect for swimmers looking to jump start their skills by swimming with us on a more frequent basis. Lesson frequency and consistency (along with quality instruction and a world class swim curriculum) is a key element in progressing a student’s swimming ability. Our seasonal swim camps provide lessons multiple times per week and are 2 weeks in duration. 

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