The New Canaan YMCA would like to serve all members of our community.  We will do our best to accommodate all members with special needs into our programs.  If you or a member of your family requires additional assistance or has a special circumstance, please contact Carol Antrum at (203) 966-4528, ext. 140.

In addition, we are proud to offer the following specialty programs for individuals with special needs.

  The Angel Fish

A small group aquatic class for children with special needs and their parents (ages 2-6 and 7-12).  This class uses therapeutic techniques to strengthen muscles, normalize muscle tone, and modulate the sensory system.  Using the water’s properties of buoyancy, resistance, and hydrostatic pressure, we will meet each child’s individual needs.  The focus will be on parent education regarding therapeutic techniques, basic swim skills, peer interaction, motor planning, and mostly FUN!  This class is run by Physical Therapist Aileen Tisser, and YMCA Instructors Javier Rodriguez and Gina Bradbury. 

 

  TLC Salamander

This is a “bridging” class especially for children with special needs who are ready to be introduced to a regular swim lesson format.  Class ratio is 2 instructors to six children.  Note:  All children must be evaluated by the Aquatic Department prior to registering to determine if this is the appropriate class for them.

 

  Buddy Swim

For children ages 7-12, Buddy Swim is a class for children with special needs.  Led by a YMCA swim instructor, participants are grouped with two high school volunteers who will work directly with them under the direction of the instructor.

 

  Special Cares Camp

The New Canaan YMCA Special Cares Camp offers children with limitations a traditional summer camp experience within our regular YMCA Day Camp Offerings.  By being mainstreamed as their abilities allow, campers participate in activities such as swimming, sports, arts and crafts, outdoor adventure, special events, and more.  The program offers a 1:1 or 1:2 counselor-to-camper ratio.  This provides the campers the attention and encouragement they need to grow and develop at their own pace.

Spaces are limited, and registration is done by lottery.  Participants may register for up to two sessions at no additional aide fee.  The Special Cares Camp program is funded by the proceeds from the YMCA’s Annual Golf Tournament.

Click here to view our summer camp brochure.

 

MS Water Exercise

A water exercise class for individuals with Multiple Sclerosis.  This class focuses on improving muscular endurance and coordination through water-resistance exercises and is for individuals with mild MS who don not require one-on-one attention.

 

Arthritis Exercise Class

Come have some fun while you exercise in a class specifically designed for people with Arthritis.  Classes are held in the Y’s warm Rec Pool and are taught by a certified AFYAP instructor.

 

Click here to view our current program brochure, which details class offerings and descriptions.