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		Adaptive Aquatics Jane M. Charles, MD College of Medicine
		Specific Aims: Teach swimming to disabled children Train occupational therapy, physical therapy and physical education students about children with disabilities
		According to the 1990 Census, more than 63,000 South Carolinians have developmental disabilities, about 10,000 of them are children. Drowning is the second leading cause of death from unintended injury among children under the age of 14 in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties. This program provided opportunities for up to 2500 disabled children in these three counties to learn the lifesaving skill of swimming. In addition, swimming lessons tailored to each child's needs in a special warm water pool helped children with their mobility, social skills, behavior, mental skills, and quality of life. Developmental Pediatricians at MUSC, community health professionals, service organizations (e.g., Department of Disabilities and Special Needs, Babynet, Children's Rehabilitation Services), and parent support groups referred children with developmental disabilities, such as autism, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, and others, to this program. Physical therapy and occupational therapy students from MUSC and physical education students from the College of Charleston participate in this program, teaching swimming while learning about children with disabilities. Program evaluation was based on the number of children served, attendance at lessons, skill improvements, MUSC and College of Charleston student surveys, and parent surveys.
		Results: The Adaptive Aquatics reached over 350 children with developmental disabilities in one on one therapy and instruction. Over 300 interns from both the Medical University of South Carolina and the College of Charleston were recruited and trained to teach Adaptive Aquatics.
		Adaptive Aquatics was sustained with support from the United Way. Dr. Jane M. Charles, M.D. is Associate Professor in Pediatrics with the College of Medicine. You may obtain further information regarding her work with the Adaptive Aquatics by e-mail at charlesj@musc.edu.

Main Menu | Introduction | Goals and Objectives | 28 Initiatives | Monitoring and Evaluation