The Disabled Child in the Aquatic Environment

Abstract

Benefits to disabled populations who use the aquatic environment are shown to be plentiful. The benefits can be grouped into three areas: 1) physiological, 2)psychological, and 3) sociological. Physiological benefits are explained for organic forms of development and for psychomotor performance. The addition that the aquatic environment can make to efficient perceptual motor functioning is also briefly examined. Psychological benefits are demonstrated to exist primarily as a result of positive and successful experiences in the water environment. The social benefits of participation are explained and examples provided. The effects of the water environment are also considered for disabled infants and small children.