USEFUL EXTERNAL RESOURCES
This section outlines several useful resources available from external providers that swim teachers may find helpful to support learning for people with disabilities that are participating in mainstream lessons. They can be helpful in improving communication and understanding and lower the anxiety for the person with the disability.
Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) allows people with little or no communication abilities to communicate using pictures. People using PECS are taught to identify what they are asking for, or a skill or activity via the PECS cards. They can also be used to provide expectations in a swimming lesson or schedule of the activities that may occur.
Studies have shown that using PECS cards can benefit communication and assist with decreasing anxiety and stress with people with disabilities. This resource can easily be sourced online. It is best to have them printed on waterproof paper or laminated for use during lessons.
Auslan Signbank
Click here for the Auslan Signbank
A webbased dictionary where you can search for words and watch the video of the signed word or phrase.
Apps that can be downloaded to assist with teaching.
Auslan Tutor 2
Auslan Tutor : Key Signs
(apps listed may change due to availability)
Social Stories
Social stories are a social learning tool to support the communication of meaningful and safe information between a person with a disability (usually autism) and anyone who may need to communicate with them on a regular basis. These people may be parents, family, medical professionals and teachers. A social story helps to describe navigating a new situation, approaching a context, process, skill or achievement.
The story is usually tailored for the individual with an overall patient and supportive quality, and a format, “voice”, content, and learning experience that is descriptive, meaningful, and physically, socially, and emotionally safe for the individual.
A social story is presented as a series of pictures (photos, illustrations) with simple words that help them know what to do, how to do it and when to do it.
Assistance Dogs
Working with a student with a disability may bring you in contact with an Assistance Dog. The term “Assistance Dog” is a generic, for a guide, hearing, or service dog. These dogs are specifically trained to perform identifiable physical tasks and behaviours to assist an individual with a disability to aid with their quality of life and/or independence. Assistance dogs are covered under many legislative access laws across Australia for public access rights when working with their handler who lives with a disability. Assistance Dogs are legally allowed to enter an Aquatic Facility/centre or Swim School with their handler.
