Children with autism will be able to get swimming lessons tailored to their learning style from next year.
Several Campbelltown City Council swimming instructors will receive specialised training to run water safety courses for children with autism as part of a pilot program to be launched in 2020.
Councillors approved the program at last week’s council meeting, in response to a notice of motion raised by Cr Margaret Chivers earlier this year.
Cr Chivers has been an advocate for inclusive policies since been elected to council three years ago.
This year’s term four Water Safety Week program will also provide education resources to families about water safety for children with autism.
Council’s leisure facilities currently support organisations such as Macarthur Disability Services and the Rainbow Club of Australia.
The Rainbow Club of Australia operates a weekly service for children with special needs aged 3-18, including those with autism, at Eagle Vale Central.
Council provide support for facility use and pool entry for carers and parents.
Mayor George Brticevic said that teaching children of all abilities could ultimately help to save lives.
“Our swimming instructors will know how to adapt their lessons to support the different learning styles of children with autism,” Cr Brticevic said.
“Swimming is an important skill for every child to learn and we are proud that as a council we can provide that same opportunity for children with autism,” he said.
To find out more about what council is doing to make Campbelltown an inclusive city for people with disability you can read the Disability Inclusion Action Plan on the council website.
