Beginning this month, UNMC’s Munroe-Meyer Institute will introduce Starfish, a new aquatic therapy-swimming program for children with special needs.
Children ages 2 to 4 with developmental disabilities are welcome to participate in the classes, which are led by a physical, occupational and recreational therapist. Beginning swim skills are incorporated with therapeutic techniques, sensory integration and social play to improve the child’s confidence with movement in the water.
The eight-week winter session runs from Jan. 20 through March 10. The one-hour program will be offered Mondays from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. and from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Tuition is $100. Space is limited. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. If less than six participants register for a class, the class will be cancelled.
Starfish instructors are Kelley McCormack, assistant director of recreational therapy; Mindy Oetter, occupational therapist; and Heidi Reelfs, physical therapist. The departments of recreational, physical and occupational therapy sponsor the program.
A parent or caregiver should accompany each child. If that person is unable to be in the water with the child, due to health concerns, arrangements will be made in advance to pair the child with another adult.
For more information, call 559-5777. Anyone interested in registering for the program, should send a check (payable to the Munroe-Meyer Institute) to: Munroe-Meyer Recreational Therapy Department; 985430 Nebraska Medical Center; Omaha, NE 68198-5430.