SNAPkids Adapted Aquatics Program
Downtown Berkeley YMCA, 2001 Allston Way, Berkeley, CA 94704
About
SNAPkids Adapted Aquatics Program offers a community based and accessible adapted aquatics program where children exercise, swim, play, make friends, and enjoy group games, songs, and activities which foster communication, social and play skills, and friendships. Each swimmer participates in adapted aquatic programs tailored to address their physical, developmental, and social needs, and many of the children in SNAP use the water as their primary source of physical activity and exercise. Each swimmer is partnered with 1–2 volunteer helpers who provide individual attention and enthusiasm, work one-on-one, and implement programs tailored to the needs of the child, while swimmers receive attention, support, and love from dedicated volunteers in warm water pools with chair lifts available.
• Ages: 1–18 years old
• Price: Please check with us regarding class fees. SNAPkids offers a scholarship program because we feel that financial need should not be a barrier to participating.
Since 1991, SNAP has empowered children with special needs to exercise, swim, connect with others, make friends and enjoy the gifts of childhood through a community based and accessible adapted aquatics program. SNAPkids accepts swimmers from 1 to 18 years old with a variety of special needs, and common diagnoses include cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophies, spina bifida, autism, developmental delays, and a variety of genetic conditions. Programs are developed by the director, Dori Maxon PT, MEd, a pediatric physical therapist, along with experienced volunteers, and are implemented by volunteers overseen by a site manager. SNAP is a great social outlet and creates a caring and open community for the children, families, and volunteers who participate. Swimmers must be medically stable and safe to participate in a community based program, and for the youngest children, parents may be requested to participate as they enjoy the benefits of playing and learning together in the water.
Last updated June 30, 2026.
• Ages: 1–18 years old
• Price: Please check with us regarding class fees. SNAPkids offers a scholarship program because we feel that financial need should not be a barrier to participating.
Since 1991, SNAP has empowered children with special needs to exercise, swim, connect with others, make friends and enjoy the gifts of childhood through a community based and accessible adapted aquatics program. SNAPkids accepts swimmers from 1 to 18 years old with a variety of special needs, and common diagnoses include cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophies, spina bifida, autism, developmental delays, and a variety of genetic conditions. Programs are developed by the director, Dori Maxon PT, MEd, a pediatric physical therapist, along with experienced volunteers, and are implemented by volunteers overseen by a site manager. SNAP is a great social outlet and creates a caring and open community for the children, families, and volunteers who participate. Swimmers must be medically stable and safe to participate in a community based program, and for the youngest children, parents may be requested to participate as they enjoy the benefits of playing and learning together in the water.
Last updated June 30, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.