SNAPkids Adapted Aquatics Program

SNAPkids Adapted Aquatics Program offers adapted aquatic classes for children with special needs ages 1 to 18. Participants are partnered with 1 to 2 volunteer helpers and may swim in warm water pools with chair lifts available.

Programs

• SNAPkids Adapted Aquatics Program — 1 to 18 years old · Adapted aquatic programs for children with special needs; participants are partnered with 1-2 volunteer helpers.

At a glance

• Ages: 1–18 years old
• General schedule: Classes and services are offered for children with special needs; SNAPkids Berkeley and Albany classes are held at the Downtown Berkeley YMCA and the Albany Aquatic Center, and Palo Alto classes are held at the Palo Alto Family YMCA.

About the provider

SNAP has operated since 1991. The program says volunteers work one-on-one with swimmers, and that this creates unique bonds and makes communities more accepting and inclusive. Its mission is to help children with special needs exercise, swim, connect with others, make friends, and enjoy childhood through a community based and accessible adapted aquatics program.

Swimmers must be medically stable and safe to participate in a community based program. For the youngest children, parents may be requested to participate. Each swimmer is partnered with 1-2 volunteer helpers. Programs are developed by the director, Dori Maxon PT, MEd, and experienced volunteers, and implemented by volunteers overseen by a site manager. SNAPkids offers a scholarship program.

Last updated October 5, 2026.