About
SNAPkids Adapted Aquatics Program offers time in the water for children to exercise, swim, play, make friends, and have fun. Swimmers take part in group games, songs, and activities that foster communication, social and play skills, and friendships. Each swimmer begins with in-water assessments so a program can be designed to best meet their needs, and each swimmer receives individual attention from 1–2 volunteer helpers.
• Ages: 1–18 years old
• Schedule: See the Class Schedule for current class times.
• 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 gives children with special challenges and gifts a place for their lights to shine brightly, to be respected and included, to exercise, play and have fun. Programs are developed by the director, Dori Maxon PT, MEd, a pediatric physical therapist.
SNAPkids accepts swimmers from 1 to 18 years old with a variety of special needs, and swimmers must be medically stable and safe to participate in a community based program. For the youngest children, parents may be requested to participate as they enjoy the benefits of playing and learning together in the water. Many of the children in SNAP use the water as their primary source of physical activity and exercise, and the water is described as the great equalizer, welcoming and forgiving, enabling the freedom of movement with joyfulness of play. The program notes that water can help children with balance, coordination, strength, fitness, focus, communication, social skills, and confidence.
SNAPkids is a community based and accessible adapted aquatics program where children participate in adapted aquatic programs tailored to address their physical, developmental, and social needs. SNAPkids currently has three locations: Berkeley, Albany and Palo Alto, and classes in Berkeley are walking distance from UC Berkeley and one block from the Downtown Berkeley BART Station. Warm water pools with chair lifts are available, along with a warmer instructional pool and a cooler lap pool. SNAPkids offers a scholarship program so financial need is not a barrier.
SNAP is described as a great social outlet and creates a caring and open community for the children, families, and volunteers who participate. Volunteers work one-on-one, creating unique bonds with swimmers and developing insights and sensitivities which ultimately make communities more accepting and inclusive. SNAP also works with families, swim teachers, and therapists to design aquatic programs, and offers professional training and support to aquatic and therapy professionals and agencies that support children with special needs.
Volunteers must be good swimmers, 15 years old and up, including retirees, have a playful side, be open to learning, and enjoy being with children. Training and support for volunteers are provided on an ongoing basis.
Last updated May 11, 2026.
• Ages: 1–18 years old
• Schedule: See the Class Schedule for current class times.
• 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 gives children with special challenges and gifts a place for their lights to shine brightly, to be respected and included, to exercise, play and have fun. Programs are developed by the director, Dori Maxon PT, MEd, a pediatric physical therapist.
SNAPkids accepts swimmers from 1 to 18 years old with a variety of special needs, and swimmers must be medically stable and safe to participate in a community based program. For the youngest children, parents may be requested to participate as they enjoy the benefits of playing and learning together in the water. Many of the children in SNAP use the water as their primary source of physical activity and exercise, and the water is described as the great equalizer, welcoming and forgiving, enabling the freedom of movement with joyfulness of play. The program notes that water can help children with balance, coordination, strength, fitness, focus, communication, social skills, and confidence.
SNAPkids is a community based and accessible adapted aquatics program where children participate in adapted aquatic programs tailored to address their physical, developmental, and social needs. SNAPkids currently has three locations: Berkeley, Albany and Palo Alto, and classes in Berkeley are walking distance from UC Berkeley and one block from the Downtown Berkeley BART Station. Warm water pools with chair lifts are available, along with a warmer instructional pool and a cooler lap pool. SNAPkids offers a scholarship program so financial need is not a barrier.
SNAP is described as a great social outlet and creates a caring and open community for the children, families, and volunteers who participate. Volunteers work one-on-one, creating unique bonds with swimmers and developing insights and sensitivities which ultimately make communities more accepting and inclusive. SNAP also works with families, swim teachers, and therapists to design aquatic programs, and offers professional training and support to aquatic and therapy professionals and agencies that support children with special needs.
Volunteers must be good swimmers, 15 years old and up, including retirees, have a playful side, be open to learning, and enjoy being with children. Training and support for volunteers are provided on an ongoing basis.
Last updated May 11, 2026.
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