Fostering Inclusion
Many family members, parents or caregivers will have experienced setbacks within society for deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) children. Learning new skills by simply joining mainstream classes is one opportunity where DHH children don’t have the same access as hearing children. As an Australian, learning to swim shouldn’t just be an opportunity, but a necessity.
Recognising the immense value of swimming skills in a country that cherishes water-based activities, Puggles Swim aims to provide equal opportunities to all kids. The vision of Deaf Children Australia’s program is to create a society where deaf and hard of hearing children can swim alongside their peers, free from barriers and prejudice.
The Landmark Survey: Insights into the Needs of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children
Before Puggles Swim was born, we had to understand the problem as intricately as we could. How do you do that? Ask the people it affects directly.
Our national survey provided a glimpse into the struggles faced by families with deaf or hard of hearing children. Many parents expressed fears about their child’s safety in the water, while others voiced frustration over a lack of inclusive swim programs, which gave us a clear idea of what we could do to increase water safety and community inclusion.
The Birth of Puggles Swim
While every child undeniably deserves the opportunity to swim, the challenges parents face in locating accessible pools resonated deeply with us, prompting the creation of Puggles Swim.
Deaf Children Australia introduced the first-ever swim program tailored to the unique communication requirements of deaf and hard of hearing children: Puggles Swim. But we couldn’t have done it alone. It was the result of a strong collaboration between Deaf Children Australia, AUSTSWIM, Swim Coaches and Teachers Australia (SCTA), and a constellation of seasoned swim course developers, instructors, and deaf elite swimmers.
Puggles Swim provides courses to upskill swim instructors to become Puggles Skippers. As Skippers, these teachers are well-prepared to teach deaf and hard of hearing children in their mainstream swimming classes. As well as the upskilling course, Puggles Swim has advocates across Their newfound expertise is making waves in numerous Australian pools.
The ripple effects of this program are clear. More children can now become water-safe and enjoy the many advantages of swimming, an indispensable life skill.
The Puggles Swim Course: Breaking Down Communication Barriers
The world of aquatic education has evolved, and with the introduction of the Puggles Swim Course, swimming lessons are now more inclusive than ever. In just a minimum of 3 hours, this course empowers swim teachers with the pivotal skills of Auslan sign language and crucial deaf awareness. By integrating these practices into mainstream learn-to-swim classes, instructors can now seamlessly welcome deaf or hard of hearing students, fostering an environment of equality and understanding.
Upon course completion, teachers are not only acknowledged with a certificate but also earn 3 Professional Development Points, adding a boost to their professional careers. Additionally, swim schools can proudly showcase their inclusivity with Puggles Swim assets.
What’s more, we’ve created a collection of pool supports to aid the Puggles Swim program’s teachers and students. The Puggles Swim kit reinforces course teachings and provides a fun way to support learning with floating characters, kickboards, and engaging stories. Not to forget, the waterproof flashcards, which effortlessly bridge the communication gap with Auslan signs.
The Benefits of Becoming a Puggles Swim Instructor
Empower Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children: As a Puggles Swim Instructor, you have the unique opportunity to make a difference in the lives of deaf and hard of hearing children. Through the program, you can offer them the chance to learn an essential life skill, ensuring their safety and boosting their self-confidence.
Broaden Your Skill Set with Auslan: The course not only equips you to teach swimming effectively but also introduces you to key Auslan signs. This addition to your skill set increases your versatility as an instructor and your capacity to communicate with a wider range of students.
Contribute to Inclusive Communities: Puggles Swim promotes inclusivity and equal opportunities. By becoming an instructor, you play a crucial role in breaking down barriers and ensuring that every child, regardless of their hearing abilities, has access to the joys and benefits of swimming.
Professional Development: The course is more than just a training program; it’s a chance for professional growth. On completion, you earn 3 Professional Development Points, which can further your career in the field of swim instruction.
Enhanced Teaching Resources: With the special Puggles Swim kit, your teaching sessions become more interactive and engaging. The kit’s floating characters, kickboards, stories, and waterproof Flashcard packs with Auslan signs make lessons fun and effective for everyone!
Employability, Promotion and Recognition: Once you complete the course, you instantly become more desirable to employers with a certificate of your new skills. Your pool also becomes eligible for a range of Puggles Swim assets. This allows you to showcase and promote your commitment to inclusivity and specialised instruction.
Meet Parents’ Needs: The national survey revealed that parents of deaf and hard of hearing children are keen to find instructors who understand their child’s unique needs. As a Puggles Swim Instructor, you address these concerns head-on, offering lessons that parents can trust.
Become a Pioneering Change Maker: The Puggles Swim program is Australia’s first nationally endorsed learn-to-swim program focused on the communication needs of deaf and hard of hearing children. By becoming an instructor, you join a pioneering group that’s shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for these children.
The Latest Developments: Puggles Swim’s Collaboration with the Royal Life Saving Society
We’re thrilled to share the news that Royal Life Saving Society – Australia (RLSSA) has officially endorsed Puggles Swim! Together, we will be embarking on a joint venture to launch an innovative additional Puggles Swim program. Stay tuned for exciting updates on this collaborative endeavour.
If you’re a swimming teacher, here’s your chance to make a genuine difference. Dive into the world of Puggles Swim, and be a part of this transformative journey.
