“Aquatic Therapy is a great compliment to land based therapy. There are many things our daughter has learned in the pool first which she couldn’t do on land, such as jumping , hopping, and stair climbing.

The therapists do a lot of stretching and twisting which is difficult for my daughter to participate in on land because it is so uncomfortable. She doesn’t mind doing this in the water. Our daughter’s self- confidence in the water has grown exponentially.

She went from crying during the whole session initially to now almost swimming by herself and being so proud of it. Of course none of this would be possible without such fabulous therapists.

Their ability to motivate children, their deep caring and understanding is unsurpassed. The best thing for my daughter has been finding such wonderful therapists to work with her.”
– A.W.

“Hi Aileen and Cindy.

This is FP.  I just want you two to know what a great course you led in April in CT. Since I work in isolation (basically) It was really good to know that I was on track.

However, I changed the way I work in the pool after being with you two and have seen some remarkable changes in kids. They have always loved to come to swim, but the changes in their level of participation was noticeable. I’ve used just about every example you suggested.

It added incredibly to my repertoire. One parent of a child with severe sensory dysfunction and an IQ of about 140, emailed me after the first session back (using your suggestions) to tell me that her child had begun to make legible letters for the first time. She attributed this to the hour I spent having her child cross midline in as many activities as I could come up with, and sequencing water-land transitions over and over.

This was the child who freaked out with water on her face. I did just what you told me! Scooped water in my hand and dragged it down her face (after a bit of verbal and visual prep of course). We got past that hurdle and now she does it to herself. This is monumental for showers and washing hair at home, says Mom.

THANK YOU SO MUCH! I gave you all the credit.

So thanks. I’ve used every suggestion with all sorts of kids and the kids love it. I’m looking for another course and came across one with Peggy Schoedinger in Minn in November.

It’s quite expensive for me to get there, stay and pay for the course. I wondered what you could tell me about her and whether it was worth the cost. I’d love to go. Thanks in advance for your feedback about this course and thanks again for all your help. Sincerely,”

- FP

Angelfish Group Therapy is an easy to follow 25-minute instructional DVD that guides professionals through an 8-week pediatric aquatic therapy group program.
Specific goals and objectives, easy to view handling techniques, and 8-weeks of handouts Level I and Level II classes are included.

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Working in the water allows children to perform and learn movements that would otherwise be too difficult to do on land.  Returning to their land-based program provides them the opportunity to practice movements which have become more skilled in the water.

Physiological benefits of an 88-92 degree pool include: decreased pain, increased range of motion, decreased sensitivity of sensory nerve endings and increased joint range of motion.

Physiological benefits of vestibular stimulation from buoyancy and resistance include: changing and improving the ability to integrate sensory information.

Viscosity of the water allows time for a child to react and experiment with the consequences of movement.

Hydrostatic pressure improves circulation, increases the work of breathing and gives 360 degrees of deep pressure.

Camp Angelfish is an overnight camp for 3 different types of children. We rent the beautiful facilities on Lake Winnepesaukee and provide traditional camp experiences under the guidance of Co-directors who are occupational and physical therapists.

Children come to this camp with one 24 hour aide or a group of 2 or 3 children share there own aide. Additionally, we offer a sibling program for families to enjoy thie leisure experience.

2009 Camp Angelfish Slideshow

Information:

NEW: Online Enrollment Available

Who:      Children with challenges and their personal aide.

What:     A 6-day overnight camp opportunity to experience camp activities with the guidance of an OT & PT.  Daily programs consist of 2 morning and 2 afternoon activity periods as well as an evening activity session.

Additionally, a sibling overnight program coincides with the special needs track. A camper/counselor ratio of 5:1 will be maintained in addition to the aide. We have limited this camp to 25 children with a variety of challenges.

We strive to maintain a 50% balance between children with physical challenges and children with social/emotional challenges.

Where:     Camp Angelfish is held at Camp Winaukee on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, located in New Hampshire.

When:     NEW for 2010 – 6 days and 5 nights – Camp dates are  Sunday Aug. 15th, 2010 @ 2PM- Friday Aug. 20th @1PM

Why:     To assist children in leisure activities that promote increased self-esteem, self-confidence and togetherness.

Additionally, many of you are interested in sending your child to overnight camp but have concerns regarding the length of stay. This is your chance to try out overnight camp for a short period of time.

For additional information and to receive a camp packet for you or a friend, enter your mailing information into our “Contact Us” page, and check the box for Camp Angelfish!

What’s New:     We are excited about starting an intermediate program at camp for higher level children that still need more supervision and structure than a typical sleep away camp experience, but not necessarily a one on one aide—they will be called “the STARFISH”.  Starfish will be in a bunk with 8 kids and will be sharing 2 or 3 counselors- so spread the word to any Starfish you may know.

Also, we have decided to call the campers and companions “the Angelfish” campers and the sibling girls and boys will now be referred to as “the Dolphins” due to their overwhelming abilities to sense when people need help, give support and guidance as well as love to all campers regardless of ability.

Price:
Angelfish – 6 days/5 nights – $1600.00

Starfish – - 6 days/5 nights – $900.00

Siblings – - 6 days/5 nights – $750.00

Download Forms Below:

Camp Angelfish 2010 Medical Form

Camp Angelfish 2010 Data Form

Camp Angelfish 2010 Enrollment Form

Online Enrollment

See you at camp!
Cindy and Ailene

**Please note you do not receive direct therapy at camp. You will participate in camp activities and when necessary, a therapist will help you accommodate/adapt to the activity. Ages 6 and up have attended camp with good success. Keep in mind the age ranges from 6 up to 18 years old. Some campers have been coming since the first camp 6 years ago. Many campers have gone on to residential sleep away camp. New and old campers alike will find a spirit of adventure and camaraderie on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee.

More Photos

We have had great success with a variety of diagnoses including:

• Hypotonia
• Cerebral Palsy
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Congenital Disorders
• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Chromosomal Abnormality
• Sensory Integration Disorders
• General Developmental Delay
• Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
• and more!

Angelfish Therapy uses the following facilities in the area. Directions and available training days are listed below.

Photo Credit: www.marriott.com

Marriott Norwalk, CT – Directions

474 Main Avenue
Norwalk, Connecticut 06851
Phone: 1-203-849-9111
Days – Tuesdays

Photo Credit: www.stamfordjcc.org

JCC Stamford, CT – Directions

1035 Newfield Avenue
Stamford, Connecticut
Phone: 1-203-322-7900
Days – Wednesdays

Photo Credit: www.marriot.com

Renaissance White Plains, NY – Directions

80 West Red Oak Lane
West Harrison, New York 10604
Phone: 1-914-694-5400
Days – Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays

Handling Techniques is a 45-minute instructional DVD that will guide you through aquatic treatments of children with physical challenges such as Cerebral Palsy, Rett’s Syndrome, sensorimotor impairment and autism spectrum disorder.

You will watch treatment sessions while the OT or PT are explaining what they are doing and why they are doing it.

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