The role of the aquatic professional in the collaboration process

Abstract

The professional in therapeutic recreation has the potential to interact with a variety of other persons who are involved in the life of an individual with a disability. If that individual participates in an aquatic program, one of the persons with whom a therapeutic recreation staff member interacts is the professional in aquatics. To make that interaction as productive as possible, this article will explore several aspects of the interaction between professionals in therapeutic recreation and professionals in aquatics. There are two aspects to the role of the aquatic professional and that professional’s interaction with therapeutic recreation staff participating in the collaboration process when working with individuals with disabilities. The aquatic professionals’ first job is to obtain information that can possibly impact the aquatic participation of the individual with a disability. If the aquatic program is part of a broader therapeutic recreation program, the primary source for that information may be the therapeutic recreation staff. Second and more often overlooked, there is information that the aquatic professional can provide to other individuals, professionals in therapeutic recreation, and caregivers alike, who also interact with the person with a disability. Because of the unique nature of staffing and participation in aquatics, participation in the collaborative process may be difficult. This article explores the specific details of the interactions of the aquatic professional in the collaboration process. Barriers to collaboration are discussed and possible solutions are presented.