Frequently asked questions
Choosing the right aquatic service for your child can involve many questions. Below, you’ll find information about Flipper Academy’s physiotherapy-led aquatic programs, inclusive learn-to-swim services, session formats and funding.
If you are unsure which service may be appropriate, please contact our team. We can discuss your child’s needs and explain the available options.
Some children may benefit from a smaller class or physiotherapy-led aquatic setting. Suitability depends on factors including the child’s goals, clinical needs, swimming ability, communication, behaviour and required level of support. Following an enquiry or assessment, our team can discuss whether an individual, paired or inclusive learn-to-swim service may be appropriate.
What is the difference between aquatic physiotherapy and learn-to-swim instruction?
Aquatic physiotherapy is a regulated health service delivered or supervised by a registered physiotherapist. It uses the aquatic environment to work towards assessed therapeutic and functional goals, which may relate to movement, mobility, strength, balance, coordination or participation.
Learn-to-swim instruction primarily focuses on water familiarisation, swimming techniques, stroke development and water-safety education. It does not have a therapeutic focus and is not provided as physiotherapy.
Some children may participate in both services at different stages. The appropriate service will depend on the child’s individual needs and goals.
Who can participate in Flipper Academy programs?
Our programs may be suitable for children who:
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have physical, developmental, or neurological support needs
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have disability-related therapeutic or functional goals
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would benefit from additional assistance in an aquatic environment
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find larger or conventional swimming classes challenging
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require an individual or paired-session format
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are working towards swimming, participation or water-safety goals.
Suitability is considered individually. In some circumstances, another service or program may be more appropriate for the child’s needs.
Can NDIS funding be used?
Eligible participants may be able to use NDIS funding for a physiotherapy-led service where it:
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is clinically appropriate
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relates to the participant’s disability support needs
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assists them to work towards goals in their approved plan
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meets current NDIS funding requirements.
Funding is determined by the participant’s individual circumstances and plan. A service is not automatically NDIS-funded simply because it is delivered by a physiotherapist.
Inclusive learn-to-swim lessons without a therapeutic purpose are generally not provided as NDIS therapy supports.
Before booking, please confirm eligibility with your plan manager, support coordinator or NDIS contact. You can also contact Flipper Academy to discuss whether we can accept your particular funding arrangement.
How does Flipper Academy support children with different communication, sensory or behavioural needs?
Before sessions begin, we ask families to tell us about the child’s communication preferences, sensory needs, behaviour, interests and any strategies that may help them participate.
Where possible, instructions, activities, equipment and the session environment can be adapted within the scope of the service. The adaptations available will depend on the child’s needs, the aquatic venue and the type of session being provided.
What goals can aquatic physiotherapy support?
Depending on the child’s assessment and individual needs, aquatic physiotherapy may work towards goals involving:
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mobility and movement
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strength and physical capacity
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balance and coordination
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gross motor development
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participation in physical or recreational activities
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confidence participating in an aquatic environment
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functional swimming or water-based movement skills.
Goals are individualised and reviewed over time. Participation does not guarantee a particular clinical, developmental or swimming outcome.
Information on this page is general in nature and does not replace individual assessment or advice from a registered health practitioner. The suitability and outcomes of physiotherapy and aquatic programs vary between individuals. Participation in an aquatic program does not replace active adult supervision or recognised water-safety precautions.
You can contact Flipper Academy directly to discuss our services.
A referral may be helpful when your child has an existing diagnosis, treatment plan or multidisciplinary care team. With your consent, we may request relevant information from your child’s treating professionals to help us understand their needs and provide coordinated support.
NDIS participants should also check whether any reports, recommendations or approvals are required under their individual plan.
Does my child need a referral?
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