About
SNAP (Special Needs Aquatic Program) 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 since 1991. 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. Their adapted aquatic programs are tailored to address the physical, developmental, and social needs of each child, fostering communication, social, and play skills, and friendships. SNAPkids accepts swimmers from 1 to 18 years old with a variety of special needs, including cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophies, spina bifida, autism, developmental delays, and genetic conditions. They have three locations: Berkeley, Albany, and Palo Alto, with classes held at the Downtown Berkeley YMCA, Albany Aquatic Center, and Palo Alto Family YMCA. SNAPkids offers a scholarship program to make their services accessible to all families, regardless of financial need.
Insurance & payment
Insurance details are not listed publicly — call the practice to confirm.
Ask about sliding-scale fees if you're paying out of pocket.
Services & specialties
Adapted Aquatic Programs
Tailored to address the physical, developmental, and social needs of each child, fostering communication, social, and play skills, and friendships.
In-Water Assessments and Consultations
Swimmers begin with in-water assessments to design a program that can best meet their needs, and they also work with families, swim teachers, and/or therapists to design aquatic programs.
Training and Support
SNAPkids offers professional training and support to aquatic and therapy professionals and agencies that support children with special needs.