Disability USA Swimming encourages people with disabilities to participate in the sport of swimming and facilitates their inclusion in USA Swimming programs through education and collaboration. We seek to involve people with disabilities in existing competitions and programs for all swimmers, rather than provide unique disability-only opportunities.
Tools for Clubs and Coaches
Coaches are the most important ingredient for the successful inclusion of swimmers with a disability. You are the face of USA Swimming with respect to welcoming and accepting the swimmer to the sport, and you encourage the swimmer to achieve a healthy lifestyle and competitive success through your efforts on the pool deck.
Many swimmers with a disability choose to participate in both inclusive (USA Swimming) and disability-specific (e.g., Paralympics, Deaflympics, Special Olympics) programs. Refer to the links under the Additional Disability Resources section on this page to learn more about disability-specific competitions. The US Paralympics swimming page also includes information for coaches, such as eligibility criteria for trip
lists to coach at international swimming meets.
Coaches - Guiding a Swimmer with a Disability
Best Practices for Safe Sport with Athletes with Disabilities
