Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to establish an adaptive swimming lessons and water safety education program for children with developmental delays and their parents. The program is designed to improve water safety and provide equal access to swimming lessons for eligible children across Minnesota.

Main Provisions

• Eligibility: The program is for children aged 3 to 21 who have developmental delays and meet income eligibility criteria. This includes children enrolled in medical assistance programs or participating in the free and reduced-price meals program, among others.
• Program Administration: The Minnesota commissioner of health will administer the program in partnership with the city of St. Paul and autism advocacy organizations. The program will distribute vouchers for adaptive swimming lessons and ensure equitable delivery across the state.
• Program Elements:
  • Distributed in the form of vouchers, eligible children will receive 12 weeks of swimming instruction.
  • Parents will receive culturally appropriate water safety education.
  • The program will conduct at least two sessions every six months, serving at least 100 children annually.
• Instructor Requirements: Instructors must be certified and trained in teaching neurodivergent children. They should have certification in water safety instruction and inclusive teaching practices.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

The bill proposes the creation of a new section in Minnesota Statutes, which will lay the groundwork for organizing and financing a new public health initiative focused specifically on adaptive swimming and water safety for children with developmental delays.

Relevant Terms

• Adaptive Swimming Lessons
• Water Safety Education
• Developmental Delays
• Income Eligibility
• Neurodivergent Children
• Autism Advocacy
• Vouchers
• Inclusion
• Cultural Competence