USM CHAMPIONS INCLUSIVE AQUATIC EDUCATION: ‘TEACHING SWIMMING FOR SPECIAL NEEDS’ COURSE EMPOWERS EDUCATORS AND FAMILIES
USM PENANG, 27 July 2026 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) successfully organised the ‘Teaching Swimming for Special Needs’ Course 2026, bringing together participants from diverse professional backgrounds, including special education teachers, therapists, parents, caregivers, swimming instructors, and coaches from private swimming academies across Malaysia.
The one-day programme provided participants with practical, evidence-based knowledge and hands-on strategies for teaching swimming to children with special educational needs.
Sessions focused on understanding different diagnoses, recognising behaviours in aquatic environments, water safety and risk management, adapting teaching approaches, and applying the A.S.S.I.S.T. Framework to deliver structured, safe, and inclusive swimming instruction.
The course was conducted by Dr. Nur Amalina Samsudin from the USM School of Educational Studies whose work in inclusive aquatic education has gained recognition through invited training programmes, professional workshops, and academic engagements both in Malaysia and internationally.
Participants had the opportunity to learn from research-informed practices that can be directly implemented in schools, swimming academies, therapy centres, and community-based programmes.
The closing ceremony was officiated by the Dean of the USM School of Educational Studies, Associate Professor Dr. Rahimi Che Aman, who commended the initiative and reaffirmed the School's commitment towards supporting professional development programmes that strengthen inclusive education and improve opportunities for children with special educational needs.
The programme also received strong support from the Chair of the Special Education Programme, Ts. Dr. Rozniza Zaharuddin, whose continuous encouragement and commitment have been instrumental in advancing inclusive aquatic education initiatives at USM.
“The programme reflects the ongoing commitment by USM to advancing inclusive education by strengthening the knowledge and skills of educators, coaches, therapists, and families,” Rahimi said.
She added, “Through initiatives such as this, USM continues to support greater access to quality swimming education, ensuring that children with special educational needs can develop water safety skills, confidence, and independence in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment.”
Text & Photo: School of Educational Studies, USM
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