Dolphin
Time-Outs: (Mar.– Nov.) For
individuals and their families. A fun-filled, restorative
5-day program swimming and playing with dolphins. The love
and acceptance displayed by the dolphins and staff provide
an enthralling, motivational catalyst for children. Recreational/educational,
creative classroom sessions are conducted which enhance
and reinforce the water sessions. Activities are tailored
to the needs and abilities of each child. The
five-day program consists of: five dolphin sessions lasting
20-30 minutes each. (longer sessions have found to be counterproductive)
and four
motivational,recreational classroom
sessions lasting up to 30 minutes. The program is designed
to assist children and adolescents who have chronic medical,
developmental, or physical disabilities. The "family" is
a main focus of the program. Dolphin Time-Outs consist of
structured in-water sessions (accompanied
by an IDC staff member), an unstructured dolphin swim for
the child (accompanied by a caregiver), and classroom activities.
All participants are also invited to participate in our marine
science education programs at no additional charge. NEW SERVICES: Beginning in March 2007Island Dolphin
Care will now be offering additional services including Music Therapy,
Physical Therapy and
Massage Therapy.
Please
contact the Island Dolphin Care office for more information.
A
detailed description of the program is as follows:
In-Water
Sessions: It
is our belief that children learn the most through personal
attention and play. During these sessions, the child will
work and play one-on-one with a dolphin and therapist.
The dolphin handler, the therapist, and the child will
be present on the platform. Activities are based on the
needs and the abilities of the child. Each child's therapy
session differs. The
activities range from hands-on interactions with the dolphin
from the floating platform, to in-water interactions the
dolphin.
Please
note: Only the child and the therapist will be in the water
with the
dolphins during therapy sessions.
The
dolphin provides unconditional acceptance to each child.
These experiences can be so rewarding that they may stimulate
the child to attempt new things they otherwise might
hesitate to try. The relationship developed throughout
the week with the dolphins can provide increased self-esteem,
increased attention, increased commitment to and trust
of others, and increased motivation to continue attempting
new tasks. Please understand that the dolphins are trained
to perform specific, trained behaviors, and must be treated
with the utmost respect.
Classroom
Activities: Each
child will spend up to 30 minutes, 4 times a week in the
classroom with an IDC therapist. It is here that the individualized
program for the child is delivered. the individual program
is designed using the goals of the parents along with the
therapist's suggestions. The classroom activities are based
on each child’s individual needs and abilities. Activities
that are educational/recreational will be presented individually
or in a small group. For most children, lessons will follow
a curriculum emphasizing a marine/dolphin theme. Pictures
of dolphins and marine life adorn the classroom walls,
bringing the fun of the dolphin swims indoors.
The
therapist and child use various forms of art and play to
enhance fine motor and gross motor skills, encourage socialization,
motivate communication while providing fun activities for
families to do together.
Natural
Swim Program:The
therapy team may recommend the unstructured
program for children who are unable to participate
in the structured program due to their ability level,medical
conditions or physical size.
The
unstructured swim program takes place with dolphins in a liberating,
relaxing and refreshing environment. The child enjoys the clicks,
whistles and vocalizations of the dolphins that swim, splash
and play all around him/her in a natural setting. This program
offers a wonderful opportunity to experience dolphins in "their" world
and observe dolphins exhibiting their natural behaviors.
Additional
Services:Physical
Therapy: A new service to be provided to Island Dolphin Care
families by Dr.
Jack McIntosh, DPT, CCCE. This service is subject to appointment
availability. Please contact the Island Dolphin Care office for
more information. Massage Therapy: Incensed Massage Therapist Sandy McTeague
has been working with Island Dolphin Care families for many years.
Ms. McTeague can provide services at the IDC center or in her nearby
offices.
Music Therapy
- Yet another new service to be provided at the Island Dolphin
Care Center. Please contact the Island Dolphin Care Therapy team
for more information.
For a better look at
the Island Dolphin Care 5-day program, please view this video
segment aired
on the
Today Show in the spring of 2005.
Coming
to visit? Need Directions? Please click
here for directions to
the new Island Dolphin Care Center
