Water, Movement & Communication: Interdisciplinary Pediatric Aquatic Interventions

LIVE WEBINAR DATE AND TIME
Wednesday, March 25, 2026 4:00–5:30 pm CT

Note: If you are unable to attend the live event, you will be automatically enrolled in the on-demand version.  The on-demand version will be available six weeks after the live broadcast.

INSTRUCTORS (click on the name below to read faculty bio)
Ashley Berman, MA, CCC-SLP
Juliana Libertin, PT, DPT, PCS
Grace Rucker, MS, OTR/L

DESCRIPTION
This webinar provides an evidence-based overview of interdisciplinary aquatic therapy for pediatric populations, highlighting how the unique physical and sensory properties of water support functional outcomes across physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech-language pathology. This webinar provides a foundational review of aquatic therapy principles, followed by discipline-specific applications. Presenters will demonstrate how aquatic environments support postural control, strength, endurance, breath control, vocalization, sensory modulation and engagement in meaningful activities. Emphasis is placed on selecting and progressing evidence-based interventions within each discipline while maintaining a coordinated, interdisciplinary approach. Through guided pediatric case applications, participants will actively identify appropriate disciplines, select functional aquatic interventions and discuss strategies to promote collaboration and carryover from pool-based treatment to land-based environments.

While not required, we recommend that you also take our on-demand webinar Introduction to Aquatic Therapy if this topic is particularly of interest to you.  

LEARNER OUTCOMES
Upon completion of this webinar, participants will be able to:  

1. Describe how the unique properties of water support innovative interdisciplinary therapeutic intervention in pediatric populations
2. Apply evidence-based, discipline-specific aquatic interventions to pediatric cases to address motor function, sensory regulation, communication and participation to support functional outcomes
3. Identify strategies for effective interdisciplinary collaboration to improve functional outcomes and promote carryover from the pool to land-based environments

SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION
Participants will be present during the live webinar in its entirety and complete an attendance verification and feedback survey in the Academy Learning Portal within one month of the live air date. 

AUDIENCE
Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants and Speech Language Pathologists

CONTINUING EDUCATION
Occupational Therapists: Check back soon!

Physical Therapists: This online course has been approved by the Illinois Physical Therapy Board for 1.5 Contact Hours. Approval #216-000069

The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is recognized by California and the New York State Education Department's State Board for Physical Therapy as an approved provider of physical therapy and physical therapist assistant continuing education for 1.5 Contact Hours on 1/23/26.

Many states accept continuing education contact hours recognized in other states, enabling professionals to use these hours to meet their licensing or certification requirements. Please consult your state regulations to see if this meets CEU requirements for your license.

Speech-Language Pathologists:

Disclosures: 
Course Directors and Planning Committee Members:
Julie Lenkiewicz, MS, CCC-SLP Has nothing to disclose.
Melissa Kolski, PT, OCS, Dip MDT Has nothing to disclose.
Leslie Marriott, OTR/L Has nothing to disclose.
Selah Bustamante, MSN, RN, CRRN Has nothing to disclose.
Melissa Legreid, MSN, RN, CRRN, NPD-BC Has nothing to disclose.
Speakers, Moderators and Panelists:
Ashley Berman, MA, CCC-SLP Has nothing to disclose.
Juliana Libertin, PT, DPT, PCS Has nothing to disclose.
Grace Rucker, MS, OTR/L Has nothing to disclose.

ACADEMY POLICIES
For a complete list of Academy policies and technology requirements, click here.