Accessing Funding for Adaptive & Neurodiverse Swim Lessons in Colorado
Many families in Colorado may qualify for funding to help cover the cost of swim lessons for children who are adaptive, disabled, or neurodiverse. These lessons can sometimes be supported through public or private funding programs, especially when lessons support water safety, motor development, regulation, or independence.
How Swimming Simply Can Support You
While we cannot guarantee funding approval, we are happy to:
- Describe our adaptive and neurodiverse swim instruction approach
- Provide invoices or participation documentation
- Share general program descriptions
- Partner with families as they navigate funding options
Funding Sources
Medicaid & Medicaid Waivers (Most Common Pathway)
If your child is enrolled in Colorado Medicaid, swim lessons may be eligible for funding through a Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver.
Common waivers include:
- Children with Complex Health Needs Waiver (CwCHN)
- Children's Extensive Support Waiver (CES)
- Children's Habilitation Residential Program Waiver (CHRP)
To get started:
- Contact your local
Single Entry Point (SEP) agency
- Ask about waiver eligibility
- Ask whether adaptive swim lessons may be covered
- Request guidance on required documentation (often a diagnosis or provider recommendation)
Early Intervention (birth–age three)
Children under age 3 with developmental delays or qualifying diagnoses may be eligible through Early Intervention Colorado. Swim lessons may qualify if they support gross motor development, sensory regulation, or water safety. For this process, you will coordinate with your Service Coordinator to ensure that you can have swim lessons included in your Individualized Family Service Plan. If you are in Denver County, you will work with Rocky Mountain Human Services and your service Coordinator there. Learn more about early intervention.
School District IEP or 504 Support
In some cases, adaptive swim instruction may support:
- Adaptive physical education goals
- Functional life-skill development
- Safety-related programming
Families can ask their child’s case manager or special education coordinator whether swim lessons may support IEP or 504 goals.
Private Insurance, HSA, or FSA Funds
Some families use:
- Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- Out-of-network insurance reimbursement
This may require a letter of medical necessity or documentation showing how swim lessons support development or safety.
Local Grants, Scholarships & Community Funding
Some families also receive funding through disability-focused nonprofits, autism or special needs grants, or adaptive recreation scholarships. Availability varies by location and year.
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