Registration is Now Open for the 2024 Water Therapy for Children with Disabilities and Developmental Problems Program

Dear parents,

For the second year in a row, Karin Dom has started registrations under the Water Therapy for Children with Disabilities and Developmental Problems program, funded by the Municipality of Varna, Health Directorate.

The classes will be held at Karin Dom at: Varna, 86A Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd. Additional information about the program can be obtained at 0878/302 518 and 052/302 518 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Who is the Program for?

The program is free and children with special needs from 18 months to 11 years will be covered. The swimming sessions aim stimulating the physical and psychomotor development of children with disorders of the Autism spectrum, of the musculoskeletal system, children with Cerebral palsy, neurological and genetic disorders, children with Down Syndrome, through active activities in aquatic environment. Only children with special needs and address registration in the Municipality of Varna can participate in the program.

Objective of the program

The purpose of the program is to determine the individual needs of the children and, depending on them, to prepare a program for aquatic rehabilitation and adapted swimming with a certified instructor and under the supervision of a doctor. Activities are adapted to the individual potential of each child.

Expected results

We expect an improvement in the general condition of the children in: coordination, blood circulation, breathing, stimulation of the nervous system, strengthening of the bone system and immunity. Improvement of muscle tone, formation of important motor skills, improvement of adaptive skills to a changing environment and unfamiliar situations is also expected. Only children with address registration in the Municipality of Varna can be included in the program.

Steps for admission of children to the program:

1. Filling out an online application form for inclusion in the program HERE!
2. Schedule an examination date. After filling out the online application, the parent will receive a call from an employee of Karin Dom to schedule examinations with Dr. Sapundjieva – physiotherapist. A document certifying the medical diagnosis should be provided to Dr. Sapundjieva during the examination of the child.
3. Conducting an examination with Dr. Sapundjieva, a Doctor of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine and familiarization with the available medical documentation of the child, for referral to water therapy. If the child’s condition is not suitable for this type of therapy, they will not be included in the program.
4. Examination/consultation with swimming instructor, kinesitherapist and social worker after referral by Dr. Sapundjieva and completion of current case documentation. The social worker provides the parents with a “Card for the use of the program “Water Therapy” at Karin Dom” with a certain number of visits.
5. Inclusion of the child in a schedule for swimming sessions according to the program.
6. Start of swimming sessions. Each visit is marked on the Reception Water Therapy Program Card.
7. Preparation of an individual support plan. The social worker prepares a personal file for each child, which contains the following documents: Declaration of personal data for provision and collection, application for inclusion in the program. Medical documents certifying the existence of a medical diagnosis, Individual assessment of needs and, based on it, an Individual support plan.

The Karin Dom swimming pool 

One of the great advantages of the new Karin Dom complex, which we are proud of, is the presence of a swimming pool to complement the children’s physiotherapy. Our team has been joined by swimming coaches who help children enjoy free movement in the water and practice their motor skills in a fun and gentle way through the water.

The swimming pool measures 4/9 m, water temperature 33°C and is specially designed for children with mobility restrictions, it is equipped with a modern Hoist system – a functional and adapted system for moving children and people with disabilities, which allows more independent movement from the sanitary facilities and the changing room to the pool and back. This gives self-confidence and peace of mind to the child, as well as to the rehabilitator who will work in the pool.

The pool at Karin Dom is now one of the children’s favorite places for games and rehabilitation.

We are expecting you!

The program is financed by the Municipality of Varna, Health Directorate