The Autism Society of America and Diversity in Aquatics are proud to announce a new partnership focused on advancing inclusive water safety, drowning prevention, aquatic accessibility, and community engagement for Autistic individuals and their families. Together, the organizations are working to address a critical need: ensuring that all individuals, especially those from historically underserved and underrepresented communities have equitable access to water safety education, adaptive aquatic opportunities, and inclusive aquatic environments.

A Shared Commitment to Saving Lives

Recognizing the importance of proactive, community-centered solutions, the Autism Society of America and Diversity in Aquatics are joining forces to expand impact through education, outreach, accessibility, advocacy, and collaboration. This partnership is rooted in a shared commitment to making water safety:

• Inclusive

• Accessible

• Culturally responsive

• Neurodiversity-affirming

• Family-centered

By combining expertise in Autism inclusion and adaptive aquatics, both organizations aim to increase awareness, strengthen community trust, and create sustainable pathways to safer aquatic experiences nationwide.

Expanding Access Through Collaboration

Through this partnership, the Autism Society of America and Diversity in Aquatics will collaborate in several key areas, including:

• Inclusive water safety education

• Community outreach and engagement

• Adaptive aquatic programming

• Professional training for aquatic personnel

• Public awareness and drowning prevention initiatives

Together, these efforts will help create safer, more welcoming aquatic spaces for individuals and families of all abilities and backgrounds.

Reaching Historically Underserved Communities

A central focus of this partnership is expanding outreach and engagement within historically underserved and underrepresented communities disproportionately impacted by drowning disparities and barriers to aquatic access. This includes Black/African American, Indigenous, Hispanic/Latino, and other communities that have historically faced inequities in water safety education, swimming participation, and access to aquatic resources.

Rooted in a shared commitment to inclusion, representation, and cultural awareness, the Autism Society of America and Diversity in Aquatics are working together to create more equitable pathways to water safety, education, and participation. By combining the Autism Society’s nationwide network with Diversity in Aquatics’ trusted community partnerships and culturally responsive outreach efforts, both organizations aim to reduce barriers, strengthen trust, and empower families through lifesaving aquatic education and inclusive programming.

Together, the organizations envision a future where water is a source of safety, confidence, opportunity, and joy for all individuals and families because everyone deserves the opportunity to learn how to swim, safely engage in aquatic environments, and thrive in and around the water.

A Vision for Inclusive Aquatic Spaces

This partnership represents more than a collaboration it reflects a shared vision for safer, more inclusive aquatic environments where Autistic individuals can safely and confidently experience the physical, emotional, and social benefits of water.

From water safety education and adaptive programming to family engagement and public awareness, the Autism Society of America and Diversity in Aquatics are committed to working together to improve outcomes, strengthen communities, and help save lives.

To learn more about the Autism Society’s Water and Wandering national program, visit AutismSociety.org. For more information about Diversity in Aquatics, visit www.diversityinaquatics.org.

About the Autism Society of America

The Autism Society of America’s mission is to create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully. As the nation’s oldest grassroots Autism organization, the Autism Society and its network of more than 70 local affiliates serve more than half a million individuals and families each year through advocacy, education, and community support services. Learn more at AutismSociety.org and follow the Autism Society on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

About Diversity in Aquatics

Diversity in Aquatics is building a more inclusive, accessible, and representative aquatic community through water safety education, drowning prevention, and equitable access to aquatics. Through its “25 in 2025” initiative, the organization aims to certify 250 lifeguards, train 25 new water safety instructors, educate 25,000 individuals nationwide on water safety, and engage 2,500 new swimmers and coaches in competitive and Learn-to-Swim programs particularly within historically underrepresented communities.

Diversity in Aquatics is also cultivating diverse leadership in aquatics, supporting HBCUs, and advocating for equitable policies that increase access and representation throughout the aquatic industry. By 2028, the organization envisions empowered communities, increased representation, and a strong pipeline of diverse aquatic talent because everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive in and around the water.