Orion SC Hub Club information
If you need any more information about disability swimming please get in touch using our dedicated email address disabilityhub@orionswimmingclub.co.uk
What is a Hub Club?
Hub Clubs are local swimming clubs that work in partnership with the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) to provide an assessment opportunity for any swimmer with a disability.
Paralympic gold medallist Ellie Simmonds - London 2012
What age group is covered by the scheme?
Hub Clubs provide the assessment opportunity to all ages - from four years to adult - although a swimmer must be able to swim at least 25 metres
What happens during an assessment?
During an assessment a swimmer will be asked to demonstrate to the best of their ability their stroke skills including front crawl, breaststroke, backstroke and butterfly. It will not affect the assessment if a swimmer is unable to complete a particular stroke due to their disability.
The swimmer will be asked to complete a set of swimming tasks including push and glide, floating, entering the water, distance swims and timed swims. Usually the swimmer will then take part in a planned session along with other swimmers.
Are there any disabilities that cannot be accommodated?
We will endeavour to support all people with disabilities. Should a swimmer require support in the water, this can be arranged.
We can accommodate most physical disabilities and sensory impairments and we support swimmers with learning needs. Please note that swimmers with behavioural difficulties will still need to abide by the Orion SC behaviour policy, which applies to all swimmers, parents and visitors to the club.
Swimmers with multiple disabilities can be assessed.
Is there a pool hoist/other equipment?
We have hoist facilities at one of our venues. We have swimming equipment available and currently our staff are being trained in relation to working with people with disabilities. Other specialised equipment can be obtained if required.
How long does an assessment take?
The length of an assessment really depends on the individual. On average it will take around 20 minutes but this is usually followed by participation in a planned session with other swimmers, depending on needs and stamina of the swimmer being assessed.
Does the swimmer need to bring anything?
The swimmer will need to bring their swimwear, towel, goggles, drink of water in a plastic bottle and a hat. If the swimmer has their own equipment such as a float, pullbuoy, etc then bring these along as well, however, they can be supplied for the assessment.
How much does it cost?
There is no charge for an assessment.
How long do you have to wait for an assessment?
We can usually book an assessment within a couple of weeks of the initial enquiry - depending on the individual's needs.
What happens after the assessment?
After the assessment, feedback will be given in relation to what level the swimmer is currently at and what the next targets should be. The swimmer will then be signposted to either a local swimming club or to a local learn to swim programme - not necessarily with Orion SC - but to a club that is the nearest or most convenient to the swimmer.
The swimmer will also be invited to join the West Midlands Disability Swimming Squad.
Team GB Paralympic swimmer Clare Cashmore - London 2012
What is the WMDSS?
The West Midlands Disability Swimming Squad is a specialised swimming squad for swimmers with disabilities. The squad is aimed at athletes who have the ability or the potential to compete at national level. The squad is vital to the younger talented disability swimmer as many are the only disabled swimmers in their clubs and the squad sessions afford them the opportunity to train with other disabled swimmers.
Squad members compete at regional, national, World Championship and Paralympic competitions - some are British and World Record holders in their events.
Is the assessment the same as being 'classified'?
No. Without a classification, a swimmer cannot compete in a disability event. Classification depends on the disabilities but WMDSS will support with this process. Note however that classification can take many months as there is a huge waiting list, so the earlier the process is started the better.
Not all disabilities can be classified, however further advice and support can be provided following an assessment.
How do I find out more?
You can contact Orion using our dedicated email address
disabilityhub@orionswimmingclub.co.uk
and you can visit the West Midlands Disability Swimming Squad website.