IDC employs therapists with a background in special education. The skilled therapists at Island Dolphin Care use the motivation and excitement generated in the water and in their classroom sessions to introduce new techniques and resources to each child and family.

From March through November Island Dolphin Care provides its 5-day programs to children and families from around the world. The unique combination of play and animal assisted therapy provides children and young adults who have special needs encouragement and joy. Island Dolphin Care strives to build children’s self-esteem and self-confidence through the use of our wonderful dolphin friends. The dolphins provide unconditional motivation and support to children with various disabilities. Children from around the world have visited Island Dolphin Care and have left with memories that will last a lifetime. All children are capable of laughing, smiling, and feeling proud…at Island Dolphin Care children are given the independence and confidence to laugh, smile, and feel proud in every aspect of their life.

Families stay in Key Largo for one to three weeks. IDC is proud of the special family experience it provides. Through their own personal experience Peter and Deena found that it can be difficult to find activities that the entire family can participate in. IDC’s therapy process includes everyone. Siblings participate in every aspect of the classroom and are often invited to assist during the dolphin sessions. On Thursdays siblings play with the dolphins side-by-side with their special brother or sister. The program ends each Friday with a natural dolphin swim in celebration of the wondrous weeklong experience.

For more information see Island Dolphin Care’s website at www.islanddolphincare.org or call 305-451-5884.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to participate in activities that will enhance their emotional and physical well-being through joyful experiences.”

“Without judgment, without fear, they interact and accept you as something wonderful”

RANDY

Quotes from Randy’s Dad Warren Kersh

“Upon arriving on Monday morning until our departure Friday afternoon your staff could not do enough for us. They gave not only their time and expertise but their love and caring, Randy was comfortable from the first hello and I was able to relax and not worry whether he was in good hands and were all his needs being met. I didn’t realize how much I needed that, I guess it’s been about 7 ½ years since I actually really relaxed. For that I thank you.”