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Scuba Diving
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Skin Protection: Reduced circulation, lack of sensation,
or lack of movement can lead to skin breakdown. It is advised
that carpet strips be used on pool decks and rocky shorelines
to protect skin on hands and feet. Feet should be covered
with diving boots or other foot coverings and other sensitive
extremities should be similarly covered.
Medications: Depth of water and water pressure may
increase the effects of certain medications to the point that
it is not possible to safely participate in scuba diving.
Medication and medical history is usually discussed in the
first scuba class and individuals must consult their personal
physicians about any safety concerns.
Pulmonary Conditions: Before anyone begins a scuba
certification program, a full medical exam with chest x-rays
must be taken. Contraindications do exist for some types of
disabilities. Certain pulmonary conditions can affect air
trapping, heart conditions and even convulsive disorders.
Check with your physician.
Temperature Regulation: Individuals who have trouble
with temperature regulation (quadriplegics, paraplegics, individuals
with cerebral palsy, etc.) should always wear a wet suit in
cold waters. A dry suit offers even more protection in extremely
cold water, as it doesn't allow water to come between your
skin and the suit, as a conventional wet suit does.
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Because water greatly reduces or even eliminates
mobility problems for swimmers with disabilities, scuba diving can
be taught to disabled swimmers with virtually no modifications.
People with disabilities can go diving right along with non-disabled
divers. Handicapped divers must be assisted to the dive platform
and to exit the water, but everything else is the same; no special
gear is required.
 For
some, scuba diving represents total freedom because it affords one
the opportunity to move about without a wheelchair or other assistive
devices in a barrier-free, gravity-free environment! It also offers
a boost in self-esteem because becoming certified takes work. A
person is left with a sense of accomplishment and the confidence
to embrace new challenges.
The same basic safety and equipment concerns apply
to everyone (there are just a few additional issues for people with
disabilities, as discussed below). Divers should seek regular training
through certified scuba classes, rather than at resort classes.
Bay Islands Beach Resort
http://www.bibr.com
Accessible ocean front dive & snorkel resort Camel Dive Club
http://www.cameldive.com
Casa Colina Centers for
Rehabilitation
http://www.casacolina.org
Outdoor adventures include ocean sailing, rock climbing, white-water
rafting, snow skiing, horse-packing, water skiing, deep sea fishing,
back packing, freshwater fishing, winter camping, dog sledding,
sea kayaking, and family camping. This program is open to people
of all abilities.
Day on the Beach
Shared Adventures
http://www.sharedadventures.com/DotB.htm
Dive Pirates Adaptive Diving
sponsored by Brac Reef Beach Resort in the Cayman Islands
http://www.divepirates.org/index.html
Excellent diving opportunities off a remote island. Divers with disabilities get as much assistance as needed in this fun, certified program. The next Brac Reef Beach Resort excursion is May 19-26, 2007 For more information on, call 832-212-1967, email Barbara or Sophie at wwdgd@sbcglobal.net or visit. For details on Brac Reef Beach Resort, call 1-800-594-0843 or visit http://www.bracreef.com.
Handicapped Scuba Association (HSA)
http://www.hsascuba.com
This organization operates as an independent
diver training and certifying agency. It offers diver education
programs and instructor training courses, diving trips and related
activities in the U.S. and around the world. HSA is recognized internationally.
Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort
http://www.fijiresort.com
Journey's End Resort
http://www.oladeals.com/c/1/1230/1312109_1230.htm
Live/Dive Pacific Inc.
http://www.pac-aggressor.com
Provides Liveaboard Diving on Aggressor Dive Yachts
Special thanks to Jeffrey A. Jones and Michael C. Paciorek for
technical information, and resources excerpted from their book,
"Sports and Recreation for the Disabled."
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