09/17/2026
INTRODUCING OUR NEWEST CLASSIFIED DIVER PROFESSIONALS AND BUDDIES
From as far away as Toledo, Ohio, to right here in our own backyard, these four dedicated individuals came together last weekend with a common goal: learning how to introduce the life-changing experience of scuba diving to people with disabilities.
During the intensive four-day course, participants explored a variety of disabilities, learned techniques for diving with adaptive divers, gained experience with specialized equipment, participated in role-playing activities, and developed practical skills for accommodating and adapting to individual needs both in and out of the water.
More importantly, they built camaraderie, teamwork, empathy, and a deeper understanding of what it means to make diving truly accessible for everyone.
Here are just a few of their reflections:
"I liked the facilitation of camaraderie."
"The SSI materials and standards made the course flow smoothly."
"The instructors' passion, enthusiasm, and decades of experience were contagious."
"It was transformative!"
"My favorite parts were the skill practice in the pool and the role-playing exercises. I especially enjoyed the dives at the Aquarium."
"My brain is racing as I figure out how to start a program in our dive store."
"I loved all of the extras that were added to the program, including learning how to 'drive a wheelchair' using the ceiling lift over the pool, learning how to use a harness for water entry and exit, and hearing stories drawn from more than 80 years of combined experience working with people who have adaptive needs."
"The various exercises on land and in the water built a sense of empathy that helped me understand the reasons behind all of the skills and processes we learned."
"I really enjoyed the opportunity to apply my knowledge and experience at the Downtown Aquarium. It truly was the highlight of the course."
This class demonstrates that adaptive diving is about much more than techniques and equipment. It is about teamwork, understanding, empathy, and creating opportunities for everyone to experience the underwater world.
We are proud to welcome these new Classified Diver Professionals and Buddies to the adaptive diving community and look forward to seeing the lives they will impact through their dedication and passion.
We invite you to join our next course December 11-14 and experience how we’re changing lives one dive at a time, through teamwork, empathy, and inclusion 🌊🤿💙
