Handicap Scuba Association: The Leader in disABLED diving (Add'l blog #7)



First it was sky diving, then it was exploring the wilderness at camp, then leaving land completely and going sailing, and NOW I'm going to share with you an opportunity for people with disabilities to explore the underwater world. That's right: Scuba Diving! The Handicap Scuba Association, also known as HSA, has been serving people with disabilities since 1981! Part of their mission statement says that their goal is to provide people with disabilities the same opportunities of quality training, certification and diving adventures as the rest of the population. Some of the disabilities they have accomodated in the past have included those with paraplegia, quadriplegia, those who are visually impaired, have high-functioning brain injuries or mild retardation. Based on the divers ability level, they will be assigned a corresponding level which states what their specific diving circumstances are. For example, if someone is a Level A diver, they are able to dive with as few as one other person. A Level B diver must be accompanied by at least 2 other divers and a Level C diver must be accompanied by 2 divers, 1 of which must be trained in diver rescue. They also offer a program called The Dive Buddy Course which allows an able bodied person to dive with someone with a disability. This is a great program for anyone who many want to try diving but would feel more comfortable doing it with a family member of friend, as well as for people who may want to increase the recreational spectrum of a family member or friend who has a disability. Overall, this association has instructors in over 45 countries worldwide! Every year, HSA plans several trips to exotic locations for the diving experience. What's more, the trips are actually planned by travel agents who have disabilities themselves and ensure that all aspects of the trip are handicap accessible! I am more and more amazed at the programs that I keep discovering that have amazing opportunities and I hope that those adventurous ones out there have the chance to experience all of these great things available to them! THe HSA website is available at this link. Until next time, Katie



Training in the pool before setting out to
the open waters of the ocean!