Diver training agency PADI has launched its inaugural Adaptive Diving Week to support its ‘mission to make the wonder of the underwater world accessible to all.’
The week-long event started this year on 1 December and will become an annual event to encourage divers with physical and mental disabilities to explore the underwater world.
‘PADI has long been committed to creating opportunities for people of all abilities to explore and protect the ocean,” says Kristin Valette Wirth, Chief Brand and Membership Officer for PADI Worldwide.
‘We were founded on the belief that the oceans should be accessible to all, with PADI Adaptive Diving Week being an opportunity for us all to reflect on the impact the sport has on the global community.’
Globally, one in six people – around 1.3 billion individuals – experience some form of disability, which can present both physical and psychological barriers to activities that others may take for granted.
Scuba diving and freediving, however, have been credited as being extremely beneficial in overcoming the difficulties that disabled people can experience.
In 2018, a scientific study by the University of Sheffield’s Medical School found that scuba diving had immense therapeutic benefits to military combat veterans struggling with traumatic physical and psychological injuries.
PADI First introduced its Adaptive Techniques Specialty course in 2017, a programme which helps dive professionals adapt their teaching techniques when training divers with physical or mental difficulties.
In the same year, the agency launched its Adaptive Support Diver course for divers who want to assist disabled dive buddies, and established the PADI Adaptive Service Facility accreditation for dive centres and resorts that ‘demonstrate excellence’ in providing adaptive services and infrastructure for disabled divers.
PADI says that the Adaptive Diving Week falls under its ‘People & Humanity Pillar of Change‘ diversity and inclusion initiative, which it says is ‘designed to raise awareness about the healing benefits of diving and the ever-expanding access to dive training, experiences, and facilities.’
Typical activities being hosted during the Adaptive Diving Week include:
- Diani, Kenya: Ocean Tribe – owned by PADI’s first paraplegic course director, Mark Slingo – is running a series of adaptive diving programmes, including Discover Scuba Diving experiences, a PADI Adaptive Techniques Specialty Instructor Training Course, and PADI Adaptive Diver Specialty courses. Ocean Tribe is also hosting a series of online sessions geared towards dive professionals on how to train and support disabled divers.
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Kids Scuba is hosting an adaptive diving workshop and community experience.
- Florida, USA: Nova Southeastern University is holding events with the university’s disability services team to raise awareness of adaptive diving.
‘PADI Members are at the forefront of creating positive ocean change,’ added Valette Wirth. ‘As PADI Adaptive Diving Week continues, we encourage members to explore how they can contribute to making the ocean a place where everyone, regardless of abilities, can dive in, explore, and protect for future generations.’
Dive centres and professionals who wish to learn more about PADI’s Adaptive Diving programme, and enquire about preparation for next year’s events are advised to contact their regional team.
