Our Program
Humans are weightless underwater. For many able-bodied people, diving feels like flying. For those with physical or mental disabilities, it can be life changing.
That’s why we developed the Denver Adaptive Divers program – to provide those facing severe physical and mental challenges the opportunity to experience the benefits of diving.
What We Offer
We provide adaptive scuba diving and underwater exploration opportunities for individuals with various disabilities, ensuring they have the support, equipment, and training they need to dive safely and confidently.
Once you’re accepted into the program most of the cost for your training and training for a dive buddy is covered. DAD covers all training costs, and most costs for a week long dive trip abroad, including lodging, meals, and diving. You’re required to pay for your air travel.
The training program includes:
- Online, classroom, and pool instruction
- Snorkeling gear that is yours to keep – dive mask, fins, and snorkel
- Free use of all other dive gear – BCD, regulator, & wetsuit
- Free pool group practice sessions with one of our instructors to prepare for your certification dives
- Dive trip with your buddy
- Diver certification through Scuba Schools International (SSI)
- Free use of the pool once you are certified
Customized Dive Training
We offer tailored scuba programs designed to accommodate your unique needs. Whether you’re someone with a spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, PTSD, or another condition, our certified instructors tailor diving techniques and equipment to ensure that you have safe and enjoyable experience.
Expert Instructors and Support
Our team consists of highly trained and experienced instructors who specialize in adaptive scuba diving. These professionals work closely with you, and provide personalized instruction so that you feel safe and comfortable throughout your training. Our instructors focus on teaching dive skills, understanding of which skills you can complete, and which need modification. When you train with us, your personalized plan always suits your abilities.
We take the time to get to know our divers, and understand what’s important to help them succeed. For those with spinal cord injuries, we learn about your morning program, how you resolve spasms, and how you recognize and address signs of autonomic dysreflexia. For those with PTSD, we learn about your triggers, and how you normally react to stress and anxiety. At every step, we focus on your concerns and needs.
Custom Dive Equipment
Some adaptive divers don’t require custom equipment, but those with mobility issues often do. For those divers, we provide modified gear. This might include custom wetsuits, buoyancy compensators and adaptive harnesses.
In addition to this specialized equipment, the dive resorts that we work with must offer accessible boats ramps, and other accommodations for adaptive divers. It’s all about meeting your unique needs.
Certification Along with a Buddy
When you train with us, a friend or family member is invited to join the program and train to become a certified adaptive dive buddy.
This buddy system promotes safety and reduces risk. It also sets the stage for a lifetime of shared scuba experiences and underwater exploration.
It’s of course fine if there’s no one suitable among your friend or family to train with you. We’ll happily pair you up with one of our experienced volunteer dive buddies.
Healing Through the Ocean
Scuba diving provides numerous therapeutic benefits. The calming, weightless environment of the ocean can help alleviate physical pain, reduce anxiety, and promote emotional healing. Many find that the underwater experience offers a sense of tranquility and relief from the daily challenges of living with a disability. While our program begins in the pool and classroom, that’s only the start, as we take you on a trip to the ocean for diving certification, and to experience the magic of the marine environment.
Strong Community and Support Network
Through our adaptive scuba diving programs, you’ll be introduced to a community of like-minded individuals who share similar experiences and challenges. The camaraderie built within this community fosters long-lasting friendships and support networks, helping participants feel connected and supported. Some of our trips include up to 80+ participants, buddies, instructors, caregivers, family members and other divers.