Challenges Face Handicapped Students and Their Instructors

[IDC Staff Instructor]

If my students have a willingness to learn, I will do my best to
educate and train them to become certified or guided divers regardless
of age or disability. At some point one has to deal with the physical,
mental, emotional and social problems related to handicapped students.
It is my job to help those with special needs overcome their
adversities, develop self confidence and maintain a positive attitude
to enjoy zero gravity.

Students who cannot pass or complete mainstream scuba course
prerequisites can still learn to dive through one of many handicapped
scuba associations. The common types of disabilities are: amputations,
asthma, auditory, blood pressure (high and low), bowel control,
cerebral palsy, diabetes, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis (MS), muscular
dystrophy (MD), obesity, spinal injuries (spina bifida and
quadriplegics) and vision loss.
Able bodied divers need to learn their limitations, while handicapped
divers know their limitations and have to adapt to them. Diving allows
everyone to participate equally in this weightless environment.

to read more: http://www.scubanews.com/0907/hsa.html