Scuba Diving for the Handicapped
The Scuba Diving industry over the years has evolved rapidly and more people are becoming involved. There has always been a misconception that it is a sport that is available to the fit and able bodied. However, in recent years the industry has seen an increase in disabled divers, which has been a major leap forward. Disabled divers have been supported by the introduction of various organization’s that purely work with people with various disabilities, both physical and mental. Scuba Cat, 5 * CDC Center, is also a DDI Instructor Training Centre (Disabled Divers International). Sarah Kench, the Owner and General Manager, is a Course Director and an Instructor Trainer for the organization and Hielke Oppers, a Instructor at Scuba Cat Diving is also an Instructor for DDI. Scuba Cat Diving recently represented the DDI at MIDE, the Malaysian Dive Show in Kuala Lumpur. Their presence at the show always attracts interest and it is a positive step in promoting the disabled diving community, which is growing.
Scuba Cat representing the DDI at MIDE 2011
Many disabled divers are restricted with their movements and sensory functions. Can you imagine being a paraplegic, sitting in a wheelchair for most of your waking day? Most people who have been able bodied and due to injury or disease are restricted do have a tendency to suffer from depression. There seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel. Diving offers hope. It is freedom from a wheelchair. Scuba Cat Diving has offered this freedom to many people over the years.
Diving for the Disabled
Scuba Cat Diving has facilities that can accommodate disabled divers. The training center is a multi purpose building, where disabled divers can enjoy their theory lessons in comfort on the ground floor. Scuba Cat has it’s own swimming pool and day boat, which means that logistics of accommodating a disabled diver is not an issue. Every disabled diver is assessed and depending on the type of disability a program is put into place to cater for that individual’s needs and wants.
"No Barriers"
This is a wonderful program and with time hopefully more and more disabled divers will enter the sport. Disabled is a word that tells the world that you can’t do something. Diving ENABLES these people and highlights what they CAN do!!
Scubacat Community