Diveheart brings the inspirational and transformative powers of scuba diving to those with disabilities. Through adaptive scuba programs, Diveheart helps children, adults, and veterans with a range of disabilities experience the joys of scuba diving. Learn more about their work building self-confidence through scuba diving here!
What is Diveheart’s mission?
Diveheart builds confidence, self esteem, and independence in the lives of children, adults, and veterans with disabilities through scuba diving and scuba therapy. Diveheart instills the “can do” spirit in participants, inspiring them to take on challenges that they may not have considered before. Using zero gravity and the adventure paradigm, we help participants believe that if they can scuba dive, they can do anything. Our educational scuba diving programs provide both physical and psychological therapeutic benefits for everyone who enters the water.
Can you tell me about the individuals you work with?
We work with individuals who have a variety of disabilities, including physical and developmental disabilities, vision and hearing impairments, amputations, traumatic brain injuries, PTSD, and more. Our goal is to help these individuals imagine the possibilities in their lives. We’ve discovered the forgiving, weightless wonder of water provides the perfect gravity-free environment for those who might otherwise struggle on land. Underwater, everyone is equal. We believe in the limitless potential of individuals with disabilities, and have seen through scuba therapy that empowerment can transcend into all areas of life.
Where do your programs operate?
Diveheart programs are available in Illinois, Wisconsin, Georgia, Florida, and our flagship international program is in Malaysia. Most are open programs in pools that run on a monthly basis. Diveheart works with certified scuba divers and divers with disabilities to create Adaptive Diving Teams that allow everyone to experience zero gravity underwater. We have several certifications that provide divers with the best knowledge base, training, and experience possible.
What are your plans to expand your reach?
We have many exciting plans for the future, as we are currently fundraising for the Diveheart Education and Research Facility and the Diveheart Deep Pool. The facility will stand as a beacon of innovation and exploration in underwater education and discovery, converging science, medicine, education, and passion to unlock aquatic mysteries. The pool project aims to revolutionize therapeutic possibilities for all abilities, creating the world’s deepest warm water therapy pool. This hub will prioritize inclusivity, serving as a transformative space for those with physical and cognitive challenges to experience adaptive scuba therapy. Beyond a pool, this project will seek to build a global destination for scuba therapy, offering vocational opportunities and fostering community and empowerment.
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