Mission:
-Provide community engagement opportunities to individuals with physical and developmental differences emphasizing the safe use of scuba and snorkel equipment; and to facilitate social interaction, physical activity, and improved self-confidence.
-Provide a practical setting for IU Undergraduate and Graduate students interested in adaptive physical activity to gain professional experience and to serve as a platform for current and future research.
More Information:
Scuba diving as a recreational activity for individuals with disabilities has become increasingly popular in current years. Indiana University (IU) researchers are working to better understand the physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual benefits associated with scuba diving, specifically for individuals with disabilities.
The Center for Underwater Science continues to explore the differences between adaptive and therapeutic scuba diving. During adaptive diving sessions an instructor utilizes adaptive teaching techniques and equipment to achieve certification while therapeutic diving consists of setting individual specific goals and objectives under the supervision of a therapist. Recreational therapists utilize recreation and leisure as modality to bring about therapeutic outcomes. We continue to investigate scuba diving through this recreational therapy approach.
Starting in 2017, the Center for Underwater Science and the Academic Diving Program partnered with the Indiana University's outdoor center and camp, Bradford Woods, during Riley Hospital for Children’s medical camps. During the summer months, IU instructors work with campers to introduce basic scuba diving skills and engage in underwater games. Not only do we hope to educate campers about the recreational sport of scuba diving but also aim to empower campers to break down perceived limitations.
Click below to see a featured article through News at IU:
School of Public Health and Bradford Woods partner to make scuba diving accessible for all
For more information on how to get involved please contact Bob Kessler at rkessler@indiana.edu or our adaptive scuba specialist Rachel Wilson at wilsrach@iu.edu.
For information about how to receive adaptive scuba training, please contact Bob Kessler:
Bob Kessler
Associate Director, IU Academic Diving
rkessler@indiana.edu
IU Alliances:
Center for Underwater Science
Bradford Woods
Dept. of Kinesiology Adapted Physical Education
Dept. of Health Wellness and Design, Therapeutic Recreation Program
Current ADP Adaptive Scuba Activities:
Bradford Woods / Camp Riley
Camp Little Red Door
Camp About Face
Camp Independence
Venture Camp
Wishes for our Heroes Inc.
Dive Industry Affiliations:
Professional Association of Diving Instructors
Diveheart
Disabled Divers International
Funding Sources:
The IU ADP Adapted Scuba Association is funded through tax deductible Donations via the IU Foundation, Service Contracts and Grants. To make a donation please click on the link below:
