Just received an email from DDI that they are closing their operations. Sad to see as they were a great organization. The training I received from them definitely helped me as an instructor.
This is the email:
Dear DDI Member,
It is with a heavy heart that I write this e-mail to you. After 14 years of dedicated service, Disabled Divers International (DDI) is coming to an end. Unfortunately, the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic have made it difficult to regain the momentum we once had.
In response to the pandemic, we made memberships free and paused our activities to keep costs low. However, this slowdown has made it increasingly difficult to resume normal operations. Despite exploring all possible options over the past two years, we have concluded that DDI will officially close on December 31, 2024, and will no longer issue certifications.
If you or your students are in need of a physical certification card, please contact me directly, no later than the 14th of November 2024, as it will be the last chance to print and send physical certification cards. I will remain available for email requests to confirm certifications.
While this chapter comes to an end, we are pleased to introduce Diverse Ability, a non-profit amateur sports association established on October 1, 2023, in Italy. This organization is partnered with the well-known non-profit, Divers Alert Network (DAN) Europe, and is led by our own Luca Crippa and his exceptional team. They will continue the important work of supporting disabled diving worldwide.
As of January 2025, Diverse Ability will have training materials, standards, and information available in English. However, due to changes in their standards and the need for independent record-keeping, they require all DDI Professionals/Assistants to complete a 3-hour online crossover course to work under their programs.
I am glad that I can offer for DDI to pay the cross over fees for any DDI Pro/Assistant member who has been in active status during 2020 and completes the transition by the end of 2025. If you are interested, I strongly recommend contacting info@diverseability.eu now to receive updates on possible crossover dates and further information.
Additionally, if you are a diving professional with Scuba Schools International (SSI), you may wish to explore the SSI Classified Diving program, which closely aligns with DDI’s level system. This program offers a similar approach to adaptive diving and is supported by a larger commercial training organization. Please reach out to your local SSI contact for more details about the program.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to each of you. Over the years, your efforts have made a significant difference in the lives of countless divers with disabilities. Whether by direct support or through the development of specialized training programs, your dedication has helped open the underwater world to many who may have never thought it possible. I am personally proud to have been a part of this journey, and I recognize the challenges many of us face, including myself, in continuing this important work.
Thank you for your commitment, passion, and support throughout these years. Together, we have made an impact in both the industry but also in peoples lives.
Kind Regards
Sole Viktor
----------------------------------------------
Disabled Divers International
Email: sole@ddivers.org
Web: www.ddivers.org
DDI President and CEO
(mods, if this isn't the right place, please move).
This is the email:
Dear DDI Member,
It is with a heavy heart that I write this e-mail to you. After 14 years of dedicated service, Disabled Divers International (DDI) is coming to an end. Unfortunately, the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic have made it difficult to regain the momentum we once had.
In response to the pandemic, we made memberships free and paused our activities to keep costs low. However, this slowdown has made it increasingly difficult to resume normal operations. Despite exploring all possible options over the past two years, we have concluded that DDI will officially close on December 31, 2024, and will no longer issue certifications.
If you or your students are in need of a physical certification card, please contact me directly, no later than the 14th of November 2024, as it will be the last chance to print and send physical certification cards. I will remain available for email requests to confirm certifications.
While this chapter comes to an end, we are pleased to introduce Diverse Ability, a non-profit amateur sports association established on October 1, 2023, in Italy. This organization is partnered with the well-known non-profit, Divers Alert Network (DAN) Europe, and is led by our own Luca Crippa and his exceptional team. They will continue the important work of supporting disabled diving worldwide.
As of January 2025, Diverse Ability will have training materials, standards, and information available in English. However, due to changes in their standards and the need for independent record-keeping, they require all DDI Professionals/Assistants to complete a 3-hour online crossover course to work under their programs.
I am glad that I can offer for DDI to pay the cross over fees for any DDI Pro/Assistant member who has been in active status during 2020 and completes the transition by the end of 2025. If you are interested, I strongly recommend contacting info@diverseability.eu now to receive updates on possible crossover dates and further information.
Additionally, if you are a diving professional with Scuba Schools International (SSI), you may wish to explore the SSI Classified Diving program, which closely aligns with DDI’s level system. This program offers a similar approach to adaptive diving and is supported by a larger commercial training organization. Please reach out to your local SSI contact for more details about the program.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to each of you. Over the years, your efforts have made a significant difference in the lives of countless divers with disabilities. Whether by direct support or through the development of specialized training programs, your dedication has helped open the underwater world to many who may have never thought it possible. I am personally proud to have been a part of this journey, and I recognize the challenges many of us face, including myself, in continuing this important work.
Thank you for your commitment, passion, and support throughout these years. Together, we have made an impact in both the industry but also in peoples lives.
Kind Regards
Sole Viktor
----------------------------------------------
Disabled Divers International
Email: sole@ddivers.org
Web: www.ddivers.org
DDI President and CEO
(mods, if this isn't the right place, please move).
