Adaptive Scuba Diving
Kacie C. Webster
University of Wisconsin La Crosse
December 2016
Abstract
This current trend assignment explores the trend of adaptive scuba diving as a therapeutic recreation service. As many may not be aware of adaptive scuba diving and its benefits it is important to share these findings with future Certified Recreational Therapy Specialists so that they can offer such an activity to their future participants. Cole and Smith (2014) explore adaptive scuba diving to raise awareness of implementing such a program, this case report is designed using the APIE (A-Assessment, P-Planning, I-Implementation, E-Evaluation) process as followed by recreation therapists. Wilhite, Martin, and Shank (2016) investigate and discuss the facilitation of physical activity for adults with disabilities, while the benefits of multiple physical activities are discussed, scuba diving is one that participants mention as beneficial. As with any activity, benefits and barriers must be explored. Through a review of Scuba Diving Tourism by Khoo & Walsh (2013) readers will gain a better understanding of these aspects. This paper also studies the peer reviewed articles of Cole and Smith (2014) and Wilhite et al. (2016) on adaptive scuba diving.
Keywords: adaptive scuba diving, physical activity, disability
Adaptive Scuba Diving
Although adaptive scuba diving is not a new concept, not many individuals know about it and the benefits that are acquired. There are several organizations that promote adaptive scuba diving; Diveheart, Aquanauts Adaptive Scuba Diving, and Handicap Scuba Association are just a few. Organizations like these provide opportunities to individuals of all abilities to get in the water and enjoy the physical activity of scuba diving. Scuba diving, unique in itself, is unlike any other activity; it offers learning, socialization, adaptation and growth over a long period of time (Fackrell, 2011). This paper will explain adaptive scuba diving and its benefits, barriers, as well as explore the effects adaptive scuba diving has on the work of a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist.
Scuba diving is an adventure sport that many individuals correlate with young athletic individuals (Khoo & Walsh, 2013). Although this might be the stereotype associated with scuba diving, there are increasingly more and more individuals exploring the sport of scuba diving (Khoo & Walsh, 2013). Adaptive scuba diving is very similar to general scuba diving. Fackrell (2011) states that this activity is not altered for those with disabilities, there are usually additional considerations involved in adaptive scuba diving, but the equipment is usually the same. It is well recognized that the general public does not have a great understanding or acknowledgement of adaptive scuba diving programs. An increase in the awareness of such programs could aid in many individuals’ lives (Cole & Smith, 2014). Scuba diving has proven to be beneficial for a wide variety of individuals (Cole & Smith, 2014). While benefits of scuba diving have been researched for many this paper will focus on the benefits provided to individuals with physical disabilities.
As mentioned before, there are a wide range of benefits that are experienced to those that participate in adaptive scuba diving. Jim Elliott (personal communication, October 19, 2016), founder of Diveheart, claimed that there are many benefits encompassed in scuba diving because of the zero-gravity atmosphere of being in the water. Without gravity affecting the body, there is an ability of motion that is not necessarily allowed on land. Kors (2009) illustrates an experience of a participant whom shares how being in the water allows her to be weightless and move about freely unlike being on land where there are limitations. Research shows that individuals that dive to specific depths experience an extra output of serotonin that aids in pain management (Jim Elliott, personal communication, October 19, 2016). Jim Elliott (personal communication, October 19, 2016) also described instances of participants that experienced essentially three weeks pain free from one scuba diving trip. Not only are there physical benefits to scuba diving, there are social, emotional, and cognitive benefits as well. Participants state that the large number of social supports they gain from activities like scuba diving are very valuable in their lives (Wilhite et al., 2016). Scuba diving promotes a purpose and increase in self-confidence for individuals as they try something new and succeed in reaching their individualized goals (Fackrell, 2011).
As with most activities there are also barriers to adaptive scuba diving. Physical accessibility and accessibility to information are common barriers for individuals with disabilities. The biggest limitation would be the lack of information, programs, and equipment to pursue adaptive scuba diving (Khoo & Walsh, 2013). Through educating participants and providing resources, individuals will have a better opportunity to explore the options that are out there. Medical release to participate in scuba diving is not always required, but dependent on the organization, individual, and doctor (Khoo & Walsh, 2013). This adaptive activity requires little to no adaptive equipment (Jim Elliott, personal communication, October 19, 2016). Jim Elliott (personal communication, October 19, 2016) mentions that participants typically wear regular scuba gear, adaptive equipment might include a full-face mask to ensure a safer dive and the use of communication devices to aid in the experience. With individualized treatment plans, individual considerations can be addressed ensuring the safety and overall enhanced experience for that individual.
Therapeutic recreation has core values such as the enrichment of leisure experiences for participants (Anderson & Heyne, 2012). Providing participants with meaningful leisure experiences will aid in their physical, social, emotional, and cognitive well-being. As future Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists, providing resources to participants will be essential in reaching their individualized goals. Having a plethora of resources will only enhance their leisure opportunities that much more. Inquiring about leisure opportunities that are available in our communities is a major part of recreation therapy. Another focus of therapeutic recreation is increasing the quality of life and overall well-being of participants through leisure experiences based off of participants’ dreams and aspirations (Anderson & Heyne, 2012). It has been stated that scuba diving is an activity that “improves quality of life and helps to live life to their fullest potential” (Fackrell, 2011). Being an activity that promotes overall well-being, scuba diving is a great resource for individuals of all abilities. Involving a program like adaptive scuba diving as a therapeutic intervention into recreational therapy would provide participants with a meaningful leisure activity that involves a zero-gravity atmosphere to promote free movement that they may otherwise be limited to, a social resource as they will meet many new friends and support systems, and an overall enhanced leisure experience through the therapeutic benefits of scuba diving. Jim Elliott (personal communication, October 19, 2016) shared wonderful stories of pain management, purpose, and leisure enhancement; all in which would benefit therapeutic recreation participants.
Training courses are available to those that are interested in facilitating adaptive scuba diving, researching for an adaptive scuba diving organization near you will provide you with necessary information in becoming involved in the modality of adaptive scuba diving. As Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists begin to refer participants to these adaptive scuba diving organizations, adaptive scuba diving will continue to grow. As participants are referred the need for additional equipment and staff within the adaptive scuba diving organizations will also grow. Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists can write grants as needed to aid in funding such wonderful programs.
Adaptive scuba diving may not be a new activity, but awareness and education of the opportunity will benefit future therapeutic recreation participants and the general public. An activity that has proven benefits to its participants, adaptive scuba diving is a current trend that will continue to grow. The future of adaptive scuba diving is positive and will continue to expand, some may agree that adaptive scuba diving is like “underwater yoga” (Jim Elliott, personal communication, October 19, 2016) mentioned that adaptive scuba diving is expanding. With continuous benefits and additional education, adaptive scuba diving is a progressive resource that should be considered for therapeutic recreation participants.
References
Anderson, L., & Heyne, L. (2012). Therapeutic recreation practice: A strengths approach. State College, PA: Venture Pub.
Cole, M., & Smith, R. (2014). RAISING AWARENESS for Adapted Scuba: A Case Report. Palaestra, 28(1), 36-41.
Khoo, S., & Walsh, C. (2013). Review 2: Scuba diving for people with disabilities. Scuba Diving Tourism, 40, 76.
Kors, J. (2009). Bouyed Spirits. Current Science., 95(1), 6.
Fackrell, A. (2011). Proceedings from Myoelectric Symposium Conference 2011: MEC 11 Raising the Standard. New Brunswick, Canada.
Wilhite, B., Martin, D., & Shank, J. (2016). Facilitating physical activity among adults with disabilities. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 50(1), 33.
Boost Post
Kacie C. Webster
University of Wisconsin La Crosse
December 2016
Abstract
This current trend assignment explores the trend of adaptive scuba diving as a therapeutic recreation service. As many may not be aware of adaptive scuba diving and its benefits it is important to share these findings with future Certified Recreational Therapy Specialists so that they can offer such an activity to their future participants. Cole and Smith (2014) explore adaptive scuba diving to raise awareness of implementing such a program, this case report is designed using the APIE (A-Assessment, P-Planning, I-Implementation, E-Evaluation) process as followed by recreation therapists. Wilhite, Martin, and Shank (2016) investigate and discuss the facilitation of physical activity for adults with disabilities, while the benefits of multiple physical activities are discussed, scuba diving is one that participants mention as beneficial. As with any activity, benefits and barriers must be explored. Through a review of Scuba Diving Tourism by Khoo & Walsh (2013) readers will gain a better understanding of these aspects. This paper also studies the peer reviewed articles of Cole and Smith (2014) and Wilhite et al. (2016) on adaptive scuba diving.
Keywords: adaptive scuba diving, physical activity, disability
Adaptive Scuba Diving
Although adaptive scuba diving is not a new concept, not many individuals know about it and the benefits that are acquired. There are several organizations that promote adaptive scuba diving; Diveheart, Aquanauts Adaptive Scuba Diving, and Handicap Scuba Association are just a few. Organizations like these provide opportunities to individuals of all abilities to get in the water and enjoy the physical activity of scuba diving. Scuba diving, unique in itself, is unlike any other activity; it offers learning, socialization, adaptation and growth over a long period of time (Fackrell, 2011). This paper will explain adaptive scuba diving and its benefits, barriers, as well as explore the effects adaptive scuba diving has on the work of a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist.
Scuba diving is an adventure sport that many individuals correlate with young athletic individuals (Khoo & Walsh, 2013). Although this might be the stereotype associated with scuba diving, there are increasingly more and more individuals exploring the sport of scuba diving (Khoo & Walsh, 2013). Adaptive scuba diving is very similar to general scuba diving. Fackrell (2011) states that this activity is not altered for those with disabilities, there are usually additional considerations involved in adaptive scuba diving, but the equipment is usually the same. It is well recognized that the general public does not have a great understanding or acknowledgement of adaptive scuba diving programs. An increase in the awareness of such programs could aid in many individuals’ lives (Cole & Smith, 2014). Scuba diving has proven to be beneficial for a wide variety of individuals (Cole & Smith, 2014). While benefits of scuba diving have been researched for many this paper will focus on the benefits provided to individuals with physical disabilities.
As mentioned before, there are a wide range of benefits that are experienced to those that participate in adaptive scuba diving. Jim Elliott (personal communication, October 19, 2016), founder of Diveheart, claimed that there are many benefits encompassed in scuba diving because of the zero-gravity atmosphere of being in the water. Without gravity affecting the body, there is an ability of motion that is not necessarily allowed on land. Kors (2009) illustrates an experience of a participant whom shares how being in the water allows her to be weightless and move about freely unlike being on land where there are limitations. Research shows that individuals that dive to specific depths experience an extra output of serotonin that aids in pain management (Jim Elliott, personal communication, October 19, 2016). Jim Elliott (personal communication, October 19, 2016) also described instances of participants that experienced essentially three weeks pain free from one scuba diving trip. Not only are there physical benefits to scuba diving, there are social, emotional, and cognitive benefits as well. Participants state that the large number of social supports they gain from activities like scuba diving are very valuable in their lives (Wilhite et al., 2016). Scuba diving promotes a purpose and increase in self-confidence for individuals as they try something new and succeed in reaching their individualized goals (Fackrell, 2011).
As with most activities there are also barriers to adaptive scuba diving. Physical accessibility and accessibility to information are common barriers for individuals with disabilities. The biggest limitation would be the lack of information, programs, and equipment to pursue adaptive scuba diving (Khoo & Walsh, 2013). Through educating participants and providing resources, individuals will have a better opportunity to explore the options that are out there. Medical release to participate in scuba diving is not always required, but dependent on the organization, individual, and doctor (Khoo & Walsh, 2013). This adaptive activity requires little to no adaptive equipment (Jim Elliott, personal communication, October 19, 2016). Jim Elliott (personal communication, October 19, 2016) mentions that participants typically wear regular scuba gear, adaptive equipment might include a full-face mask to ensure a safer dive and the use of communication devices to aid in the experience. With individualized treatment plans, individual considerations can be addressed ensuring the safety and overall enhanced experience for that individual.
Therapeutic recreation has core values such as the enrichment of leisure experiences for participants (Anderson & Heyne, 2012). Providing participants with meaningful leisure experiences will aid in their physical, social, emotional, and cognitive well-being. As future Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists, providing resources to participants will be essential in reaching their individualized goals. Having a plethora of resources will only enhance their leisure opportunities that much more. Inquiring about leisure opportunities that are available in our communities is a major part of recreation therapy. Another focus of therapeutic recreation is increasing the quality of life and overall well-being of participants through leisure experiences based off of participants’ dreams and aspirations (Anderson & Heyne, 2012). It has been stated that scuba diving is an activity that “improves quality of life and helps to live life to their fullest potential” (Fackrell, 2011). Being an activity that promotes overall well-being, scuba diving is a great resource for individuals of all abilities. Involving a program like adaptive scuba diving as a therapeutic intervention into recreational therapy would provide participants with a meaningful leisure activity that involves a zero-gravity atmosphere to promote free movement that they may otherwise be limited to, a social resource as they will meet many new friends and support systems, and an overall enhanced leisure experience through the therapeutic benefits of scuba diving. Jim Elliott (personal communication, October 19, 2016) shared wonderful stories of pain management, purpose, and leisure enhancement; all in which would benefit therapeutic recreation participants.
Training courses are available to those that are interested in facilitating adaptive scuba diving, researching for an adaptive scuba diving organization near you will provide you with necessary information in becoming involved in the modality of adaptive scuba diving. As Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists begin to refer participants to these adaptive scuba diving organizations, adaptive scuba diving will continue to grow. As participants are referred the need for additional equipment and staff within the adaptive scuba diving organizations will also grow. Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists can write grants as needed to aid in funding such wonderful programs.
Adaptive scuba diving may not be a new activity, but awareness and education of the opportunity will benefit future therapeutic recreation participants and the general public. An activity that has proven benefits to its participants, adaptive scuba diving is a current trend that will continue to grow. The future of adaptive scuba diving is positive and will continue to expand, some may agree that adaptive scuba diving is like “underwater yoga” (Jim Elliott, personal communication, October 19, 2016) mentioned that adaptive scuba diving is expanding. With continuous benefits and additional education, adaptive scuba diving is a progressive resource that should be considered for therapeutic recreation participants.
References
Anderson, L., & Heyne, L. (2012). Therapeutic recreation practice: A strengths approach. State College, PA: Venture Pub.
Cole, M., & Smith, R. (2014). RAISING AWARENESS for Adapted Scuba: A Case Report. Palaestra, 28(1), 36-41.
Khoo, S., & Walsh, C. (2013). Review 2: Scuba diving for people with disabilities. Scuba Diving Tourism, 40, 76.
Kors, J. (2009). Bouyed Spirits. Current Science., 95(1), 6.
Fackrell, A. (2011). Proceedings from Myoelectric Symposium Conference 2011: MEC 11 Raising the Standard. New Brunswick, Canada.
Wilhite, B., Martin, D., & Shank, J. (2016). Facilitating physical activity among adults with disabilities. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 50(1), 33.
Boost Post
