Diveheart Trains Disabled in SCUBA / Curaco and Michigan!

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gmhicks5867

Registered
Scuba Instructor
Messages
58
Reaction score
0
Location
NW Indiana about 50 SE of Chicago
# of dives
200 - 499
This year's DEMA was incredible for Diveheart? Since 2001 Diveheart has been promoting disabled diving at shows around the country?this year, instead of dive professionals asking what Diveheart was?.they asked how soon could Diveheart come out to help start a disabled dive program at their shop or resort I think weÃ×e reached the tipping point.



Diveheart launched an initiative at this years Diving Equipment Marking Association trade show in Las Vegas that we hope changes the dive
industry.



Starting Now...Diving Equality Means Accessibility... Diveheart provided accessibility reports to resorts, dive operators & dive professionals at DEMA this year with the hope of creating awareness in the industry of how to accommodate disabled divers?and hence GROW THEIR BUSINESS.



We've included the accessibility report below for you to share with others in the industry. A full ADA ( Americans with Disabilities Act ) accessibility report can be found on the Diveheart website at www.Diveheart.org <http://www.diveheart.org/>



It was exciting to see other disabled dive organizations that Diveheart supports and promotes at DEMA this year?groups like SUDS, IAHD, H.S.A.
SDI's scubility and Eels on Wheels where represented. We hope to see Wounded Warriors and others return to DEMA next year. Because with your help?. together we can continue to do great things.



Please share the accessibility report below with others?.



We hope you can join Diveheart in December as we train in Curacao Dec 7-13... http://www.diveheart.org/index.php?...&agid=315&year=2008&month=12&day=07&Itemid=54




And Michigan Dec 17-21 ?(contact Kim at kimparker@aquaticadventuresofmi.com or jim.elliott@diveheart.org for more information?





ACCESSIBILTIY REPORT



Diveheart has asked Sara Klaas, head of Care Coordination at Shriners Hospital for Children, Chicago, to prepare the following accessibility
report. Please share this report with Dive shops and resorts around
the world?with your support we can achieve the Diveheart goal of bringing the disabled dive industry up to the level & standard of the disabled ski industry in the next 10-15 years.

Thank you for your continued friendship and support

Jim Elliott
President
Diveheart & DMW ( Diveheart Military Wounded )
www.diveheart.org <http://www.diveheart.org/>



Access for All: Ensuring Dive Hotel Accessibility for those with Mobility Impairments

More than 54 millions Americans have a disability. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was enacted in 1990 with the goal of integrating people with disabilities into all aspects of life. Many of those with disabilities have physical impairments that impede their mobility. Creating accessible environments allows those with mobility impairments to go beyond physical barriers and become fully integrated into all areas of life. Shriners Hospital for Children, Chicago and the Diveheart Foundation have collaborated to offer youth with physical disabilities the opportunity to ÅÇly without wings and learn the adventurous sport of scuba diving. Adventure travel trips for these youth with disabilities are an invaluable part of their rehabilitation, teaching them to scuba dive while learning many
important life lessons. In order for these youth as well as others with disabilities to enjoy the sport of scuba, an
accessible environment is necessary. Creating such an environment does not have to be expensive. The following are some basic guidelines for ensuring accessibility and some resources that can assist in the process of becoming fully accessible. Creating an environment that is universally useable to all, benefits you and your customers with disabilities. Join us as we work together to make the world a more accessible place!

________________________________________________________________________
______________________________

Parking:

1. Accessible parking close to entrance
2. Visible and easily understood signage (post or wall mounted sign
with symbol of accessibility)
3. Each accessible space has an adjacent access aisle to allow for
transfers
4. Curb less walkway to main entrance







Exterior Route & Building Entrance/Lobby:

1. Walkways are a minimum of 36 inches wide
2. Ramps at least 36 inches wide and are graded for each 1 inch of
rise, 1 foot of ramp length
3. Lobby doors allow at least a 32 inch clear passage width
4. Door hardware (if not fully automated doors) is usable with one
hand
5. Registration counters have a lowered portion no more than 36
inches high

Interior Routes:

1. Hallways and corridors are free of any steps or abrupt vertical
level changes
2. Doors allow 32 inch clear passage width
3. Door hardware is usable with one hand (various options including
lever handles)
4. There are no protruding objects in interior hallways or other
pedestrian routes
5. If more than 2 stories, a full size passenger elevator serves
each level



Guestrooms & Bathrooms:

1. Entry doors, connecting doors, and all interior doors allow 32
inch clear passage width
2. Door hardware is usable with one hand (various options including
lever handles)
3. The pull side of each door has 18 inches of clear floor space on
the latch side
4. The security latch or bolt is mounted no higher than 48 inches
above the floor
5. There is a 36 inch wide route between and around beds
6. Drapery wands, controls for HVAC, lamps are placed within 54
inches of the floor (side approach)
7. Toilet is centered 18 inches from adjacent side wall
8. Toilet has a horizontal grab bar along adjacent side wall at
least 42 inches long, mounted 33-36 inches from floor
9. Wash basin is no more than 34 inches high with 29 inch or
greater clearance under front edge
10. Hot water pipes are insulated to protect against contact with
skin
11. Clear floor space in bathroom allows 60 inch diameter circle
12. Towel rack are placed within 54 inches of the floor (side
approach)
13. Tub/shower faucet controls are positioned for access prior to
transferring and easily operable
14. Tub transfer bench is available for guest or roll-in shower
15. Horizontal grab bars exist at foot of tub (24+ inches long) and
head of tub (12+ inches long)
16. There is an adjustable height shower wand with 60 inch long hose



Braille for visually impaired & closed caption for hearing impaired



Creating a barrier free environment is an ongoing process. Involving experts, particularly individuals with disabilities, is essential. There are numerous resources available and many local disability organizations are excellent sources for information. Here are a few resources to get you started:

* ADA Checklist for New Lodging Facilities available at
www.ada.gov <ADA Home Page - ada.gov - Information and Technical Assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act>
* The Center for Universal Design at www.design.ncsu.edu
<redirect>
* Disability Etiquette (booklet) at www.unitedspinal.org
<United Spinal Association United Spinal Association>
* Accessibility Guides: Disability and Health at
www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/dh/accessibilityguides.htm
* For further information about Shriners Hospital for Children,
Chicago and their collaboration with the Diveheart Foundation contact Sara J. Klaas, Director; Spinal Cord Injury Service at sklaas@shrinenet.org
 
https://www.shearwater.com/products/perdix-ai/

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