divemaster new to forums and needing advice!

[gracemariecarr]

hey my name is Grace I am a PADI divemaster and currently living in Ireland. I want to become an instructor but my real passion is teaching people with disabilities to dive. I have two nephews with autism who adore the water and they have inspired me to get the training to take them diving someday. I have been researching on the internet for adaptive scuba training courses but I want some advice from people who may know more. Is there any IDC's that specialise in adaptive training? or is it better to get my IDC then do an extra adaptive course on top of that. I ahve been travelling for a number of years and would like to stay closer to home so if there was any courses in ireland or the UK that would be ideal but im interested in hearing about courses anywhere. thank youin advance for any help and advice!

 

[christieball]

You will need to complete an IDC, than another course to be certified to work with people with physical challenges. There are several agencies that offer adaptive teaching techniques, but none are specifically affiliated with a major training agency. The PADI IDC does discuss working with those who have a disability. Some dive instructors have also simply worked with organizations that provide support to individuals that need extra considerations, to get the background they need to effectively teach scuba in those circumstances.