Divers with Disabilities - Please read

[JPENDERGRAST]

Hey everyone,

I'm taking a Non-Profit Organization class at my school, and one of the requirements is that I volunteer for a NPO for at least two hours over the course of the semester. I've known since I started diving that I wanted to help people with disibilities learn how to dive due to an extensive list of childhood medical problems which prevented me from playing any sports I wanted to, and figured this would be a good opportunity to take the next step, and maybe help someone out.

I'm willing to drive anywhere as much as 12 hours from Memphis for a weekend to help an organization with this, and was wondering if anyone knew of any operations that might fit my criteria. It has to be a Non-profit organization.

Also, if anyone has ever happened to take part in anything like this, what experience level is desired / expected?

The owner of my LDS is a part of an organization that helps disabled veterans dive, but the majority of their operations are on the West coast. If anyone can help me out, or knows someone who might be able to help me out, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Thanks,

 

[luckydays]

Diveheart Foundation Official Website

Based out of Downers Grove (near Chicago). They help disabled vets and children learn to dive.

 

[pamawi]

ASD ATLANTA DIVE FEST - Home

I guess you know about the upcoming SUDS weekend in Panama City Beach Sept 18-20 to raise money to help Wounded Warriors learn to dive. I don't know when or where the Disabled Vets will actually get to dive, but maybe you can find out more from the SUDS organization and help them.

 

[wjefferis]

There is a Soldiers Undertaking Disabled Scuba (SUDS) event at St. Andrews State Park on Sept 18-20th. I'm not sure if this is what you are looking for or not, but here is the link ASD ATLANTA DIVE FEST - Home



OOOPPS, I didn't see that Pamawi already posted about this event.

 

[JPENDERGRAST]

Hey everyone, thanks for the info. I know about the SUDS event coming up, but the time I have to volunteer unfortunately doesn't start until the weekend after.

DiveHeart seems that it would be perfect, but they don't have any upcoming events in the surrounding region(s). I've contacted them, and they may be able to orchestrate something for this area, but I won't know until they contact me back. If anyone has any other ideas, please send them my way.

 

[pamawi]

Hey Walter, I don't think any of the SUDS events are at St. Andrews. I was wondering where the Friday beach party is, but just looked it up and it's at Spinnakers. The diving is all boat diving that I know of, although we are hoping to get some jetty dives. I was hoping some of you gulf coast scubaboarders would come over for this.

 

[Indian Valley Scuba]

You are welcome to come out and work with our group, the International Association for Handicapped Divers. We work with divers of all types and from all backgrounds, and our mission is simple - to share the underwater world with others!

 

[JPENDERGRAST]

You are welcome to come out and work with our group, the International Association for Handicapped Divers. We work with divers of all types and from all backgrounds, and our mission is simple - to share the underwater world with others!

Thanks, but I have to stay within driving range (12 hours).

 

[Indian Valley Scuba]

Yes sorry it is about a 16 hour ride from Memphis. The good news is we have a place for you to stay on site if you should decide to make the journey!

Great to see you are involved with the non-profit sector. Our chance to give back to those who have less.