Diveheart
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A case study was done by Mark Cole and Rachel Smith, at Western Illinois University, to demonstrate how implementing an adapted scuba program can contribute to just, usable, sustainable,and transformational disability awareness programming in communities.
This study was done with Diveheart participation in determining project feasibility, holding a press conference along with Jim Elliott that included discussing the beneits of scuba in general followed by a joint presentation by him and an alumnus diver with a physical disability and doing a water-based demonstration that was auditory and visual in nature.
The outcomes from implementing adapted scuba events indicate that adapted scuba programming is a just, usable, sustainable, and transformational experience for all involved. The explanation of scuba as both a recreational and an employment opportunity for divers with and without disabilities exempliies the justice of this event. Participants at the event demonstrated behaviors that give evidence to the ability of adapted scuba to bring about lasting awareness and change. These behaviors included personal donations to Diveheart, internship placements, and requests for future programming. Students with disabilities noted a more realistic interaction with peers without disabilities. The introduction of a recreational sport that could and is enjoyed by many individuals regardless of their physical abilities allowed the students to be viewed equally, as peers with a common sport interest rather than people with physical diferences.