http://post.mnsun.com/2016/07/21/adaptive-scuba-is-therapeutic-and-freeing/
Adaptive scuba is ‘therapeutic and freeing’
Water. It is known as the “great equalizer” to Handicap Scuba Association certified scuba diving instructors.
That “equalizer” is coming into play for a team of seven instructors and two dive masters through Midwest School of Diving who are partnering with Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute to offer the unique opportunity of adaptive scuba to those living with physical disabilities.
“I’m a retired Army veteran,” said Mark Dugger, owner of Midwest School of Diving in Minnetonka and a Handicap Scuba Association certified instructor. “Coming back from Afghanistan, I knew there was a lot of opportunities out there for our disabled vets. Then, I got hooked up with Tom Cornell and that’s how we got connected here at Courage Kenny. In the disabled population, it always seems that they’re being told ‘no you can’t.’ Well, yes, you can. The opportunity to go diving just opens up a whole new world [for them].”
The ongoing program began in February and occurs once per month. It is open to anyone living with a physical disability, not only Courage Kenny clients. Some family members have also been known to take the class alongside their loved one.
“Really it’s just giving folks opportunities to play, whether that’s playing basketball, learning how to ride a bike or learning how to waterski,” said Megan Welty, program coordinator at Courage Kenny. “It’s just finding another activity to do.”
Participants of the scuba class immediately get into the water and are paired with a diving instructor or dive master.
Diving instructors are able to certify individuals, while dive masters can assist with a dive but cannot certify.
Prior to suiting up and going under, participants learn how to clear their mask under water, how to unclog their ears, not to hold their breath under water, how to inflate and deflate their vest, and more.
The classes are held in a warm therapeutic pool in 4-6 feet of water.
Participants are always welcome back to play and some may even go on to become certified. Certification includes understanding the philosophies and physics behind diving, being comfortable in the pool and completing four dives.
Scuba instructor Tom Cornell said the sport is one that can be enjoyed by people of all physical abilities.
“In order for us (who have no physical limitations) to go under water and stay there, we need adaptive equipment,” he said. “It becomes adaptive for everybody. We call it the equalizer. Now, somebody who has been in a wheelchair is weightless (in the water) and they can move around.”
Tom Cornell and his wife Brenda, a future dive master, shared a story of a woman they dove with in Cozumel.
The woman had suffered a spinal injury that left her nearly paralyzed from the neck down. She is a client at Courage Kenny. Prior to the incident, she was a scuba diver.
According to Tom Cornell, she never thought she would dive again, but with the help of two divers, she enjoyed the Caribbean Sea with friends.
“She’s a great person anyway but getting in and out of the water, she’s so much better for it,” Tom Cornell said.
Rick Kline, a diving instructor, said scuba diving gives these individuals the freedom and independence they may not have thought possible post injury.
“We give them that opportunity,” he said. “They leave just completely different. They’re relaxed.”
The instructors agreed, not only do the participants leave changed, but they leave changed as well.
“We get something out of it, too,” Dugger said. “To see somebody that has difficulties on land but ease and excitement in the water, is great.”
There is almost no physical limitation too great to keep someone from trying scuba diving. Certain circumstances may dictate whether a person can become certified, however.
“The amazing thing about the whole scuba thing is the therapeutic values associated with it,” Dugger said. “It doesn’t really matter what kind of disability they have — loss of limb, paraplegic, quadriplegic, traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder — scuba diving can be a very beneficial thing.”
Dugger said an hour in the pool diving after a hard day’s work could significantly help anyone.
“Any stress you had that day, it would be gone,” he said.
In addition to being a fun experience for everyone, scuba diving is a lifelong skill that can be shared and enjoyed with family and friends.
On July 11, six participants took to the pool for an evening of underwater fun.
Chloe Engstrum, a 15-year-old born with spina bifida, is restricted to a wheelchair for mobility on land, but in the water, with help from an instructor, she can move freely.
“[Scuba diving] just sounded really fun and sounded like a good opportunity,” she said.
Chloe is also a participant in Courage Kenny’s Able program, a rehabilitation program that helps clients start walking.
Drew Nelson, 12, was a returning participant. Having tried it once, he said he enjoyed breathing underwater and wanted to do it again.
Drew suffered a stroke in utero, causing weakness on the right side of his body.
Within the last year, Drew has tried skiing, archery and adaptive golf through Courage Kenny.
“It’s all about confidence to get him more active, physically fit and then when he’s good at something or enjoys it, he’s a lot more confident,” said Chris Nelson, Drew’s father. “It’s great for him.”
For more information about Courage Kenny and Midwest School of Diving’s adaptive scuba classes, visit allinahealth.org and search “adaptive sports.”
Contact Gina Purcell at gina.purcell@ecm-inc.com