Objective

The making of this documentary is to make the general public aware that just about anyone can challenge the sport of scuba diving. Whether you're a scuba diving instructor, a person with a disability, or a diver seeking the personal enrichment of learning how to dive with a handicapped partner. This documentary will open you're eyes, mind and soul to the accomplishments of three young men and enlighten you on the sport of scuba diving.
Either from accident or disease about 15% of the population is statistically classified as "handicapped". In the United States alone this percentage translates into MILLIONS of people, many of whom are fully capable of becoming scuba divers. Open water training programs for people with disabilities are taught with a high margin of safety because of teaching techniques developed with over 20 years of continuous research and feedback. Handicapped students in this film are trained and certified according to HSA Physical Performance Standards and a multilevel Certification system so exacting and sensitive it enables us to train people with a wide range of disabilities, including paraplegia, quadriplegia, even the blind of those with high-functioning brain injuries or mild retardation. The organization bases their students diving proficiency on their ability to assist another diver in the water. For instance, if you're a Level A diver, you're certified to dive with one other person; a Level B diver must dive with two other able-bodied divers and a Level C diver not only requires two dive buddies, but one must be trained in diver rescue. After meeting the requirements for Basic "Open Water", some of the A, B, and C divers go on to obtain an "Advanced" level of certification. This film will show the need for the dive industry to take notice that disabled people will be in the waters all over the world, making it enjoyable and profitable for the dive-travel community.

Stewart W. Snyder III

 

If you would like to participate as a sponsor in "Breaking Free", Please feel free to email me at: Stew@hsanjscuba.com