Adapt-Able Foundation — Frequently Asked Questions
Empowering people with disabilities through SCUBA diving and inclusive community connection
🐠 1. Try SCUBA
What is Adapt-Able Foundation?
Adapt-Able Foundation is a veteran-founded 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing life-changing SCUBA opportunities for individuals with disabilities. We offer Adapt-Able SCUBA Experiences and connect participants with adaptive-trained SCUBA instructors and dive professionals throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex and beyond.
Do you offer SCUBA experiences to people who have never dove before?
Yes! Many of our participants are diving for the first time. We offer Adapt-Able SCUBA Experiences—safe, supportive try-dives tailored to individuals with disabilities. These are led by our team in collaboration with adaptive-trained instructors and professionals.
Do you provide training or certification?
We do not offer full SCUBA certification training ourselves. However:
- We provide Adapt-Able SCUBA Experiences as an introduction
- We refer participants to trusted adaptive-certified instructors and dive professionals for Open Water and other certifications
Who is eligible to participate?
We serve individuals with a wide range of disabilities, including:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Limb differences or amputations
- Cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury
- Autism, Down syndrome, and other cognitive conditions
- Hearing or vision impairments
- Other physical or neurological disabilities
🚫 Important medical restriction:
To be eligible for any in-water activities with Adapt-Able:
Participants must have had no seizures within the past 5 years and must not be currently taking medication for seizure disorders, regardless of the last occurrence.
Is a medical clearance required?
Yes. All SCUBA participants must submit a medical form signed by a licensed MD or DO.
Forms signed by nurse practitioners, physician assistants, or other providers are not accepted.
📜 2. Get Certified
Can I get SCUBA certified through Adapt-Able?
Not directly. We refer participants to adaptive-trained SCUBA professionals who are qualified to provide certification training.
Do you offer any training?
Yes! While we don’t teach Open Water certification, we do offer training for already-certified divers who want to support others:
- Adaptive Buddy Training – For certified divers who want to assist adaptive divers
- Adaptive Dive Professional Training – For dive pros (Divemasters/Instructors) seeking to work with adaptive divers at a professional level
🌊 3. Dive Trips & Volunteer
Do you organize group dive trips?
Yes! Adapt-Able Foundation leads accessible group dive trips for certified adaptive divers and their buddies. We choose destinations based on accessibility, local support, and marine conservation value.
Are the trips free?
No. While we may help offset some costs through fundraising or limited scholarships, participants are generally responsible for:
- Travel and transportation
- Lodging and meals
- SCUBA gear and dive costs
How do I get started volunteering?
We welcome both divers and non-divers! Volunteers support our mission through:
- Surface support and logistics at dive events
- Travel coordination for camps and trips
- Outreach, marketing, and fundraising
- Participating as trained Adaptive Buddies
Do I need to be a diver to help?
Not at all! We have plenty of volunteer opportunities on land and behind the scenes.
🢒 4. YES Camp (Youth Experiencing SCUBA)
What is YES Camp?
YES Camp is a multi-day experience for youth with disabilities, focused on SCUBA diving, marine conservation, and peer connection. It’s designed to foster confidence, growth, and a love for the ocean.
Who can attend YES Camp?
Eligible youth must:
- Be between ages 12–18
- Be certified SCUBA divers prior to camp
- Have no seizures in the past 5 years and not be on seizure medication
- Submit a medical form signed by an MD or DO
- Be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
Is YES Camp free?
No. Participants are responsible for their own transportation, lodging, gear, and meals. Adapt-Able provides the diving experiences, conservation curriculum, and peer-building activities.
What’s included in YES Camp?
- Adaptive SCUBA diving with trained professionals
- Marine conservation education
- Personal development and peer bonding
What’s not included?
- SCUBA certification (campers must already be certified)
- Dive gear (must bring or rent)
- Transportation to/from camp
- Meals, lodging, or non-dive activities
How can I apply or enroll my child?
Youth cannot apply directly. Applications must be submitted by a parent or legal guardian. Camp announcements are made on our website and social media, so follow us to stay informed about future opportunities.
☎️ Other Common Questions
Where are you located?
We’re based in Dallas–Fort Worth, Texas, but we host events and partner with instructors across the country.
Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes. We are a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and donations are fully tax-deductible as allowed by law.
How do I get started or refer someone?
Visit adapt-ablefoundation.org or email us at info@adapt-ablescuba.org. We’ll guide you through eligibility, medical clearance, and your next steps—whether you’re diving for the first time or looking to support others.