Wright State to host Scuba event for amputees Saturday

An Orthotic and Prosthetic Activities Foundation instructor dives with amputees at a OPAF event in Florida.

A group of physically challenged recreation enthusiasts will be treated to a free scuba diving clinic at the Wright State University Natatorium in the Student Union Saturday, March 23, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The instruction is part of Limb Loss Education Day, Dayton, Ohio, which will feature Stacey Minton, a World Class Instructor Certifier at Scuba School International (SSI).

At the event, Orthotic and Prosthetic Activities Foundation (OPAF) will present First Dive!, an outreach program that introduces the amputee population to the emotional and physical benefits of scuba diving.

“It has been said that scuba offers participants a freedom that they never thought they would feel again,” said Drew Pringle, Ed.D., associate professor and chair of Kinesiology and Health. “This is a wonderful event and it makes perfect sense that Wright State would host something like this.”

First Dive! is an outreach program that introduces the amputee population to the emotional and physical benefits of scuba diving. This picture is from an event in Florida.

“We are very excited to be able to bring these educational events to local communities and provide them at no charge to amputees and their families,” said Kendra Calhoun, president and CEO of the Amputee Coalition. “Our goal for some time has been to offer these workshops in various regions of the country for the convenience of our constituents. We want to make it easier for many to attend who would not be able to make it to national events.”

“OPAF is pleased to partner with the Amputee Coalition to bring a variety of our First Clinics to the amputee population across the country,” said Robin Burton, OPAF’s executive director. “First Clinics offer adaptive recreation instruction at an introductory level, as well as a vital social opportunity for amputees and their family members to meet and share the experience. We want to include everyone in the First Clinic experience, as either an active participant or as a cheerleader!”

“We believe including OPAF’s First Clinics in our LLED programs is a winning combination,” said Calhoun. “The First Clinics are great programs and meet our interest in helping amputees get active and stay active for their good health.”

For more information about this event contact Lar’Juanette Williams at 1-888-267-5669 or email her at lwilliams@amputee-coalition.org.