Not possessing the sense of sight comes with its hurdles. The visually impaired often miss out on activities that would be commonplace among those with sight. Making changes to include these individuals in activities they have not experienced before, owing to their situation, is a step in the right direction.
Therefore, when 13 visually impaired students and staff who are part of the National Association for Blind (NAB) received the opportunity to avail of scuba diving training at the National Institute of Water Sports (NIWS) pool in Dona Paula, it was most definitely a move towards improving inclusivity while providing a unique experience
THE WONDER OF SCUBA DIVING
The initiative, jointly organised by Drishti Marine, Dive Goa and NAB, aimed to help visually impaired individuals experience weightlessness underwater, freedom of movement and sounds that define the underwater world.
Though scuba diving is typically connected with visually stunning underwater landscapes, in this case, participants were afforded a tactile experience of the adventure sport.
This was achieved with the assistance of trained personnel from Drishti Marine, a state government-appointed body mandated with preventing drowning along the state’s coastline; Dive Goa, a scuba diving training establishment at Candolim; and NIWS, an autonomous institution that functions under the aegis of the Union Ministry for Tourism.
UNDERWATER ADVENTURE
Navin Awasthi, CEO of Drishti Marine, shared, “Rajiv Somani, the founder of Drishti Group realised that with the resources available at Drishti Marine, we were in a unique position to offer this rare experience to individuals with visual impairments. We are thrilled to see them enjoy and engage with the experience today.”
The students were able to enjoy the underwater adventure through the sense of touch, thoroughly getting a feel of the scuba diving gear and water.
EDUCATIVE ENCOUNTER
The visually impaired students learnt how to breathe through the mouth using scuba gear, underwater signals and the purpose of each piece of dive gear.
SAFETY FIRST
There was strong emphasis on protocol to ensure the safety of the visually impaired. There were two divers in the water, two outside the water and one in-charge of overall safety.
FUN AND EMPOWERING
Shaurya Tarni of Dive Goa, the only dive instructor certified by the Disabled Divers International (DDI), conducted the training programme.
He said, "The aim is to provide a tactile experience to the visually impaired trainees, and I think we succeeded, as so many of them did not want to leave the water today."
This new experience of being underwater and overcoming a challenge was empowering in many ways to these students.
This new experience of being underwater and overcoming a challenge was empowering in many ways to these students.
Prasad Panderphale, a participant from NAB, said, “It was an incredible experience. It gave me a sense of confidence and peace."
ON THE RIGHT TRACK
Ashok Ranjan, committee member of NAB, who coordinated on behalf of NAB, added that they were elated and grateful that the students could experience this unique adventure.
This rare adventure opportunity offered by Drishti Marine and NIWS in association with Dive Goa is notably an important step in making these sorts of activities more inclusive and accessible for visually impaired persons.