Adaptive Scuba Experience

Why take this course?

For over 40 years A-1 Scuba & Travel Aquatics Center has been providing adaptive diving and complementary Try Scuba Diving experiences for people with disabilities. We’ve proudly teamed up with Craig Hospital, PVA, VA, and other adaptive support groups in our community. A-1 diving professionals and volunteers have attended a specialized Adaptive Dive Buddy and Instructor training, taught by A-1 trainers, qualifying them to teach and assist during our various divers with disabilities programs.

We have successfully introduced scuba diving to hundreds of individuals (veterans and non-veterans) with disabilities including Spinal Cord Injury, Cerebral Palsy, Blindness, Traumatic Brain Injury, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, Amputee, PTSD, and others. Those experiencing this amazing adaptive adventure will quickly discover that WATER IS THE GREAT EQUALIZER!

Our Adaptive Try Scuba Experience at A-1 is FREE for those who qualify

A-1 Scuba Logo
Adaptive Diver course students in the pool at A-1 Scuba

Free Program

For more information call A-1 Scuba & Travel Aquatics Center at (303) 789-2450

Prerequisites

  • Be at least 10 years old
  • Be in reasonably good health
  • Download and complete the following forms before arriving for your swimming pool experience

Required Forms

VERY IMPORTANT

If you have been requested to submit a medical evaluation signed by a medical professional, please note that we (SSI and A-1 Scuba) cannot accept the form with any comments, whether handwritten or typed, regardless of who put them there.

The form should be seen as a yes/no type of approval and any stipulation added by anyone effectively negates the validity of the form, even if everything else was done correctly.  

The medical form itself was put together by highly qualified medical professionals (NOT SSI) and neither SSI, A-1 Scuba or their Instructors, the diver, or the medical professional are authorized to amend it beyond simply filling it out and signing as indicated.

If anyone feels that changes need to be made to the form, please inform SSI and we will follow up, but the current version remains in effect until changes are officially implemented and a new version is published, should that be deemed necessary.

Unfortunately, you’ll not be able to enter the water, for either program, until the proper documents have been completed, signed and reviewed for accuracy by your instructor.

Includes

  • Scuba diving in our on-site heated pool
  • Use of all diving equipment
  • Approximately one hour of instruction by a trained professional

Not Included

  • Swimsuit, towel and personal hygiene items

Please note: This is NOT a certification course. Additional training is required in order to become a certified diver

2025 Dates – 3-5 pm

  • Feb 28
  • April 25
  • No program in June due to our annual Adaptive Diver trip
  • Aug 22
  • Oct 24
  • Dec 19 

2025 Dates – 10 am to noon

  • Jan 24
  • Mar 14
  • May 16

Additional Try Scuba Options

Note there is a fee for the following options.

Includes:

  • Scuba diving in the A-1 on-site pool
  • Use of all diving equipment
  • Approx 1 hour of instruction with up to 2 Certified Handicapped Scuba Association instructors

Not Included:

  • Swimsuit, towel and personal hygiene items

Includes:

  • Scuba diving in the Under the Sea Exhibit at the Downtown Aquarium with Green Sea Turtles, Rays, Groupers and tons of their friends. It’s the same exhibit where we conduct our Dive with the Fish program
  • Professional A-1 Guide with experience in diving with individuals with disabilities
  • Use of Guldmann ceiling lift to assist you in and out of the water as appropriate to your needs
  • Use of all Scuba/Snorkeling equipment and exposure suit
  • Entry to All Aquarium Exhibits
  • Commemorative T-Shirt
  • Gift Bag
  • Approximately 45 minutes actual diving experience
  • (1) day pass to the aquarium (that day)

Not Included:

  • Swimsuit, towel and personal hygiene items
  • Parking pass
  • Personal care and dressing assistance

Note: In addition to the medical waiver, mentioned above, each participant will need to complete a separate Aqauarium waiver.   Unfortunately, we will not be able to allow anyone in the water until the proper documents have been completed signed and reviewed

Course Fee

A-1 Scuba Pool - Group
FREE
Try Scuba Diving at A-1 Scuba & Travel Aquatics Center
A-1 Scuba Pool - Private
$150
Private Try Scuba Diving for Individuals with Disabilities
Aquarium - Private
$380
Private Try Scuba Diving for Individuals with Disabilities at the Denver Downtown Aquarium