Thank you so much for EVERYTHING that you have done, and continue to do, for
my students. This SCUBA program has completely changed the outlook on life
for many of my students...including Ashley! She is now a DO'er rather than
a WATCHer. Without the program many of my students would not realize their
true potential. And, without the backing and support of Dreams For Kids, my
students wouldn't have been able to make their dreams come true.

As a Recreation Therapist, my job is to teach/show students that they can do
whatever they want to do, just with some modifications. Knowing this, my
students are now participating in activities that they may only dreamed
about in the past. And the best part is that they have so much more
confidence in themselves and their abilities in other areas. Their
increased self-worth and self esteem has completely changed how they think
of themselves too. They now know that they can do whatever they set their
mind to do!

I am so indebted to both of you for all the kindness and generosity that you
have shown ICRE-R students for so many years!!


Disability Awareness:   Welcoming, Talked directly to the person/people with disability, Friendly, Gave choices, Gave extra time, Respectful, Helpful with assistance or accommodation, Has employees with disabilities, Flexible service, Physically accessible

My 20 year old son has Autism. We were introduced to Diveheart about a year and a half ago. I have been a certified diver for over 35 years but never even thought of the benefits special needs individuals could gain from SCUBA diving until I was introduced to Diveheart.
Diveheart brings adaptive SCUBA to people with disabilities and disabled veterans. Through SCUBA individuals who have typically had boundaries placed on them can break those bindings and be free to soar to new depths. The compassion shown to by the instructors, volunteers and buddies is unsurpassed. Through the work of Diveheart many of the world’s best diving resorts and diveboat operators have been trained and certified to allow access to the great experience awaiting under the sea for people who may have a special requirement.
My son is two open water dives away from being a certified SCUBA Diver and can’t wait to get in the water. My thanks goes out Jim and all of the volunteers at Diveheart. Without you guys my son would still be landlocked.


Disability Awareness:   Welcoming, Talked directly to the person/people with disability, Friendly, Gave choices, Gave extra time, Respectful, Helpful with assistance or accommodation, Physically accessible

Diveheart is an amazing organization. I became involved with Diveheart a little over a year ago, when I went through three days of training to be a Dive Buddy to people with disabilities and I can honestly say have never seen an organization so devoted to helping people with disabilities improve their lives. By teaching people with disabilities how to scuba dive, Diveheart changes their perspective on their disability and gives them self-esteem and self-confidence. On a recent trip to the Florida Keys with a group of children with disabilities, I witnessed the absolute transformation these kids went through when they went from their wheelchairs to open ocean. There is now nothing they cannot accomplish and they know it. Adults and our wounded military experience the same life-affirming transformation.

Disability Awareness:   Welcoming, Talked directly to the person/people with disability, Friendly, Gave choices, Gave extra time, Respectful, Helpful with assistance or accommodation, Flexible service, Other or suggestions, Diveheart will go anywhere in the world to help the disabled learn how to Scuba Diving