How can you help?

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  Search and find an instructor

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  Become a volunteer

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  Help out as a foundation

Video impressions

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  IAHD promotion

  This promofilm gives a good idea of the impact that Scuba diving, conducted by IAHD, has on disabled people.

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  Zwemsportdag 2026 Weert - Iedereen kan Sporten - Midden Limburg

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  IAHD cross-over opleiding

  IAHD instructeur cross-over opleiding. Gegeven door IAHD Managing Director Gerard Oijnhausen.

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  Promofilm Dolfijnenreis 2020 Fun Diving

  Promotie video van de 'dolfijnen duiksafari' van Stichting Gehandicaptenduiksport Fun Diving die gehouden is Sataya Reef, Egypte.

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  Egypt december 2025

  Trip to Egypte

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  IAHD Alexander en Rik @Todi

  IAHD dive at Todi Belgium with 2 kids for an unforgattable experience.

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  IAHD instructeur cross-over opleiding

  Informatie over de IAHD Instructor cross-over opleiding.

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  Nicky's Ultimate Dive Initiation

  Join Nicky as she explores the riches of the TODI Aquarium on her first scuba diving initiation with the TODI IAHD Dive Instructors.

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  IAHD training Buenos Aires, Argentina

  IAHD Instructor Trainer Daniel Zuber shares underwater emotions IAHD Training.

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  Anneke vd Werff (EN subs)

  For IAHD I had a fun conversation with Anneke (alias: Duikmuisje)

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  IAHD ITC Buenos Aires,

  A summary of the IAHD Instructor Training course and Adaptive Scuba training with divers with disabilities past Weekend in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

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  Training Diary pt. 1

  'Rueda Nomada' (javier & maria) found me through Facebook and wanted to get their diving certificate.

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  Training Diary pt. 2

  These sessions were focused on theory and practical skills.

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  Training Diary pt. 3

  Last part of Javier & Maria journey. It was fun packed, challenging and rewarding for everybody. Now go dive the world!!

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  IAHD Intro to Scuba Diving

  A first impression of a paralyzed person in scuba diving

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  Met IAHD in Njivice - Kroatie

  IAHD cursus gegeven in September 2017 in Njivce - Kroatie.

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  Scuba Experience Italy

  IAHD Instructor Trainer Stefano Fei conducted an Scuba Experience for mentally limited people. They where all very exited about this experience

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  Interview Submerge IAHD

  In dit interview van Submerge verteld IAHD Managing Director Gerard Oijnhausen meer over IAHD.

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  IAHD Istanboel 2014

  IAHD promotion and instructor cross-over course in 2014 in Istanboel, Turkey.

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  IAHD Bodrum 2014

  IAHD cursus gegeven in 2014 in Bodrum.

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  CDTC (NL-taal)

  Introduction of the Curaçao Dolphin Training & Research Centre (CDTC).

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  CDTC (DE-Sprache)

  Introduction of the Curaçao Dolphin Training & Research Centre (CDTC).

• Кросовер курс International Association for Handicapped Divers (IAHD)

  Het Oekraïens Instituut voor Onderwateronderzoek heeft ook een revalidatieprogramma ontwikkeld door middel van duiken.

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  Adaptive Scuba IAHD Turkey @okenosdiving

  To try out scuba diving for the first time is an amazingly exciting moment, that you will remember for the rest of your life.

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  IAHD training Free Diving Caribbean

  Want to learn scuba diving? Handicapped or not; all of you is welcome. Even if you don't want to learn scuba diving but help someone out, we got a great course for you.

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  IAHD Diver (Wilson Nagi)

  IAHD Diver (Wilson Nagi)

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  IAHD Diver using DPV

  IAHD diver using DPV

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  IAHD Instructor and Dive Partner diving with a spinal injured diver.

  IAHD Instructor and Dive Partner diving with a spinal injured diver.

• Using hand signal to communicate with a diver with visual impairment

  Using hand signal to communicate with a diver with visual impairment

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  IAHD diver with handicap entering water

  IAHD diver with handicap entering water

Publications

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  Deep Impact

  24-01-2026

  Diving in Oman

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  Einfach mal abtauchen!

  (06-2022)

  Tauchen mit Behinderung heißt, eine neue Welt zu entdecken.

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  Seeking refuge in water as a therapy

  (02-2021)

  Tariq has sought refuge in water as a therapy for the differently-abled people who are unable to lead a normal life and also get the self-respect that they deserve.

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  Het gezicht als ze het water uitkomen, daar doe je het voor

  (09-2020)

  Local publication about diving with Renate Manders from IAHD Center Fun Diving NL

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  Adapted Diving as an alternative activity

  06-2020

  Daniel Zuber, IAHD rep for Latin America, published an article at the Iberoamerican Magazine of Inclusive Tourism titled: Adapted Scuba as an alternative activity for inclusive tourism. The complete magazine can be found here.

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  Uw vakantie onze zorg

  (05-2019)

  Collobaration with Speciaal-reizen and IAHD 

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  Tauchen mit MS - Geht das?

  (02-2019)

  An inclusive divetrip to the Red Sea 

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  Unter wasser sind wir gleich

  (01-2015)

  Publication about IAHD schnuppertauchgang in Bodrum Turkey in Rehatreff. 

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  Tauchen mit Handicap

  (09-2014)

  DIVING magazine reporter Frank Schneider reports on a premiere in Turkey.

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  Duiken ook voor mensen met een beperking

  (03-2008)

  IAHD course conducted in a warm tropcial swimmingpool "beatrixoord" - the netherlands.

IAHD travel advice

BEFORE YOU BOOK FLIGHT TICKETS

• Arrange a direct flight without a layover

  Direct flights without a layover are usually slightly more expensive, but are preferable to those with a layover. A flight ticket with a layover not only means extra hassle, but also increases the risk of something happening to the wheelchair. Additionally, it is much more tiring and takes more time. Make it as simple as possible for yourself, if you can.

• Flying alone with a wheelchair? Check the rules.

  In general, a person with a (visual) disability or mobility impairment is required to be accompanied by an able-bodied adult if:

  • You cannot fasten and unfasten your seatbelt yourself and require assistance with this.

  • If you cannot reach the emergency exit on your own without assistance in an emergency.

  • If you cannot put on the life jacket and oxygen mask yourself without assistance.

  • If you require assistance with using the toilet, eating, or taking medication.

  • If you are unable to understand or follow instructions given on board.

  • If your own well-being and safety, or that of other passengers, is at risk, an airline may refuse you boarding.

• Contact the airline if you are traveling with an (electric) wheelchair.

  It is important to be aware of the airline's conditions regarding passengers in wheelchairs. Generally, there are no restrictions for manual wheelchairs. The maximum permitted dimensions of the wheelchair depend on the width of the aircraft doors and vary by aircraft type and airline. For example, Transavia requires you to contact them immediately after booking if your wheelchair weighs more than 23 kg and/or is taller than 86 cm.

  Regarding batteries, strict regulations apply: usually only dry (leak-proof) or wet batteries are permitted. Liquid batteries are prohibited unless you have special permission. Lithium-ion batteries are incorporated into most motorized systems of manual wheelchairs and are only permitted if the capacity is less than 300 Wh. Furthermore, these must be carried in the cabin. Special rules often apply to the transport of the battery packaging as well; check these carefully with your chosen airline.

• Help with booking and necessary assistance at the airport

  Most airlines assist you free of charge with booking flight tickets via the service center. This way, you know immediately what assistance to expect at the airport. For people with a motor disability, there are three types of assistance available, for which international codes apply:

  • Assistance to the gate (WCHR). For passengers who require a wheelchair to navigate the airport because they cannot walk long distances but are able to climb stairs. Schiphol has moving walkways and lifts.

  • Assistance at the airport to use the stairs (WCHS). For passengers who cannot walk long distances and require assistance to get through the airport towards the gate, but are able to manage themselves on the plane.

  • Assistance to the aircraft seat (WCHC). For passengers who cannot walk at all, who need assistance into the aircraft, and who need to be lifted in and out of their seat. If you are traveling with an escort, it is called ‘WCHC escorted by’; if you are flying alone, the code ‘WCHC self-supporting’ applies.

AFTER BOOKING A FLIGHT TICKET

THE DAY OF DEPARTURE

• To the airline check-in counter

  Ensure you arrive at the airport at least two hours in advance. Always insist that your own wheelchair remains with you until the gate. If the airline refuses this (which may be due to the airport layout), the wheelchair will be immediately registered as checked baggage, and you will be escorted by staff to boarding in a loaner wheelchair provided by the airport. If the aircraft does not have a jet bridge, you will be brought on board via the aircraft stairs if you are able to walk, or otherwise with a stair climber or scissor lift, depending on the available facilities. Assistance is always provided in this case.

• Dismantle all fragile and loose parts before checking in.

  Think about the battery and headrests, cushions, and footrests. There are no tools available at the airport to remove parts, so consider in advance how to do this.

• Dismantle the joystick of the electric wheelchair

  This is one of the most vulnerable and expensive components of an electric wheelchair. Ensure that nothing can happen to it and that airport staff do not accidentally change the settings. Explain to the staff how to put the wheelchair in neutral so that you can push it. It is most convenient to stick a manual with the key points on the chair.

• Take photos of the wheelchair before you get in.

  • If necessary, you can use this method to prove that damage to the wheelchair occurred during the trip.

UPON ARRIVAL AT THE AIRPORT

Events calendar

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