Mission Statement
NIADD’s mission is to provide training in scuba diving and snorkeling
to individuals with disabilities, such that those individuals can dive and
snorkel safely in the local environment. Furthermore, NIADD will issue certification
cards as proof of training, achievement and ability.
In order to ensure widespread success of our mission and to make
the aquatic environment as accessible as possible, NIADD will also
provide training and certification to those who wish to act as instructors
or buddies for divers and snorkelers with disabilities.
The NIADD Philosophy
1. The primary purpose of NIADD is to promote scuba diving and snorkeling
as a means of recreation and therapy for individuals with disabilities.
2. The objective of NIADD is to provide the training necessary for
those individuals to dive and snorkel safely. While the training standards
presented are the minimum necessary to ensure safety, the ultimate
concern is the training and education of the student. To this end,
NIADD encourages both the instructor and the student to seek out every
possible opportunity for training and education.
3. NIADD recognizes that every individual and every class is unique.
Therefore, while NIADD will provide training guidelines, it is the
responsibility of both the instructor and the students to develop and
implement effective training techniques.
4. NIADD encourages interaction between those people with disabilities
and those without. NIADD will act to promote such interaction whenever
possible.
5. NIADD recognizes that the strength of the diving community is derived
from a broad base of certifying agencies. Instructors are encouraged
to support their primary certifying agency whenever possible.
6. NIADD wishes to increase public awareness and understanding of
the aquatic environment and will act to promote the conservation of
that environment.
Executive Officers
President: Dorothy Stonely
BA St. Mary’s College;
Medical writer, researcher and educator
Certified scuba instructor, published author, and co-founder of NIADD
Vice-president and Director of Education: Frank Degnan
BA College of William & Mary; MS San Jose State University
Faculty of San Jose State University and Monterey Peninsula College;
Certified scuba instructor; ship captain’s license; published
author and co-founder of NIADD
Chief Financial Officer and General Counsel: Donald Tenenbaum
BA University of California; JD University of San Francisco
Practicing attorney and business executive
Scuba diver with 36 years experience and underwater photographer
