The International Association for Handicapped Scuba Divers [IAHD] is an international diving association and training agency, established in 1993 and based in The Netherlands, which is focused on providing the means for those with physical, mental or emotional disabilties to become certified scuba divers.

The IAHD is committed to bringing our love and respect for the seas and everything that lives in and around them to as many people as we can. We believe everyone is entitled to share in our exploration, without limits, and towards that end, the IAHD has developed a number of innovative adaptive scuba programs that allow participants of any ability to share in what we divers enjoy so much. Physical, medical, mental, and emotional challenges are no challenge when each IAHD-trained staff member cares so deeply about our mission. Each participant is individually counseled to determine the program most appropriate for them, and to set realistic goals to be achieved.

To enable individuals with serious disabilities to participate in underwater  activities requires competent instructors, underwater guides, and capable, trained dive buddies, as well as established and proven training programs, standards, guidelines, materials and member support.  The IAHD provides this training, from professional to support diver level, specific to the needs of the less-than-able marketplace.

IAHD Americas

IAHD Americas has been established to bring the IAHD message and mission to the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.   Located in Harleysville, PA, the IAHD Americas facility is within a one day’s drive of over 100 million people.  Current training programs are being conducted from this location for dive centers and instructors throughout the territory.