John Slade Formerly of Novozymes Weighs in On New Scuba Diving Technology for Disabled

PHILADELPHIA, PA, October 29, 2012 (Press-News.org) For the disabled, many activities in daily life can appear as challenges that cause them to innovate and approach such actions with a fresh attitude. A recent article from The Seattle Post-Intelligencer highlights such an instance and tells the story of Sue Austin, an artist who daringly dove into the depths of the ocean in a modified wheelchair. The article comments, "Sue Austin had a wheelchair modified with Pegasus Thrusters and underwater wings of sorts - and had a video made of her as she navigated around underwater reefs. There is a sense of magic as she conquers the limitations of body and opens her mind, and ours, to the aquatic world around her." John Slade, formerly of Novozymes, is a PADI Divemaster who has witnessed the many possibilities that scuba diving can offer; he remains inspired by Austin's accomplishment and hopes it will encourage many other disabled divers.

As a PADI Divemaster, John Slade, formerly of Novozymes, has come to respect all aspects of scuba diving, from training to the intense preparation that goes into planning dives. Slade continues to pursue the ocean's depths and educate others about scuba diving. He explains that the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) is supportive of the diving for the disabled and proudly endorses the Handicapped Scuba Association (HSA).

According to the article, the HSA was founded in 1981 and has since developed training programs that focus on safety and special techniques for disabled divers. The article explains, "HSA's Physical Performance Standards and multilevel Certification system facilitates the training of a wide range of disabilities, including paraplegia, quadriplegia, blindness and high-functioning brain injuries." John Slade, formerly of Novozymes, comments, "The HSA and International Association for Handicapped Divers have worked vigorously to create opportunities for those with physical handicaps to access the underwater world and their efforts are to be applauded."

Just as Sue Austin hopes to encourage other disabled individuals to realize their potential for exploration, John Slade, formerly of Novozymes hopes that others will pursue memorable adventures regardless of their limitations. Slade concludes, "As a PADI Divemaster, it is always wonderful to see technologies which make it possible to expand the number of scuba divers in the world. Hopefully this technology will be adopted by those who wish to take advantage of the opportunities that it provides them in starting or continuing a passion for diving."

ABOUT:

John Slade, formerly of Novozymes, is an avid scuba diver who is also a certified PADI Divemaster. In addition to exploring the depths of the ocean, Slade enjoys extensive travel and has worked and lived in countries across the world, including India and Malaysia. Inspired by the underwater world, John Slade, formerly of Novozymes, also appreciates the challenge of deep-sea fishing and encourages all individuals to discover the opportunities that the ocean can present.

Website: http://johnsladenovozymes.net