SYNERGIE HANDIPLONGE - Sharing of experiences and capacity building of diving instructors for the supervision of people with disabilities.

Summary The aim of the cooperation between Belgium, Luxembourg and France is to share experiences and best practices in order to strengthen our capacities to take care of people with physical and mental disabilities in diving activities. This first project is part of a longer term logic seeking to standardize the certification of supervisors on a European scale so that people with disabilities can benefit from an equivalent quality of supervision in all European countries. The partnership thus intends to promote social inclusion through sport via the implementation of joint activities. In addition, the project allows us to strengthen the relations between the partner countries and to create the transnational network necessary for a future harmonization of the certifications at the European level. Impact The target groups of the project are people (children and adults) with disabilities, whether physical, mental or sensory. The project will make diving more accessible to these people and create similar conditions of supervision within the European Union. In addition to the rich, entertaining and instructive character (underwater biodiversity) of scuba diving, the practice of the latter generates benefits in terms of well-being. Diving allows the improvement of mental health for people with psychological difficulties. Collective well-being (inclusion) and individual well-being (mental health) are therefore addressed through a global approach. Phases 2 and 3 of the project will allow the dissemination of practices within the partner organizations. At the end of the project, the people trained will be able to participate in the transfer of skills within their respective organizations. Moreover, a first e-learning training tool on adapted communication will allow the training of supervisors and divers over an indefinite period.