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Skydiving With A Disability

Differing Abilities Welcome!

Can You Skydive With a Disability?

At Start Skydiving, we believe the exhilaration, empowerment, and freedom that comes with skydiving should be accessible to everyone who yearns to experience it. In fact, we’re the only skydiving center in the United States that specializes in taking quadriplegics skydiving!

A tandem skydiving instructor and tandem student enjoy freefall while skydiving in Ohio.

Making Skydiving Accessible

When we can safely do so, we accommodate individuals with disabilities who want to skydive. Sometimes accommodations are easy no-brainers, and other times we have to get creative – it’s all part of the adventure!

We have specific experience with making accommodations for people with:

  • Hearing impairment

  • Vision impairment

  • Paraplegia

  • Quadriplegia

Of course, each disability requires special considerations. If there are any concerns about whether or how your disability may affect your skydiving experience, first talk with your doctor. Ultimately, clearance to skydive is determined by our Safety and Training Advisor (S&TA) and, if we are unable to make a determination, then a doctor’s note is required.

Hearing Impairment

Tandem Skydivers

A hearing impairment isn’t a concern with tandem skydiving. However, the tandem instructor must be able to convey exactly what is expected of their student during the skydive. Please have an ASL interpreter with you.

AFF Students

Unfortunately, hearing is an integral part of solo training. We do not offer AFF training for those who cannot hear.

Vision Impairment

Tandem Skydivers

Tandem skydivers who are visually impaired or sight impaired require no special considerations to go skydiving.

AFF Students

Unfortunately, sight is integral to solo training. We do not offer AFF training for those who do not have corrected vision to 20/20.

Paraplegia

Tandem Skydivers

Typically, individuals with paraplegia are able to make a tandem skydive with standardized, special-designed equipment. Because extra prep time is necessary, we require you to make a weekday skydive. There is the risk of bone injury; consult with your doctor before booking your jump.

AFF Students

Yes! Accelerated Freefall training is possible for those with superb upper body strength. After the First Jump Course, you progress through a five-part program that includes wind tunnel training. At course conclusion you earn your solo status.

Quadriplegia

Tandem Skydivers

Start Skydiving is the only US dropzone that specializes in quadriplegic skydiving! Because extra prep time is necessary, we require you to make a weekday skydive. There is the risk of bone injury; consult with your doctor before booking your jump.

AFF Students

Unfortunately, we do not offer AFF training for those who do not have upper body strength, at minimum. People living with quadriplegia are not eligible to enroll in solo training.

Still Have Questions?

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