On the past 30th of October DDI Portugal’s work was, once more reworded, this time by an Organization “Clinica Sorrir na Educação” as one of the 10 Best Practice in Education, done by the Organization´s that are the result of Civil Society to do what needs to be done and make a difference.

Being the referred organization´s mascot an octopus called Dora, couldn’t be more according to DDI and what it stands for and does! Why? In my most humble opinion DDI Portugal opens its tentacles and reaches out to people with disabilities helping live their dream of diving and making smiles light up their faces… smiles in education

How is this an example and a Best Practice in Education? Think of Peter Druker’s words: “The difference between a developed country, and underdeveloped one, is not the technology, or economic level it has, but it’s people and the ability and opportunity it gives them, to put their competencies in to action,” this is what DDI International and DDI Portugal do!!! Why? They give people who are considered as having, no competencies for diving the opportunity, not only to experience diving, but evolve in diving, becoming certified DDI Open Water Divers, Advanced Open Water Divers, showing society, non disabled divers, family, friends,… that it is possible for people to go far beyond limits, considered as impossible making them more active, productive,… by being more motivated as they won another battle. One the other hand everybody changes, step by step their mental framework understanding that given the opportunity, and created the right conditions diving, is an activity for all and disabled people are just as able as any other person, with no disability what so ever.

Society as one has to gain from these examples, because we only love, respect, admire and integrate what we understand, and if we all understand that being disabled is just being, different and society must make room and space for difference, because that is what we all are, different and that’s why we are all individual and unique.