Disability Inclusion Showcase by The Calvert Trust

The Calvert Trust recently delivered an inspirational training workshop to 19 outdoor activity providers from across Northern Ireland.  The purpose of the ‘Tools and Techniques for Disability Inclusion’ workshop was to provide outdoor activity providers with the skills and knowledge for working with those with disabilities in an outdoor environment.

The workshop held at Todd’s Leap Activity Centre, Ballygawley, Co Tyrone was organised by the Countryside Access and Activities Network’s (CAAN) Venture Outdoors team.

The Calvert Trust, based in the Lake District has over 30 years experience in helping people with disabilities, together with their families & friends, to achieve their potential through the challenge of outdoor adventure in the countryside.

They were ably supported by local facilitators including Mencap and Autism NI, Disability Sport Northern Ireland (DSNI) and Belfast Activity Centre.

“The Calvert Trust provided excellent practical skills and equipment that will encourage providers in Northern Ireland to enhance the services they provide an ultimately enabling everyone to participate in outdoor experiences.” explained Claire Overend, Venture Outdoors Development Officer.

The training provided delegates with the opportunity to increase their knowledge of practical guidance on transfers for harnesses, rope courses, climbing walls and canoes.  Practical tips were also provided to encourage participation in archery and moving wheelchairs on steep ground. The course concluded with effective techniques for working with challenging behaviour from people with disabilities in an outdoor environment.

Delegate John Hubbucks from Mobile Team Adventure enthused “A fantastic days training with lots practical sessions, informative and very educational.  I picked up lots of great ideas that are so simple I will be able to incorporate them into my work”