Outdoors is for everyone

23/04/2026

We're off to a conference tomorrow.

The first time I went on my own - I wasn't sure whether someone with learning disabilities would enjoy it/be welcome/be able to access information.

The second time I took my daughter, who has learning disabilities- with the escape option of joining her Dad camping down the road.

The conference is about under represented groups in the outdoors - I felt people would be welcoming and that she is actually much better at showing the reality of learning disability than me (with support).
She loved it. But she was quite anxious about it all - not knowing what was happening when.

This year we are going without the escape option! I have done a bit of prep to help her understand the order of events. Imagine if you didn't know if there were snack breaks? Its easy to forget to explain things. I can't simplify everything but trying a little empathy helps me work on what might be worrying her. I hope.

21/04/2026

I learn so much from these 2:

How great it is that they have a role model in each other. Alix saw her sister, someone like her, loving Parkrun and made it known (without words) that she wanted to do it too.

It highlights the importance of role models and how there are too few of them in the outdoor/learning disabled community.

It never would have occurred to us that Parkrun was something Alix would enjoy - that has made us revisit a load of other rubbish assumptions that many of us make all the time....all because of a good role model. Its easy to estimate something as too difficult without giving it a try.
...and yes, the tee-shirts were a big motivator too. wearable aac! The shirts allow them to tell their own story.

13/04/2026

My breakfast bun came wrapped in a greaseproof paper map! How great is that?

Luckily we know the route from many outings but it'll be a great motivator and discussion point when we go next with the twins. Good and big for sharing (bun or map? Discuss 🤣)

09/04/2026

'You made it!'

There's that wonderful, tangible object on most UK summits - the trig point. You're at the top, you can't go any higher.

It's a point of celebration, a sigh of relief, a rest for sore feet. Its somewhere to give your dog a cuddle. On a clear day its the place to admire the view.

Journeys, walks and expeditions all benefit from waymarks, particularly if people need help with the concept of time and distances. We always celebrate the highest point.

07/04/2026

This is so true - not just in the case of mobility, but also in the case of being hidden away in the name of safety - in a group home, residential care home or your own flat with support going in.
There are few safeguards to check up on why people might not be seen, might not be going out.
If getting outside was a right, or at least something you expect disabled people to do, mental and physical health would be much better for most.
Risk always needs to be looked at long term. A better life needs a plan.....too many care companies ignore this.
Thanks to for the info graphic

04/04/2026

What a track side view!

04/04/2026

All of the feels - multi- sensory microadventre.
Video credit JB

03/04/2026

'Just wait a minute' they say, but you have no idea how long a minute is.
'Just wait till your birthday' they say - is that the same as a minute?

There can be a lot of waiting when you have friends with diverse needs - its sometimes impossible to avoid - maybe some accessibility kit needs sorting or someone has medication that need attention.

When thinking about adjustments for learning disability, remember the anxiety that waiting brings - maybe suggest something to do during the waiting- I spy, a hunt for something?

This adjustment needs to be considered alongside another issue: lack of awareness of danger....

02/04/2026

'Reasonable adjustments!'

Sometimes its hard to fathom what help or support someone with learning disabilities needs - more so if they struggle with communication, so you don't know what's wrong.

'Overwhelm' is often the problem - there is too much to process - either at the location you are at, or going on elsewhere in the person's life. Demands keep coming and they end up running into each other before they can be processed. Wham-bam, overwhelm happens 💥.

Adjusting to the signs that this is going on is really hard if you have made plans for the day. A pause to allow processing of thoughts to happen can be really valuable - the sunshine and a restful view helps.

Photocredit JB

22/03/2026

I love solitary walking - alone with my thoughts.

Learning disability lends itself to people being in groups, or being closely supported - usually due safety needs or economics. This shouldn't mean we cant think about ways of creating solitude in a safe way.

Ive looked for known places where people can find their own path safely, or just dropped back, where I can see ahead well and catch up as necessary.

There is so much talk about the restorative powers of nature but not everyone gets the chance to appreciate it fully in the peace and quiet of their own company.

20/03/2026

A new platform for sharing accessible services for disabled children. Might be worth getting listed Anyone Can Able2Adventure Bendrigg Trust Calvert Lakes

We love seeing new tools that support families of children with complex needs and the "In Your Area" platform is exactly that. (From WellChild - the national charity for sick children)

It helps families quickly find accessible services and activities near them, tailored to their child’s requirements.

We’ve taken a look and would love to help spread the word.

Families: explore what's available near you.
Providers: make sure your offer is listed!

https://www.wellchild.org.uk/in-your-area/

Together, we can help families access the support and opportunities they deserve.