Fermanagh Makes it easier to ‘Venture Outdoors’
On Friday 19 March 2010, 25 Outdoor activity providers from across Northern Ireland hit Share Holiday Village, County Fermanagh to take part in disability inclusion workshops aiming to improve how they cater to the needs of people with disabilities.
The workshops were organised by the Countryside Access and Activities Network’s (CAAN) Venture Outdoors team in partnership with Sport NI & Disability Sports NI. The workshops were specifically tailored for outdoor activity providers, outdoor education centres, freelance instructors and National Governing Bodies participation officers. Delegates were provided with a UK wide Disability Sports Organisation’s accredited course, disability inclusion theory session which covered concepts of people with disabilities participating in leisure activities, barriers to participation and the importance of providing an inclusive service. The day finished with a series of practical workshops on archery, canoeing, climbing and orienteering.
Each of the workshops were facilitated by an expert in their field who in the past have worked to adapt outdoor activities to include everybody. The objective was two-fold in the sessions; one to increase confidence to offer a more inclusive service and, secondly to increase the range of activities that service providers offer to underrepresented groups. This interactive format allowed the demonstration of a range of practical solutions which will help ensure participation.
Sharon Donnelly, Venture Outdoors Development Officer highlighted “We are delighted with the response to the Venture Outdoors training programme. The effect of theory and hands on practical workshops will, result in a more inclusive approach to outdoor recreation for people with disabilities.”
The Venture Outdoors project involves three key areas; training for activity providers, landowners and community advocates, marketing including adaptation of websites, publications and devising marketing campaigns, participation in terms of taster sessions and finally helping building bridges between these groups by bringing all project elements together. For more information on the project please visit www.countrysiderecreation.com/venture-outdoors.
