Accessible Outdoors

July is #AccessibleOutdoors Month raising awareness of the difficulties facing people with disabilities in accessing outdoor activities and celebrating the inclusive activities available.

Something as simple as going on a walk in the local woods or along countryside footpaths can become impossible, without considering other activities including climbing or water sports.

This campaign by Every Body Moves shows how activities can become accessible, from the availability of all terrain wheelchairs to adapted bikes and truly shines a light on changes which can be made to allow access to everybody.

Accessing outdoor space is not only good for your physical health, it’s hugely beneficial to your mental health and emotional wellbeing. Creating adaptive and accessible spaces can open up a whole new world to a section of society that can often be left behind.

Having grown up with a sister with severe disabilities and being married to a lower leg amputee, I know all too well the challenges that can face the disabled community and how frustrating the lack of access can be. However, I have also had the opportunity to see the joy my sister felt being supported to horse ride, be provided an adapted trike and be awarded a once in a lifetime holiday skiing in Italy.

Disability does not mean inability or a lack of desire to engage in activities, it is all too often a lack of accessibility standing in the way, not the disability.

Check out @everybodymoves on Instagram to see what it’s all about!

A picture of my husband at the top of Devil’s Kitchen in Snowdonia just under 8 months after his leg amputation fulfilling a promise to himself that he would climb mountains, something he had never been able to do previously.