12/12/2025
NICAS Ascend
NICAS Ascend is a new climbing award scheme designed for – and tested with – disabled and neurodivergent climbers. Developed by Sarah Jones, a climbing coach with a background in disability sport and teaching, and inspired by her brother Zac, it provides a groundbreaking framework that enables young people with disabilities or complex needs not only to take part in climbing sessions but also to work towards and be recognised for their achievements.
🇮🇪 We’re heading to Ireland for a week on Inclusive Workshops and bookings are now LIVE!
In less than 8 weeks, Skinner (Head of NICAS Coach Development) and Paul Kellagher from Accessible Adventures Ireland will be delivering a brand-new series of two-day inclusive coaching workshops across Derry and Dublin, in partnership with Access Sport and Mountaineering Ireland.
These sessions blend practical coaching, real-world scenarios and operational know-how to help walls feel confident supporting disabled and neurodivergent climbers.
What’s included across the two days:
🧠 Access Sport Disability Inclusion Workshop
📘 NICAS Ascend Induction
🤝 Creating Inclusive Environments Workshop
🧗 Climbing For All (adaptive equipment)
Walls attending will also have the chance to request adaptive equipment sets from Mountaineering Ireland, ready for collection at the workshops.
📍 Foyle Arena, Derry — 27–28 Jan 2026
📍 Dublin Climbing Centre — 29–30 Jan 2026
⏰ 10am–4pm • Max 12 participants
🎟️ Bookings now open: https://nicas.co.uk/ireland-workshops-2026/
(or hit the link in our bio)
Questions? Drop us a message or email hello@nicas.co.uk.