Outdoors is for everyone

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.

19/03/2026

Learning outdoors seems very natural and relaxed - its not so much learning things as learning a love of learning - its real and it involves all your senses.

We had a look at the avocets through the binoculars but there were too many birds and too many distractions. The had put a great silhouette guide to the wading birds at the back of the hide - this allowed us to look at and feel the different beak shapes. We then went back to looking for one with an uptilted beak. Focusing on just one thing to look for was a great help.

We got a cool little avocet pin badge at the reserve shop so this beautiful wader's name will never be forgotten now. Great consolidation and reward.

We've spent so much time working on 'life skills' (still important) its fun just to learn stuff that doesn't seem so task orientated. Avocet is just a nice word to say and a beautiful bird to see.

18/03/2026

Sounds like a great opportunity

Inclusive Climbing Sessions - For people with additional support needs

We’re excited to offer friendly, supportive climbing sessions delivered by experienced EICA staff designed for individuals who may benefit from a calmer environment, extra time, and personalised encouragement. The Scottish Paraclimbing Club will be in attendance on the day for anyone interested in hearing about how they can become more involved and opportunities to climb on a regular basis through their club meets.



These sessions will take place on Saturday 28th March at Edinburgh International Climbing Arena and only cost £10. Spaces are limited throughout the day, so don’t delay and book today.



For more information and how to book, please see the following link: https://mountaineeringscotland.justgo.com/workbench/public/events?ref=9F7B94D616A9008A06F7A1332E4323AD60BE82A3

08/03/2026

Strong women supporting each other outdoors.

07/03/2026

Should parent-carers take the lead in helping learning disabled adults get outdoors?

Its a bit of a paradox and something I'm often conflicted about. Here are some pros and cons that swirl around my thoughts:

On the plus:
parent- carers are often the greatest advocates, whatever age their child. They often become very skilled at advocating and seeing what is needed in many situations.

They are often ambitious for success and feel well placed to push boundaries with their offspring- employed workers may need to be more cautious.

Equally they know all the history and medical needs and know when to call a halt.

They are often skilled at helping with communication difficulties without taking away the choices/agency of their child.

The last 3 could also become negatives when parent carers are at the end of their tether.

Negatives - why letting others take the lead is good.

Parent carers are often over tired, if not from care, from being ground down by burocracy, unfair systems and 'keeping going' for too long. It is hard to summon the energy to take the lead.

Its natural, but scary to let your adult children go, but, other people have new ideas and different skills to offer. They also don't have the 'emotional strings' attached.

And of course, one day, parent carers won't be able to fulfill the role of being the one who helps someone get outside. We need a system to be in place before this happens.

The question is, how do we make an outdoor hobby sustainable without that parent push?
Thoughts?

05/03/2026

Meet Pip and Clare! 👋

In our latest content series we're bringing you bite size interviews with the leaders helping to build a more inclusive, representative and accessible outdoors.

Next up is All The Elements community members and disability campaigners Clare Millington and Pip Rowlands, a mum and daughter team showing that the outdoors can, and should, be accessible for learning disabled people.

Swipe through to hear more and read the full interview: https://www.alltheelements.co/news/5-minutes-with-pip-and-clare

Photo credit: Abbie_Merritt_