"Aid for physically challenged mountaineers: learn about the group facilitating disabled adventurers' peak ambitions"
Experience the thrill of climbing like never before with Anyone Can - a revolutionary organization dedicated to making the sport accessible for individuals living with disabilities. Founded in 2019 by Chris and Vicky Binks, Anyone Can runs indoor and outdoor climbing sessions across the UK, using cutting-edge equipment to help aspiring climbers conquer feasibilities once thought unattainable.
What sets Anyone Can apart? They specialize in adaptive climbing equipment, often inventing custom solutions to empower each enthusiast to reach new heights.
Getting started with Anyone Can is simple. At events like the Keswick Mountain Festival, they set up accessible climbing walls outfitted with specialized gear, ready for climbers of all abilities to take on their next challenge.
"We've borrowed a climbing wall so we can run an accessible climbing session for whoever wants to come along and try climbing, that might have adaptive needs, or is living with disabilities or an impairment," Chris, founder of Anyone Can, explained at the foot of a large climbing wall during a recent festival.
One innovative piece of equipment they offer is an adaptive climbing seat designed for wheelchair users and those with limited lower body function. This seat employs a pulley system to provide extra power, making it easier for climbers to reach the top with a fraction of the usual strength required.
"We can get anybody to the top because we can take all the power out of it, and they can ride to the top, or they can moderate so they're doing as much climbing as they want," Chris added.
In addition to the adaptive seat, Anyone Can offers various equipment tailored for visually impaired climbers, including an earpiece delivering real-time instructions about climbing routes and upcoming holds. They also cater to autistic climbers and those with additional sensory or cognitive needs.
But the assistance on offer isn't limited to climbing walls. Chris and Vicky organize outdoor climbing, caving, sailing, and canoeing expeditions across the UK and beyond, providing opportunities for climbers to expand their horizons and embrace new challenges.
"We run days where you can try out something and see if it's for you, and weekends where you can do it for a bit longer, and check that works, and whatever the accommodation is that works for you," explained Chris.
Championing inclusivity and fostering a supportive climbing community, Anyone Can aims to help individuals with disabilities achieve their climbing goals.
"For us, it's about trying to get people to use whatever abilities they have and climb," concluded Chris.
Ready to test out Anyone Can for yourself? Visit their website for a comprehensive list of upcoming events, including taster days and multi-day adventures. Prices range from around £100 for a single-day excursion to approximately £200 for a weekend trip that includes accommodations.
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- Despite focusing on adaptive climbing solutions for individuals with disabilities, Anyone Can also offers opportunities for individuals interested in sports beyond climbing, such as sailing and canoeing.
- For visually impaired climbers, Anyone Can provides an earpiece delivering real-time climbing route instructions, enabling them to participate in sports like hockey, where visual acuity is crucial.
