Anything is Possible
Anything is possible these days…
Along our own journey to create a focused approach in supporting tourist and visit attractions to support creating happy memories for families who live with a disability, we have met some the most inspiring, determined, resourced and resilient individuals who know how to apply the skill of adaptability to make their ‘anything is possible’ happen.
Recently I was talking to a woman whilst I was out on a hike. A rare day off permitted me to escape up a harsh overgrown track and rummage amongst the bushes to finally find the route to the top of the valley sides. A rugged terrain that opens up to smoother surfaces the higher you go. Perfect.
The woman I met was sitting on a rock quite near the edge of the drop sipping her tea, as I began to pass we got chatting and then out popped my flask so together we drank tea and held our senses within the moment. The breeze that cooled a hot back under the rucksack, the noise of the birds and the leaves rustling around and the feeling of the sun that began to tease us of a spring around the corner.
I knew the lady I was sitting with was blind, her husband had gone ahead to scout out the terrain on a particular route as we sat enjoying all the snacks and talking past adventures. She told me how she missed her guide dog ‘Sox’ on these walks, I asked why he hadn’t come with her to stretch his legs out and she explained that he’s trained for the streets and not for hiking out up such terrain.
Making ‘anything is possible’ accessible.
Taking that half an hour out for a sociable chat and brew taught me so much, this wonderful lady called Dianne explained that there are routes designed for partially sighted people, routes that are less challenging around the terrain and less unpredictable and the styles are easier and more accessible when crossing.
I asked Dianne how she would prepare for a day out hiking the hills, here was her help list:
- “When I have to leave Sox at home I definitely take the husband.” We did laugh!
- “I always tell at least 2 people where I am going. The route and expected times.”
- “We became members of the Ramblers association because there’s a lot of advice and support on there.”
- “I’m not afraid to try a route even it becomes too difficult and we can’t get around it.”
- “I take my time to prevent injury and falls, it will take me much longer to do a route hence why I go on shorter routes, I know then that I can get around it and I don’t have to rush, I can enjoy the environment in my own way.”
- “I have a few rest stops where I can sit and be present. My husband is great at being silent and enjoying the world around us as much as I do.”
- “Taking on these challenges in a safe but still adventures way helps me stay feeling young and connected with myself.”
- “And I bring tea, lots of tea – a litre flask in fact and snacks. Abundance of tea and an abundance of snacks and i’m good to go.”
We parted ways at the fork in the road, a poignant moment where I felt absolute respect for this woman and her husband, I took the higher route and walked to the top but along the way I brought her lesson with me and I took the potential of everyone who lives with a disability up there with me because I had once again met someone who showed my clearly that anything is possible if you find the right way.
Thank you Dianne
Alternatively contact your local ramblers group and enquire about accessible walks in your area.