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Visually impaired climbers. (Read 1662 times)

Oldmanmatt

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Visually impaired climbers.
November 25, 2018, 11:29:03 am
Does anyone out there work with the visually impaired?  In a climbing setting and in general?
What are the things to consider?
Recommendations for resources and coaching tips?

Anything really.

(Over the years, I’ve realised it’s best to start research with a question on UKB, then go to Google, regardless of the topic from pop culture to Astrophysics...)

slab_happy

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#1 Re: Visually impaired climbers.
November 25, 2018, 01:46:18 pm
BMC did a leaflet thingy on working with the visually-impaired in a climbing setting: https://www.thebmc.co.uk/Download.aspx?id=1456

GB Paraclimbing Team's got several visually-impaired team members at the mo, so they or anyone working with them might be well worth consulting.

Also, the Power Company podcast and the Enormocast both did recent interviews with Justin Salas, a visually-impaired beast, which might be of interest as an example of one person's experiences.

As someone with a different disability, I would add: don't overlook the importance of asking the individual person/people you're working with what they need and what's helpful for them. There's never a "one size fits all".

If they're new to climbing, then obviously it's going to be helpful if you know what sort of things work for other visually-impaired climbers and the various adaptations that have been developed. If they're not, then they probably already know what works for them and can tell you.

mrjonathanr

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#2 Re: Visually impaired climbers.
November 25, 2018, 07:34:41 pm
Graham Hill who works for Rochdale council is probably your best man for this. He runs ‘Climbing for All’ courses for Mountain Training, for instructors to support disabled climbers.

I could put you in touch if you want me to pass your details on to him.

Oldmanmatt

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#3 Re: Visually impaired climbers.
November 25, 2018, 08:31:56 pm
Hey guys. Thanks!

Sorry, stuck doing family Sunday stuff until now.
Any contacts welcome.

mrjonathanr

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#4 Re: Visually impaired climbers.
November 25, 2018, 08:41:35 pm
PM me your details and I’ll contact Graham and ask him to get back to you

Edit - scrap that, just checked and he’s on Mountain Training site so his contact details are public, here’s the entry
https://mt.tahdah.me/profile/index/20686

I did a course with him over the summer (I want to help disabled users on a school wall), thoroughly worthwhile.

I would contact the GB paraclimbing associatiion, you’ll need to look them up.
« Last Edit: November 25, 2018, 08:48:07 pm by mrjonathanr »

 

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