For providers of climbing, hill walking and mountaineering activities there is a wealth of information available to support you to ensure your activities are accessible. To make it easier, we're gathering the information here.

In the UK, one-in-five people have a disability or long-term limiting impairment, and the prevalence of disability increases with age. The BMC is working with partners to provide support to clubs, climbing walls, activity providers and coaches to ensure the activities they run are accessible.

Inclusive information

To better understand the demographics Sport England produced Mapping the Facts which looks at the prevalence of different impairment types.

The English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) has undertaken research and produce many resources and toolkits to better understand the participation of disabled people in sport and physical activity

Understanding the Barriers to Participation: April 2012 gives a detailed look at the types of barriers faced by disabled people or those with long term limiting conditions.

Talk to Me is a great guide around engaging people with a disability or impairment, the principles are outlined below and you can download the principles in action on the EFDS website.

Support for inclusive activities

The BMC is working with National Disability Sport Organisations and charities to support more people with a disability or impairment to take up climbing, hill walking and mountaineering.  As part of this work we are putting together resources and factsheets to support the providers of activities. 

Visual Impairments in Climbing: A guide for coaches, instructors and volunteers

Visual Impairments in Climbing: A guide for facilities

Hearing Impairments in Climbing: Support Guide

Partnerships for accessible opportunities

The BMC is proactive in working with many organisations to support inclusivity and diversity. Recently we have developed a partnership agreement with Sense around working together to raise the profile and increasing opportunities for people with dual sensory impairments to access climbing.

WATCH: Climbing for people with Sensory Impairments on BMC TV

We are also working closely with British Blind Sport to ensure activities are accessible for people with a visual impairment. This partnership will see the BMC supporting British Blind Sport events and activities and developing resources and support for the providers of activities.

We are collating a database of accessible opportunities to take part in climbing, hill walking and mountaineering activities. If your club, climbing wall or centre has inclusive sessions and accessible activities and you'd like them to be listed below please contact Jo Rowbottom: joanna@thebmc.co.uk.

We want to say a big thanks to every BMC member who continues to support us through the Coronavirus crisis.

From weekly Facebook Lives and GB Climbing home training videos, to our access team working to re-open the crags and fight for your mountain access, we couldn’t do it without you.

Did you know that we've launched a U27 membership offer for just £1.50 / month? And with full membership from £2.50 / month, it's never been easier to join and support our work: 

https://www.thebmc.co.uk/join-the-bmc-for-1-month-U27-membership

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