Pursuing Extreme Goals: How Charities Empower Disabled Individuals
At ILS Case Management, we understand that our clients have diverse and sometimes extreme goals. Whether it’s continuing a beloved sport or exploring new, thrilling pursuits, the desire for adventure rarely diminishes after sustaining an injury. Fortunately, several UK charities are dedicated to making these dreams a reality, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to engage in exciting activities.
Our case managers have personal experience of seeing the joy achieving a goal can bring. For instance, one client wanted to go skydiving. After a thorough risk assessment, it was determined to be too risky. However, an alternative of an indoor skydive was felt to be more suitable. The client liked this idea so much that they ended up incorporating it into a holiday to Las Vegas! Another client wanted to take up skiing and has been enjoying tailored lessons on an indoor slope.
One of our client’s support workers commented on their determination to continue to enjoy the hobbies and adventurous interests he had before a serious head injury and ensuing stroke threatened to take those pursuits away: “It’s easy to dwell on the things that you’ve lost, the things that you can’t do. But Roger is always focused on what he can do, not what he can’t do.”
These included playing golf at an impressively high level and endurance cycling. Roger learned to adapt his golf swing using one arm and was helped in sourcing a recumbent bike. After months of training to regain his strength and stamina, Roger undertook the London to Brighton charity cycle ride alongside his support worker Paul.
Afterwards, Paul asked Roger “What’s the word you say to me, when we are on the bikes, what does it feel like?” Roger simply replied “Freedom.”
These inspiring stories are just a glimpse of what’s possible. Charities like the Disabled Sailing Association is one such charity that provides opportunities for disabled individuals to engage in sailing. Their programmes are designed to be inclusive, ensuring that everyone can experience the joy and freedom of being out on the water.
Aerobility is another fantastic charity that makes aviation accessible to disabled individuals. They offer flying lessons and experiences, allowing people to take to the skies and enjoy the thrill of flight. They also offer an accessible flight simulator made from a real aeroplane. The simulator has great accessibility with two wide doors, adjustable seats and 180-degree views of the virtual world.
Sportability offers a range of sports and challenging pursuits for people with paralysis. From quad-biking and gliding to microlight flying and indoor skydiving, Sportability provides opportunities that might seem out of reach but are made accessible through their dedicated programs.
Adventure Therapy focuses on improving mental health and well-being through outdoor adventure activities. They help children and adults with disabilities participate in climbing, kayaking, and other exhilarating experiences, fostering a sense of achievement and joy.
The Calvert Trust operates centres in Exmoor, Kielder, and the Lake District, offering activities like climbing, abseiling, horse riding, and zip-lining. Their inclusive approach ensures that people with disabilities can enjoy the great outdoors and push their limits in a safe environment.
By providing accessible and thrilling opportunities, these charities play a crucial role in enabling our clients to pursue their goals, whether it’s returning to a favourite sport or discovering new passions. There is a world of possibilities, where almost anything is possible.
At ILS, we are committed to being client-centred, recognising that every individual has unique goals and aspirations. Our aim is to enable our clients to regain and maintain the best quality of life by working closely with them, their families, and care teams. We support every aspect of our clients’ physical, cognitive, and emotional wellbeing, and are dedicated to supporting our clients in pursuing their dreams, no matter how extreme.