If you have a disability which restricts your ability to get out on the river or you have a family member whose disability limits their opportunities to go boating, ABT has four different options based on your/their interest and ability. These options are sailing, paddling, motor boating in the larger Wheelyboat and enjoying be close to the river in our small electric inflatable. In each case the trip arrangements are personalised to the needs of the participant in conjunction with their family/carer as appropriate.
Sailing
Using our specially designed two seater sailing boat we can take a person sailing. We provide a qualified sailor to steer and operate the boat so no experience is required. Although if you have experience or if you would like to have a go, that is possible. There is always a support boat in attendance so a Carer/parent can be out on the water alongside the boat to give the participant confidence if required. If they are in a wheelchair or have difficulty accessing the boat we have a hoist to transfer them in and out of the boat.
Motor boating on our WheelyBoat
Our drop down front power boat is ideal for those looking to get on the river but for whom paddling or sailing is of less interest. The drop down front makes access to the boat step free so there is no barrier to those on in a wheelchair or with limited mobility. While quite often there are several people (in the same group) on the boat we run many trips when it is just one participant and a responsible adult.
Paddling in our Bell boats
Although the paddling boat will take up to 10 people we also run trips for just one participant and their parent/carer. ABT will provide a couple of volunteers to provide the ‘power’. With many of these trips they may do very little or no paddling however may derive a tremendous amount of enjoyment from the sensory experience of being on the water and feeling the breeze on their face as well as getting a chance to see the wild life up close. If you want to bring a bigger family group then please click here for more information on boating opportunities.
Quietly Cruising on the Inflatable
Our newest boat, which we have named Accessible Whisper, is a small inflatable with an electric outboard. This makes it ideal for a gentle trip along the river. The electric motor is ideal for anybody for whom peace and quiet is important and paddling is maybe a less attractive activity. The low sides allows everybody to feel much closer to nature. Click here for more information.