At ABT we can offer three very different opportunities for families with a disabled family member to go boating together. In each case the session is designed around the family’s need and is dedicated to just one family per session. Or if two families want to get together and come along that is also fine. The choice is yours. This approach ensures that we can do our best to provide a calm and safe environment especially for those coping with high anxiety.
Paddling in our Bell Boats
Our Bell Boats are able to take up to ten people which allows able bodied family members to take part alongside a disabled family member. It is also possible for the group to be as small as just two people. Many of our participants have never been in a canoe before but our double hulled boats are so stable that everybody soon relaxes and gets used to paddling. The ABT crew will steer and help you along but you are also free to have a go at steering as well.
The paddling option is an ideal option for family of mixed ability as it allows the more able to take an active role in the outing while a less able person can do as much as they feel able but in any case just enjoy the experience of being on the river .
Motor Boating on our Wheelyboat
The specially designed power boat is ideal for those less active people or those with limited mobility. It allows families to take a river trip together and as you have the benefit of a large outboard engine you can go much further than is possible when paddling.
The drop down front makes access to the boat step free, making it accessible to those in a wheelchair or with limited mobility.
Depending upon how many wheelchairs and the number of adults, groups of up to 6/7 people can travel together. As ABT provides the helm (the person doing the steering) and a crew member you are free to sit back and watch the world go by. But if you want to take an active role you are encouraged to have a go at steering and helping taking the boats through the locks. Service dogs are allowed on the boat and, as long as it is not too big and it is well behaved, the family dog can come along as well.
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.