Accessible Boating Thames was established as in 2018 (Charity Number 1181307) as a volunteer run organisation with the objective of making the river accessible to those who, as a consequence of their disability, cannot access the river via mainstream commercial boating organisations.
All our volunteers have a love of the river and boating, a desire to share that river experience with others and a sensitivity to the needs of people with disability.
We have no age limit and our participants vary in age from 4 to over 80 years old with a wide range of physical and mental disabilities. With a not for profit motive the organisation is able to run its boating sessions in a very relaxed and personalised way in order to address this range of needs.
We are keen to encourage active participation and our volunteers will support everybody to be involved whether by sailing, steering or paddling to the extent that they are able or feel comfortable to do so. Many of the boaters come to ABT over an extended period that allows them to build up their confidence and ability.