As iDID comes to the end of its research tour, we are reflecting on the experiences we have had and looking forward to the services we will provide to ensure that others can benefit from the same experiences.
To say it has been emotional would be an understatement. What started as a tour to explore how a variety of extreme/adventure sports can be adapted and how we can make those experiences happen for other people with disabilities; has proved to be life changing for many of the team. Not only were the team researching first hand experiences but were unknowingly challenging their own perceptions of what was possible for them.
I am delighted to say that every activity we have endeavoured to experience has been mind-blowing and has given us unexpected results. At iDID our Philosophy is ‘anybody can do anything they want with the right support’. I believe this 100% but I have to admit when we started, there were some extreme/adventure sports that I thought… hmmmm, really?!
For those that know me, my disability causes me to have dexterity and balance problems as a result of my brains perception being distorted and nerves being damaged. This can prove difficult when taking part in things requiring those skills – I have exceeded my physical capabilities and actively improved my dexterity and trunk strength through taking part in rock climbing and wakeboarding. How has this happened?? It is a result of adapting the activities slightly and using extra devices to support my needs.
Each and every member of the team has surpassed any expectations of themselves and I am extremely proud and honoured to have been witness to it. This makes me more excited because I know there is more to come. Our launch is around the corner and this means more shared experiences…. With you! We want you to challenge yourselves, believe you can do it and you will.
So the question is: What will iDID do?
iDID is based in Northamptonshire; its primary services:
iDID Adventure Groups
iDID will run adventure sport clubs in local communities. These clubs allow individuals to have regular access to adventure sports and our members will have access to discounted rates. The activities provided will be location dependent (not everyone is lucky enough to live by the sea or have some facilities in their area); however, once an individual is a member, they have access to ALL iDID clubs so you can travel to another group if an activity is not local to you.
We will be expanding our services and inviting others to start iDID groups in their area. Working together we can move the iDID legacy forward and ensure that these opportunities are widely available for those who wish to take part.
iDID will provide opportunities for adventure weekends for activities such as surfing and outdoor sports. We have partnered with specialist centres in the UK to ensure you get the best quality support and experience.
iDID Adventure Therapy
iDID Utilises the therapeutic benefits of adventure sports to provide a highly effective method in treating mental health issues. This service is currently being developed through Pilot Studies.
iDID Discovery Portal
Our online portal provides support to both professionals in disability awareness and individuals in adventure sport information. You can find information relating to what each extreme/adventure sport entails, how you can access adaptive sports and where you can find them. Our search facility allows you to enter your postcode and find the services in your area, giving you the option to pursue your adventurous streak independently. Alternatively, information relating to any iDID groups can also be searched; if there isn’t a group in your area… why not start one?! We will provide all the support you need to successfully lead iDID in your area.
What can you expect from iDID?
iDID is committed to ensuring you get the most out of your adventure experience. We use our networks to ensure that you have the right support. If there is a question we can’t answer, we will find it out! Our customers are the most important part of our organisations; to achieve our mission of improving accessibility in the adventure industry, we need you to support the work we do.
iDID works with local communities and volunteers who themselves are experienced adventurers. This means that we can provide greater levels of support and keep activities affordable for you. The opportunity to launch iDID in your own area provides unique experiences for individuals to be part of the amazing work iDID are doing. By starting an iDID group, you take control of your environment and create your own opportunities in your area.
Our information portal contains a wealth of knowledge collectively brought together from professionals in adventure sports and disability. If there is information you can’t find, simply get in touch and we will endeavour to resolve your query.
Simply put, we are working our socks off to launch our services and achieve our aim of launching in June. We welcome people to get involved and offer their services and have sponsorship opportunities available.
We are currently looking for Volunteers in the Northamptonshire and Reading area; ideally you will have experience in adventure sports and/or disability and be energetic and hard working. By working with iDID you will have a direct impact in your community.
If you have any queries or would like to discuss sponsorship, investment or volunteering opportunities. Please do get in touch:
Susanne Rees
Director – iDID Adventure Ltd
Please note that upon launching, some services may have adapted and developed from those stated above.
With thanks to eveeryone who has contributed large and small to iDID.
“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do”
Eleanor Roosevelt
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