Innovative Activity #5: Adapted Ropes Course

    The ropes and challenge course at the Adaptive Sports Center in Crested Butte, Colorado is a ropes course that is made to be accessible to clients of any physical ability or skill level. The course is built for clients with and without disabilities. It appears to be accessible to virtually anyone. They are also experienced at working with clients with behavioral and social issues as well as physical disabilities. Participants will go through the course in teams. This activity may not be appropriate for people who have a fear of heights, but I think that the staff would try to accommodate that as well. Elderly participants may not find this enjoyable, but that would be their personal choice because the course should be accessible to them as well. Ropes courses can be used for teamwork, trust, and as a team builder. A ropes course gives a person who uses a wheelchair a sense of freedom. For a participant with behavioral issues it can help them work on self-control and awareness.
    The ropes and challenge course consists of low and high elements and is made of ropes, cables, trees, and wood. Some elements included are the Leap of Faith, a Zip-line, a High Bridge, the Big Swing, and High Vines. Participants wear harnesses and helmets for all high ropes elements. Participants will be in groups being led by a staff member who instructs participants how to safely maneuver each element. Participants may do some elements on their own and some may be done as a team. Resources needed are all safety equipment including helmets and harnesses as well as a course to use. If someone is looking to participate in a ropes and challenge course they must go to a specially made course with trained staff. The ASC provided any specialty equipment needed as should most courses. Participants will need appropriate clothing that is comfortable to move in and tennis shoes. This activity is often done as a part of a summer camp, but it can be done on its own. Ropes and challenge courses can be expensive so participants need to be financially prepared. Because of the potentially hazardous nature of this activity if not correctly prepared for, a trained staff member(s) need to be present.


    


    The first picture is an example of the type of harness that might be used by a person who uses a wheelchair. The second picture shows a participant riding a zip-line.
    I learned about this activity by doing an internet search about ropes courses and found my information at http://www.adaptivesports.org/page.cfm?pageid=5134. Other people can research other ropes courses around the country. There may not be many ropes courses that are specified as adaptive, but other courses might offer some adaptive activities if clients requested them.