Universal Design and Accessibility

---

Welcome to the world of Universal Design and Accessibility for individuals with disabilities on challenge courses and ziplines. As opportunities continue to expand in challenge course programming and zipline adventures, it is imperative that we consider the inclusion of any individual who chooses to participate in the experience and at whatever level they desire. This is best done by creating a sense of welcome, training all staff to be comfortable working with all participants, providing the necessary equipment for adaptations and maintaining a facility that is accessible to all. 

ESI is committed to creating programs that can serve audiences of all abilities. We design and build courses accessible to participants who use wheelchairs or have other special needs. And we also offer  Universal  Design Training for our clients on how best to develop programs to serve people of all abilities with an approach that is fully inclusive.  

As a leader in the industry for Universal design and inclusive programming, ESI employs two Universal design specialists to advise and help you to create the kind of program you envision to consider the needs and abilities of all of your participants. 

Please contact us to help with your goals for Universal design and inclusion at your facility.

Call us at 877-206-8967!

Universal Program Design Training 

The Universal Program Design Training provided by Experiential Systems, Inc. will help prepare your staff to offer programming that is inclusive to participants of all abilities. 

• Has your program staff ever been faced with the situation of having to “figure out what to do” when a participant who uses a wheelchair arrives at your ropes course? 
• Would you like to more seamlessly include someone with a loss of hearing or vision into your challenge course programming?
• Have you ever had to turn away a client because you were unprepared to manage a cognitive or emotional difference in your program? 

This training will be custom designed to meet the needs of your organization and to provide the information and skills necessary to offer a welcoming and inclusive program. A Universal Program is one that goes beyond making adaptations for accessibility, to one that is an inclusive experience by its very nature. 

Some of the learning opportunities in this training include (but are not limited to):

• An informational overview of physical, sensory, cognitive and emotional differences.
• Designing a program that creates opportunities for all to participate who choose to participate. This can include everything from developing curriculum and training materials to suggestions for simple tweaks to equipment and training. 
• Introduction to and practice with a variety of systems that can improve the accessibility of your facility (including: Misty Mountain Arc and Easy Seat harnesses, ISC R-ALF pulley system, and Petzl Jag).
• Technical skills covered include: Outfitting, belaying, lowering, and transferring.

Carla Hacker  

Universal Design Specialist 

608-239-0155 

Carla@experientialsystems.com 

Melanie Wills

COO

877-206-8967

Melanie@expsys.co

Universal Design Equipment Kits:

• ISC Hauler biner or Petzl Jag system in 1 meter and 3 meter lengths
• GriGri
• Trolley with capture
• R-ALF System 
• Misty Mountain ARC Harness and ARC Spreader Bar
• Misty Mountain Easy Seat
• Ascender bar
• Rigging plate
• Static rope
• Carabiners
• Chest harnesses
• Prusiks, webbing
• Daisy chains

Our ropes course construction crew is based in Chicago, but we work in all 50 states. Call today for more information on how to incorporate an accessible ropes course into your plan!