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877-206-8967

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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:


ESI Accessible Equipment Kit:


  • 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!

Wheelchair accessible low ropes course for guests with special needs.

Downloads

ESI Accessiblity Services Brochure (pdf)

Download

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at info@experientialsystems.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

 Universal Design is the engineering philosophy that environments and products should be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for extensive retrofitting. At ESI, we integrate accessibility directly into the blueprint phase. This ensures that participants of varying physical, cognitive, and sensory abilities can navigate the course together, promoting true inclusion rather than segregation. 


Yes, Experiential Systems, Inc. provides  es. ESI is not just a construction company; our staff holds diverse degrees and backgrounds in counseling, education, and adaptive and universal disability use. This deep, hands-on operational experience means we intimately understand the therapeutic and recreational needs of disabled participants, allowing us to design highly empathetic, highly functional spaces. 


 Our  Choose Your Challenge philosophy is the cornerstone of inclusive programming. It empowers every participant, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities, to select their level of involvement. Whether a participant wants to be hoisted to the top of a zip line or prefers to act as the grounded "communications chief" for a low ropes puzzle, they are given a meaningful, respected role.xperiential Systems, Inc. takes safety very seriously and implements strict safety protocols on all of our construction sites. We conduct regular safety meetings, provide safety training to our employees, and ensure that all safety regulations are followed at all times.


 Absolutely. We engineer advanced structural adaptations to ensure wheelchair users can experience the thrill of height. ESI designs specialized transfer stations, graded ADA-compliant ramp systems, and customized boarding platforms that allow participants to safely transition from their mobility devices directly into adaptive harnesses or specialized seating systems.


 For ground-level team building, we utilize paved or ADA-compliant rubberized access pathways that accommodate the turning radius of a wheelchair. Instead of elevated stumps or narrow logs, we design flat spot markers and widened structural elements that allow participants with mobility aids to actively engage in the physical problem-solving process alongside their peers.


 Standard climbing harnesses are not safe or comfortable for everyone. ESI supplies specialized, medical-grade adaptive gear. This includes full-body adaptive harnesses, padded seating systems, and customized spreader bars specifically designed to support participants with limited core strength, paralysis, or other physical disabilities safely and comfortably at height. 


 For participants who cannot physically climb a ladder or net, ESI engineers sophisticated mechanical advantage systems (often called haul systems) directly into the course infrastructure. These heavy-duty pulley systems allow your trained facilitators to safely and smoothly hoist the participant to the elevated platforms or zip line launches with minimal physical exertion.


 Yes. Because our team has backgrounds in education and counseling, we understand how to design sensory-friendly environments. We can engineer specific elements that minimize sensory overload—such as utilizing quiet braking systems, avoiding high-contrast flashing colors, and integrating elements that focus on soothing tactile engagement and predictable, controlled movements. 


 Having the right equipment is only half the equation; your staff must know how to use it safely and empathetically. ESI’s Association for Experiential Education (AEE) accredited training department provides specialized clinics for your facilitators. We train your team on how to safely operate mechanical haul systems, properly fit adaptive harnesses, and effectively communicate with neurodivergent participants. 


 All of our adaptive structures and mechanical advantage systems are engineered to strictly exceed the safety standards defined by the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT). We ensure that every adaptive anchor point, ramp, and haul system can withstand the specific dynamic loads required for accessible operations. 


 

When designing life-safety systems for vulnerable populations, there is absolutely no room for error. ESI is the only North American challenge course company to achieve ISO 9001:2015 certification. This means our custom adaptive engineering and manufacturing processes are strictly governed by a formalized quality management system and audited annually by an independent third party, providing verifiable proof of our commitment to participant safety.


877-206-8967   info@experientialsystems.com


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