Why is this event being organised?

Many climbing walls want to be more accessible but face concerns over safety, cost, or complexity. Too often, inclusion is a one-off tick box, not daily practice and this excludes people from climbing. We want to champion an accessibility-led approach and help walls embed it in everyday decisions.

Who is this event for?

This event for anyone who works at an indoor climbing wall - from Wall Owners and Senior Management to Instructors and Counterstaff and Routesetters. The event is also open to anyone working in or interested in community sport and accessibility and inclusion.

Who is organising this event?

This event has been created by Development through Challenge and the Association of British Climbing Walls. We are working closely with a Steering Group of volunteers from the disabled community.

Who is funding this event?

Development through Challenge is funding this event with money raised by the Worshipful Company of Horners.

Is there parking on site?

There is limited parking on the Mile End Climbing Wall site. Please contact Amy at aim2change@mileendwall.org.uk to reserve a space.

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Thursday, October 30

Aim 2 Change

By Development through Challenge

A climbing inclusion summit for indoor climbing walls created by Development through Challenge and the Association of British Climbing Walls

Date and time

Location

Mile End Climbing Wall

Haverfield Road London E3 5BE United Kingdom

Agenda

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Neurodivergent Awareness Workshop

AJ McMinn (Access Sport)

It’s estimated that around 15%-20% of the UK population are neurodiverse, yet often neurodiversity is overlooked when it comes to accessibility and inclusion. Our Neurodivergence Awareness Session wi...

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Building Inclusive Communities: Insights from Paraclimbing Clubs

Mischa Laurén

Bristol Inclusive Climbing

UK Paraclimbing Collective

Leeds Paraclimbing Club

This panel brings together leaders and organisers of paraclimbing clubs to share their insights on creating inclusive climbing environments and the current state of the sector. Panellists will discus...

11:45 AM - 12:45 PM

Deaf Inclusion Workshop

1 in 3 adults in the UK are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus. This workshop will introduce participants to the experiences of Deaf climbers and the barriers they may face when accessing indoor cli...

11:45 AM - 12:45 PM

How To Run Accessible Events and Parainclusive Competitions

Abbie Robinson

Mike Langley (Co-Founder of BlokFest)

Piangfan Naksukpaiboon

Anoushé Husain

Gain an insight into how to organise accessible events and parainclusive competitions; from planning and communication through to scoring, categories, and event delivery.

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

From Click to Climb: Accessible Marketing that Welcomes Everyone

Sidney Tambin (Inclusophy Ltd)

The journey into climbing often begins long before someone steps through the door — it starts with a click. Websites, booking platforms, and social media channels are the first touchpoints for new cl...

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Practical Rope Skills for Coaching Wheelchair Users (for coaches with CWI)

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Coaching Blind and Visually Impaired Climbers with Confidence

Kinnari Patel

This 60-minute practical workshop introduces climbing instructors to inclusive coaching strategies for blind and visually impaired climbers. Led by Kinnari, a blind climber and facilitator of monthly...

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Creating Intersectional Accessible Spaces

Marie Uri (United We Climb)

Carlos Casas (Colour Up)

Hanadi Rammu (Wanderers of Colour)

Minh Nguyen

Although this year’s summit is primarily focused on increasing participation of disabled people in climbing (and community sport more widely), taking an intersectional approach is essential. This pan...

5:15 PM - 5:45 PM

Key Note

Anoushé Husain

Anoushé is a champion for all those experiencing barriers and self-limiting beliefs. She was born missing her right arm below the elbow and lives with multiple health conditions, and has never let wh...

Good to know

Highlights

9 hours
ages 18+
In person
Free parking
Doors at 8:30 AM

Refund Policy

No refunds

About this event

Sports & Fitness • Other

Aim 2 Change is a new access and inclusion summit created by Development through Challenge and the Association of British Climbing Walls to bring indoor climbing walls together to make real change.

This year, we’re focusing on paraclimbing and making indoor walls more accessible to the d/Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent communities.

Many climbing walls want to be more accessible but feel unsure where to start. Concerns about safety, limited budgets, or feeling overwhelmed often get in the way. Too often, accessibility and inclusion are treated as a one-off tick box exercise rather than part of everyday decision-making. Development through Challenge operates Mile End Climbing Wall and in terms of accessibility we are far from perfect. However, we want to champion an accessibility- and inclusion-led approach and help other climbing walls to do the same.

The event will include:

Speakers and panel discussions led by people with lived experience
Exhibition area where organisations, charities, and social clubs will host tables and speak to delegates about their work.
Interactive workshops led by people with lived experience.

Join us at this event and become part of a network of walls, climbers, and community organisations working together to champion accessibility, hold each other accountable, and drive real change in the industry. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of accessibility, practical skills, and actionable ideas to implement at your climbing wall, along with the confidence to champion inclusion and create lasting impact.

Are you a routesetter interested in learning more about the theory and practise of para setting? Sign up for our free one day para setting workshop with Gavin Symonds - the UK's Head Para Setter!

Accessibility Statement

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible event for everyone. If you have specific accessibility needs or questions, please contact Amy at aim2change@mileendwall.org.uk. We will do our best to ensure your full participation in Aim 2 Change.

Organized by

Development through Challenge

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