The Challenges
In this world of constant travel we are increasingly able
to take distance and geography for granted. However, barriers
to travel for disabled people still exist and the team had
to overcome these, including wheelchair handling, manual
handling procedures, uneven terrain, stairs, medical issues,
tiredness, personal health, language and climate. It was
also necessary to ensure that, as well as the logistics
of travel, the real objectives of education and meaningful
interaction are able to take place.
The Journey
Long days in a vehicle with little personal space combined
with dust and heat of the East African climate tested the
team during their 42 day journey through the remote villages
and game reserves. The team faced a punishing terrain and
unforgiving roads in order to complete the 4662 mile journey.
The team visited disability projects run by IMPACT,
an International Charity based in the UK (Registered
Charity Number 290992) Since 1985, IMPACT's
programme of action to prevent and treat needless disability
has grown and now includes a broad range of projects in
Asia, East Africa and the UK
“ IMPACT’s aim
is quite simple, that no-one should become needlessly disabled
through disease, lack of knowledge, or shortage of medical
service..”
The team also visited sustainable wildlife conservation
projects at Save
the Elephants, Kenya (http://www.savetheelephants.com)
and the Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage,
Zambia so as to learn more about importance of work to maintain
the fragile infrastructure of the native African wildlife.
For the majority of the journey the team lived out of the
Land Rover, camping, cooking for the themselves and visiting
cultural tourism sites in Ng’iresi, Mount Meru and
Mto wa Mbu, Tanzania.
On Return
This is arguably the biggest challenge for the team. On
return, Al and this inclusive team of adventurers have embarked
on a focused tour highlighting some of the major findings
of the field-based section of the project.
The aim here will be to inspire and inform people in the
UK about the need for greater integration of disabled people
in travel and adventure pursuits. The presentation tour
will enable the team to disseminate their findings to the
largest possible audience, including a presentation at the
Royal Geographical Society and varied groups, schools and
magazines.
