Camp Manyung continues to lead the way in implementing universal design principles with more improvements for access and inclusion. The latest addition to the universal flying fox is a harness designed for wheelchair users. However, there’s no reason why other campers can’t use it too. Others with reduced mobility or low vision, or very apprehensive about participating could perhaps use it as well. The harness looks like it feels very safe.
The harness was co-designed with industry experts, outdoor professionals, and disability support experts. People with lived experience helped develop and test the system.
The new harness enables participation in activities like Giant Swings, Flying Foxes, and Challenge Courses. Image courtesy Gary Sissons, MPNews.
Camp Manyung aims to make camp programs inclusive for all and to provide equal participation and challenge for every camper. The new harness replaces the old one which had limited access to height-based activities.
So many things to do
The website section on accessibility outlines the accommodation, specialised equipment such as beach wheelchairs, and adaptive cycles. The camp is one of many located in Victoria and has many different indoor and outdoor activities.
More details on the facilities are provided in a larger document in plain language. It covers everything from pre-arrival and what to expect when you get there including food and drink. The long list of adventure activities are carefully explained with images of equipment and places. This is an excellent example not just being inclusive, but how to let others know that you are.
There is also a video of really good instructions for operators about applying the harness which is also well designed for operators. A good universal design result.
Integrating universal design into camp activities
An earlier version of this post outlined some of the initial work that went into making Camp Manyung universally designed. Here is the relevant content.
Sport and Recreation Victoria and YMCA wanted to increase awareness and applicability of universal design in residential camps. They produced a report, Universal Design: Integrating the Principles into Camp Activities. The report outlines ways in which environments, activities and programs within residential camps can be used by everyone. It shows how to apply universal design to all aspects of camp activities.
The image shows how any one can enjoy the flying fox on the “Skyrider”.
There is no legislation within Australia to guide the design of sporting or leisure activities that enable participation by everyone at a level that suits them. Sport and Recreation Victoria have embraced the principles of universal design to make all their camps and activities inclusive. The accessible high ropes course shows that anything is possible.