Paddlesports are accessible for many people with disabilities, and our ‘it is what you can do, rather than what you can’t do approach’ to helping people, is one of the reasons our governing body the Scottish Canoe Association has asked us if we would like to be a pathway club for ParaCanoe athletes. It would be a great opportunity for the club, we have already helped one able bodied athlete reach the Commonwealth Games and Olympics selection (Ieuan James) it would be incredible to be able to help more athletes reach their dreams too. However, the only way we can currently work with wheelchair athletes is if they are lifted out of their wheelchair into a canoe on the opposite side of the canal and paddled over, then lifted out by the clubhouse. This takes away their independence and autonomy. We are also in discussion with Scottish Canals to re-instate the facilitates block on Ashleigh Terrace, which our members utilised, and it used to contain an accessible WC and shower facility and has been closed since 2019. However with no news as to the Reopening of the facilitates Forth Canoe Club want to pave the way for access and inclusivity. 

Well designed access will improve the site for everyone.