Adaptable Indoor Therapeutic Climbing

This six-week program will be led by occupational therapists (OTs) trained in adaptive climbing and mindfulness techniques, with the assistance from gym staff and volunteers. OTs utilize a modified Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) in addition to other formal and informal assessment tools to identify participant goals and evaluate changes in range of motion (ROM), strength, cognitive/perceptual skills, and self-esteem, depending on personal goals.
The program will run once weekly on Thursday afternoons from 1:00 – 3:00 PM and take place at Reach Indoor Climbing in Aurora for a total of 6 weeks between April – June 2026. Each session begins with an introductory mindfulness practice led by an OT. The program covers general climbing, as well as technical climbing skills including belaying and knot tying in order to build client autonomy and confidence in climbing. Technical skills are scalable based on participants’ abilities and interest, and are taught by the Reach Indoor Climbing therapeutic team. Support persons (i.e. friend, family member, PSW etc.) are welcome to attend all sessions with participants as needed, and welcome to participate in the technical belay lesson. Each participant is provided with a gym day pass, climbing shoes, and a harness. Following the six-week program, each participant will be provided with a one-month membership to Reach Indoor Climbing for use with their support person (if appropriate). Our aim is to build independence and hopes that these resources and technical lessons help individuals reach their future climbing goals.

SCHEDULE:

April 16

April 23

April 30

May 7

May 28

June 4

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Host or Publisher Brain Injury Association of York Region