Aim 2 Change

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.

The programme will explore a wide range of topics on accessibility and inclusion, shaped in collaboration with our Steering Group to reflect the changes they most want to see in the industry. Panels and workshops will cover everything from engaging with communities and running para-competitions, to para-inclusive routesetting, neurodivergent inclusion, and accessible marketing and communications. There will also be practical introductions to coaching blind and visually impaired climbers (for those with a CWI qualification), as well as discussions on creating intersectional accessible spaces and integrating health and safety with inclusion. And that’s just the start - the full schedule will be released soon.

For some workshops, you'll be required to have specific climbing qualifications. We've noted these against each topic. Some workshops are filled on a first come first served basis.

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

Host or Publisher Development through Challenge