SIDO Year 1 Annual Report (March 2008 - February 2009)

Including People with a Disability in Mainstream EventsNational Trails For All DaySunday 28 th September 2008 was the first National Trails Day to be organisedin Ireland and people of all ages and abilities were encouraged to get out andenjoy the huge range of trails available across the country. Ireland has a wealthof trails of many types, from multi-access trails for all users to more challengingtrails for the serious hill walker or mountain biker. Here in Sligo a number ofinitiatives were organised for the day including an ‘Inclusive Family Walk’ atHazelwood forest. Organised by the SIDO and SSRP co-ordinator with supportlocally from Coillte the trail involved a fun adventure walk for all the family,including people with a disability, incorporating a leisurely walk along trailsthrough the wood involving the identification of clues along the route. The eventwas well attended by local families with over eighty participants including elevenpeople with a disability (two wheelchair users).“I live in Sligo and didn’t even know this trail existed. It was great fun for all the familyand both my kids really enjoyed it “Parent who attended Hazelwood Trail with two children, one of whom had a intellectualdisability17