Inclusive Outdoor Practice Training

Coming Autumn 2026

 

Outdoor environments offer powerful opportunities for participation, confidence and wellbeing—but professionals are increasingly supporting people with diverse health needs, lived experiences and abilities.

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Helping outdoor practitioners develop the confidence, skills and decision-making frameworks needed to enable participation across a diverse range of abilities, needs and experiences.

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Since 2024,  and as part of her work as a qualified summer Mountain Leader, Joanna Byers has been delivering highly rated workshops through the Mountain Training Association for outdoor professionals, combining expertise in medicine, occupational therapy and mountain leadership to explore participation, accessibility and wellbeing in outdoor environments.

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Rather than focusing on diagnosis-specific approaches, the training emphasises practical adaptation, professional reasoning and real-world scenarios. Participants develop the confidence to support a wider range of people in outdoor settings whilst balancing participation, safety and individual needs.

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Topics include:

• Physical health conditions and participation

• Cognitive and sensory differences

• Practical adaptation strategies

• Inclusive leadership and communication

• Decision-making and professional boundaries

• Green social prescribing

• Supporting participation in outdoor environments​​

 

Designed for mountain leaders, outdoor instructors, activity providers, expedition leaders, youth workers and organisations, these workshops help professionals build confidence in working with a wider range of participants and create more accessible outdoor experiences for all.

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What's Coming

Building on the success of workshops delivered through the Mountain Training Association, a new programme of CPD opportunities, practical learning resources and scenario-based training is currently in development.

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The programme will focus on enabling participation in outdoor environments through practical adaptation, professional reasoning and inclusive practice. Learning opportunities will include structured CPD, applied case discussions, and resources designed to support professionals working with increasingly diverse participants and groups.

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Further details will be announced soon.

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"One of the best, if not the best, presentations I have ever received. Joanna's knowledge as both a medical professional and a mountain professional gave it just the right balance."

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"The workshops were extremely interesting and, I dare say, transformational to my approach to consciously incorporating more accessible elements in my outdoor practice."