Hike-Ability NDIS - Off The Beaten Track WA

Hike-Ability

Improving the lives of Western Australians living with a disability... one step at a time.

Welcome to Off The Beaten Track WA (OTBT), where we believe in the transformative power of nature for individuals with disabilities. Our hiking experiences offer a unique opportunity for people living with disabilities to enjoy the many benefits that nature has to offer.

Whether you are self-managed or plan-managed through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), OTBT can provide you with a fully bespoke service tailored to your unique abilities and support needs. We offer a wide range of options, from short and easy terrain hikes to full-day adventures and multi-day treks. Our programs are designed to support your rehabilitation and enrich your life.

Research has consistently shown that spending time in nature can have a positive impact on physical and mental health. By connecting with nature and engaging in physical activity, our clients have the opportunity to improve their fitness and overall well-being.

At OTBT, we understand that everyone is different, which is why we offer both individual and group programs. Our recreational program can be customised to meet your specific needs, focusing on your personal goals and preferences. Alternatively, you can join one of our Group Hikes to enhance your social skills and enjoy the company of like-minded individuals.

Our tailored programs extend beyond the hiking experience. We take into consideration your dietary and sensory needs, fitness levels, and personal goals. We can even provide you with hiking equipment or arrange transportation to ensure a seamless and enhanced experience. The OTBT team is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, supported, and enriching program that works hand in hand with you to achieve your goals.

For participants with more complex needs or behavioral considerations, we offer the option to have a support worker accompany you, as long as it aligns with your NDIS Plan and is approved.

At OTBT, our Hiking Guides are not only experienced hikers but also passionate about the outdoors and people. We strive to provide a safe, relaxed, yet professional atmosphere, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the wonders of nature.

OTBT is also proud to be accredited by the Australian Quality Tourism Standards in Accessible Tourism. We have met the standards in the areas of low hearing and cognitive/autism, ensuring that our services are accessible and inclusive to individuals with diverse needs.

Embark on a remarkable journey with OTBT and discover the incredible benefits that nature and hiking can bring to your life.

Benefits May Include:

Increase in social & community participation.

Improvements in your mental well-being by participating in physical activity.

Improvements in your fitness and co-ordination.

Aid in your rehabilitation.

Connection to nature.

Here's what our hikers say...

Being autistic, I struggle with sensory overload. Hiking provides me such a lovely environment to step away from harsh artificial lights, too many people and intense smells and noise. It is such a grounding, deeply therapeutic experience which aids in emotional regulation. It makes confronting day to day life a lot easier. It is such a delight and so soothing to have nothing but the sound of the wind and birds to focus on. Many of my deep interests are ecology related and I adore being able to explore them in a more hands-on environment. The team at Off The Beaten Track have been fantastic with providing me with clear communication, ongoing support and kindness to guide me in meeting my goals. Arrangements to meet my sensory needs such as dietary, sleeping, social downtime and equipment were met with ease, patience and care. I have especially enjoyed the challenges hiking brings where I can confront my social anxiety and interact with such a lovely group of understanding individuals and get to know the common ground I share with strangers across each step we take. I have always wanted to participate in multi day challenging hikes but felt it was outside my capacity due to my disability. The team has really opened doors for me and have provided such excellent encouragement to let me confront my fears and tell myself I am capable and worthy. I am so very thankful. I am filled with joy to have future adventures to look forward to. I have had painful experiences with many not understanding how to approach people with disabilities and Tracy and the team have such an excellent person centered approach of actually getting to know and understand me where I am not viewed as a stereotype. I can not recommend getting out there with Off The Beaten Track enough, I am immensely grateful for the new opportunities and have seen such growth in my self esteem, social confidence and motivation to improve my fitness.”

“Last year the then 15 year old males’ goal has been to lose weight. To make it fun, when he reached his steps goal we would do a hike together to celebrate. The first hike with Off The Beaten Track was Kitty Gorge night hike and it was amazing, he got to experience nature up close seeing 2 echidnas on the trail, insects and plants flowering, be outdoors and socialise with other people. Having had a sense of achievement and new found goals, he continued on hikes and discovered what he liked and didn’t like about hiking. Hills are not his thing and that’s ok. He liked doing the hikes with less incline, experienced the social aspect and chatting with familiar people from previous hikes whilst on OTBT. Today he has a sense of self empowerment and has his stories he tells of his hiking adventures and pictures of his journey.”

“I work with young people in care who have trauma and are living in a residential care home environment. I chose Off The Beaten Track for the young people I work with as I love their care and attention to detail, their safety and contingency planning, being in a group and having nibbles provided are all huge bonuses. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all the hikes I’ve taken the young people on. Seeing them exploring the nature around us and connecting. I highly recommend getting in touch with OTBT!”

"Over the last couple of weeks I have ticked a couple of boxes like going away of a group, and what is one the highlights, an overnight hike with this amazing woman Tracy. Hiking about 15 km route, 20 kg pack. Tracy and OTBT have made a big difference to my life. I’m looking forward to more experiences and a heap more fun."

The rhythm of walking and the beauty and peacefulness of nature has had a relaxing and regulating effect on my daughter. It has been scientifically proven that the pace of a regular walking rhythm can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which calms you down. Troubles and difference and frustrations were washed away during the hike (for both disabled client and care giver alike). It was heart-warming to witness that Andrew and Tracy were not perturbed by the strange mannerisms or inappropriate social graces of a brain injured young person, but took it in their stride, laughed along with her and made my daughter feel special. A connection was made. They have familiarised themselves with my daughters needs, and follow her lead (by watching her facial and behaviourial cues) to know when to slow the pace of the hike or of the conversation, adapting the length or difficulty of the terrain to allow Eloise to have success, whilst continuously giving gentle encouraging nudges to keep her going along the way so that she could push her milestones a little bit further each time and achieve more than she thought she was able . Eloise was rewarded with praise for completing sections of track she found challenging, or for pushing herself a bit more when she felt like giving up, and all her jokes were laughed at, no matter how many times they had already been told. Recently I asked Eloise why she enjoyed going on the hikes with Andrew and Tracy and the crew, and she said; ‘I like to interact with people, and they actually noticed my existence’. What greater testament do you need than that to show what a truly inclusive and caring organisation they are and what a positive effect they have on their clients.”

Hike-Ability

Improving the lives of Western Australians living with a disability... one step at a time.

Benefits May Include:

Here's what our hikers say...

Contact us to find out more

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