Inclusive Expeditions Working Group

We have the promotion of equality, diversity and inclusivity (EDI) among our core values for the practice, study and teaching of geography and geographical exploration. Broadening opportunities with people from all backgrounds and abilities to be involved in purposeful, adventurous, and educational expeditions and fieldwork is a key remit of the Society.

For over 30 years we have convened the Inclusive Expeditions Working Group, an informal support network that champions inclusive expeditions for disabled participants. The group brings together a range of stakeholders, practitioners, and participants from across sectors and communities to help drive change and optimise inclusion in expeditions and fieldwork, both in the UK and overseas.

The Inclusive Expeditions Working Group consists of disabled explorers, technicians and leaders all who actively support the meaningful inclusion of disabled people in expeditions, fieldwork and outdoor learning. This group emerged from a series of Disabled Expedition seminars in the 1990s and continues to facilitate more inclusive expeditions today.

Convening expertise and developing best practices

Under the leadership of Suresh Paul of the charity Equal Adventure, the group serves as a forum for expedition professionals, researchers and practitioners to advance knowledge and good practices through publications, training workshops, and championing the achievements of explorers with disabilities.

A co-creative approach is taken to this work, developing inclusive practices with academics, practitioners, and participants, valuing lived experience alongside academic insight. This approach aims to reframe barriers as design challenges for the educational system, recognising the complex ways different disabilities (physical, emotional, learning, sensory) impact engagement with outdoor environments, and striving for an evidence-informed, values-driven model of outdoor education.