Across the Andes Beyond

[NiceCupOfTea]

This is such an incredible thing I'm watching at the moment on BBC2. It's ten people with various disabilities climbing the Andes, not sure but I think this is the first episode. It's an extreme example of the normal challenges people have when they attempt adventures like this, plus none of the people knew each other or what difficulties anyone would be facing. It's amazing because it's challenging my perceptions of what people can do, as well as challenging the perceptions of the members of the team regarding their team-mates' disabilities. E.g. there were problems when people had to remove their hearing aides as the rest of the team acted as normal or shouted louder. There's a lad with dyspraxia, which the teammates know nothing about but are now learning of. One girl, who is using sticks to assist her, is just so determined to keep going that she seems to be shaming the rest of the team into getting on with it. I can't wait for the next episode because it's so inspiring. Not because 'if people with disabilities can do it so can I' but because it's fascinating watching this determined bunch achieve their aim.

[Caladon]

I saw the original series of this and found it incredibly moving. They all showed such energy, will and determination which put the rest of us to shame.

I will have to watch the new series on BBC iplayer!

[vehelpfulguy]

My son has Dyspraxia.

We have recorded the program and will watch it later.

Of course nowadays we call them "special needs" rather than disabilities.