EXPLORING the natural wonders of Central Australia and participating in camping safaris is now possible for people with disabilities.

Northern Territory owned and operated business Outback Tour Services will provide all-access disability tours from June.

Managing director Pieter Bosch said he had wanted to provide tours that cater to the mobility of the disabled community, particularly in a camping capacity, for years.

“What I have always wanted to do is be able to provide that opportunity for people,” he said.

“We are converting some tents to be wheelchair friendly (and) I have bought a vehicle that can have a wheelchair in the back.”

Mr Bosch said they will also have an all-terrain wheelchair with quad bike tyres available.

“It will enable these people to do a full trip around the Rock,” he said.

“The focus really is that I want to get it right.”

Mr Bosch said he went to South Africa to meet with a company that offers similar ¬facilities to learn more about it and is also working with Disability Advocacy Service Inc. to ensure the facilities appropriately cater to the users.

“I sought their advice (and) I have offered to take them out at my cost,” he said.

Mr Bosch is also trying to ensure that the facilities don’t come at a major expense.

“Why disadvantage people even more?” he said.

After working as a tour guide and rarely seeing people with disabilities included, Mr Bosch said he is excited about his new venture.

Source: NT News

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