DISABILITY awareness was the focus of an outdoor course which took place at Nell Bank in Ilkley.

Aspiring leaders from Skipton Building Society took part in the new course which encourages participants to think broadly about how to build inclusivity into their everyday work.

The people taking part were asked to complete various team tasks – some made more challenging by removing some of their senses with blindfolds and ear defenders.

The course also included role play, to shine a light on how we sometimes make assumptions about people with disabilities, which may often be incorrect.

The scheme was set up with the aim of helping people to develop a reflective approach, and to think carefully about how to approach accessibility and inclusivity.

After the morning course building society staff undertook a practical volunteering task, creating a new footpath through the Imagination Zone in the new under eight’s activity area currently under development.

Nell Bank works with many local schools, community groups and businesses, helping teams to fully explore a topic away from their desks.

Last August more than 250 children with special needs took part in a fun-filled disability play day at the centre.

The event was organised with the help of Bradford Council’s Special Inclusion Project, Sovereign Healthcare and Bradford Toy Library.

Children took on an assault course, adventure playground and inflatables without the queues of a normal play centre.

Emma Fawcett from Bradford Toy Library said many children with special needs are excluded from Summer holiday activities due to long queues and waiting times.

The activity centre’s website says: “Nell Bank provides day and residential experiences for schools and community groups across the full age and ability range. The award winning activities and nationally significant inclusive facilities make it a top choice for learning outside the classroom.

“The accessible location and stunning surroundings make Nell Bank an ideal venue for adult team building courses and conferences.”

The centre has a strong focus on accessibility and has been designed so that visitors with limited mobility can have easy access to buildings and activities.

Children with disabilities can enjoy woodland orienteering and habitat trails thanks to the ‘Nellmobile.’

The centre has created three raised ponds so that people in wheelchairs can enjoy them.

Its sensory garden is popular with many visually impaired visitors and its mini-beast hotel was designed with wheelchair users in mind.

More than 50 metres of wheelchair-accessible ramps allow access to a large tree house. There are also karts, scooters and adapted trikes which can be used, under supervision, to explore the site.