An Inclusive Outdoors: The National Ability Center is Changing Utah’s Climbing Culture

Climbing is a widely enjoyed sport in Utah, one that appeals to people due to the focus, strength and trust it requires. It’s a sport that can feel intimidating, especially because of the inherent risks, but the National Ability Center (NAC) in Park City is committed to making climbing accessible for individuals of all abilities and redefining what it means to be an athlete.

The NAC offers year-round adaptive programs, such as skiing, biking and climbing, to individuals with physical, cognitive and developmental disabilities, as well as those facing mental health challenges. At the heart of the program is instructor and climbing specialist Jill Boylan, whose career in sport accessibility began with an education in recreational therapy and a profound love for climbing.

Boylan explains that the program works to meet the needs of climbers with disabilities by using adaptive techniques and equipment that make climbing accessible. These adaptations include specialized harnesses, pulley systems and side-by-side climbing. “Sometimes we will have a climbing specialist climbing alongside somebody and physically moving their feet to every hold,” Boylan says. “This way they can focus on using their strength for other movements … Climbing is possible for all bodies.”

“He didn’t see himself as limited. He saw himself as a climber.”

Training sessions are tailored to each climber’s individual goals, and none are too small. “We meet every climber where they’re at,” Boylan says. “We celebrate every achievement … whether they climbed an entire route or took two steps up the wall. Maybe next time they’ll take three.” Some climbers visit the NAC once, while others return multiple times to reach their goals.

Adaptive climbing requires careful planning and creative problem-solving. Coaches consider the physical, mental and sensory needs of each climber to ensure every climb is successful. They choose routes and equipment to help climbers feel comfortable and confident, while also managing risk. Climbing can be a dangerous sport, but the NAC doesn’t eliminate the risks; they want to help people navigate it. “Adaptive athletes want to push themselves just like anybody else,” Boylan says.

At the National Ability Center, climbers have the opportunity to train indoors or outdoors, depending on their preferences and the season. The NAC collaborates with The Front Climbing Club, which features many accessible walls. For outdoor climbs, they visit popular Utah crags in Big Cottonwood Canyon and occasionally make excursions to other locations, such as Moab. These areas have many difficulty levels and wall heights, making them ideal for both beginners and more seasoned climbers.

A common misconception about adaptive sports is that they are somehow easier because of the adaptations the athletes use to help them complete the tasks. Boylan pushes back on this opinion, explaining that adaptations do not make climbing easier; they make it possible.

“This way they can focus on using their strength for other movements … Climbing is possible for all bodies.”

One story in particular stands out to Boylan. She was at The Front with a young boy with a physical disability when somebody approached them and asked what he was doing. Without missing a beat, the boy looked down and replied, “What does it look like I’m doing?” Boylan explains that this moment perfectly captures what adaptive climbing is all about. “He didn’t see himself as limited,” she says. “He saw himself as a climber.”

In a state celebrated for its outdoor activities, the NAC is committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to participate in these experiences. The work the NAC is doing with climbing specialists like Boylan is creating an accessible outdoors for everyone. When people see someone with a disability climbing alongside others, their perception of who belongs in these spaces will begin to change, and the outdoors will become more inclusive.

The National Ability Center offers more than just climbing instruction, featuring alpine sports, cycling, rafting and horseback riding. They also host camps, have veteran programs and train with competitive teams. For more information about their mission and programs, visit discovernac.org.

Read more about adaptive sports and athletes:
Adaptive Snowboarder Izy Hicks Carves Her Own Path
Shredding Stereotypes: Salt Lake City’s Radical Adventure Riders