All-Terrain tandems for persons with disabilities
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Based in the Mont-Blanc Range, the Loisirs Assis Évasion Association has for 10 years been developing mountain nature activities for adults and children in a handicapped situation. After the ski tandem, backed by the Foundation in 2005, the association is branching out into the creation of all-terrain tandems for ramblers.
The design and production of all-terrain tandems adapted to various types of handicaps is not a simple matter. The aim is to do better than the available equipment, by developing a tandem controlled by a single companion and adaptable to animal traction. And also meeting the safety requirements and the need for the equipment to go aboard the mechanical lifts.
A firm already specialized in this type of equipment concentrated on the design of the future tandems; actual production will be entrusted to another company, itself focused on the adaptation of leisure activities to handicapped persons. The coordination of this project will also mean a full-time job in the Loisirs Assis Évasion Association.
The costs of the technical studies will only be amortized when ten tandems are in production. If this preliminary series is as popular as expected, other tandems will then be produced on a larger scale.
After having backed the ski tandems, the Veolia Environnement Foundation is financing the design and construction of the all-terrain tandems, alongside GMF, the Caisse d'Epargne savings bank and the Syndicat intercommunal à vocations multiples (Sivom) of the Mont-Blanc region.
The sponsor's summary : "Since its creation in 1994, Loisirs Assis Évasion has been known in continental France and beyond. Recognized mountain professionals, the members of the association demonstrate remarkable passion and dynamism. Their professionalism and availability are appreciated by the handicapped persons, by their family entourage, and also increasingly by the local authorities and municipalities. Their actions in the field are essential: technical training of the monitors, active participation in drafting the regulations and their enforcement in the mechanical lift installations, etc. Their proposals concerning accessibility and design of the installations or equipment are often extremely relevant. The all-terrain tandem project relies on a public-private partnership; it is also ideally positioned, rooted in the objectives stated in the 2005 law on equal opportunity."