DYAC is the Disabled Young and Adults Centre and it is based in Exeter. Here, one of the support workers at the centre, Christine, explains more about the project. Clare, Dave, Justin, John and Mark are students at DYAC in Exeter; their ages range between 22 and 46.All of them use wheelchairs.
In Autumn 2002 they went to Dartmoor to study geology, ecology, folklore and archaeology, following up each field study trip with centre-based work.  | | The path doesn't get any easier |
They planted trees, watched a stonemason at work, visited a stone age hut circle and heard about the folklore and culture of the Moor from the vicar at Widecombe. Willum Montagne, from the National Park Authority and John Earle, from the Dartmoor Expedition Centre, identified sites off the beaten track that were wheelchair accessible. David experienced his very first cream tea - that was a special treat for everyone. Justin, John and Clare enjoyed Blackingstone Quarry; they wore hard hats while they watched the granite being cracked open. Clare enjoyed the whole outdoor experience, especially the flowers - she collected leaves, flowers and berries. The trips inspired Mark to draw many pictures, which illustrated his favourite memories, especially the folklore and legends.  | | Some traditional Dartmoor craft |
They collected a vast amount of leaflets, postcards and photographs to complement the work in their portfolios. Apart from the tremendous work done by the students to complete their individual portfolios, the staff and students had to evaluate the project.
The reaction: "Yes it was a success, yes we do want to do it again." To enable disabled people to be included requires effort, time, dedication and money.
The project was a huge success and has heralded a complete change to the focus of work at DYAC. Two similar projects are planned for 2003 and students can already be seen around Exeter taking photos of the buildings as part of an architecture project they undertaking with the support of the Royal Albert Museum.
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