The climbing technique an individual uses depends on his or her abilities. By no means are these techniques set in stone. The techniques discussed below are commonly referred to as top rope techniques.

Man with a spinal cord injury is rock climbing

Para Pull-up : This technique is designed for people with little or no use

Modified ascender with a bar fastened to it.

of their legs. The basic climbing motion is done not on the face of the wall but on a static rope. Not only is the climber attached to a belay but also to an ascender which is attached to the chest harness of the climber. A second, modified ascender (pictured) with a bar fastened to it is attached to the static rope.

With each pull-up on the bar, the chest ascender is moved up the static rope, raising the climber 6 inches with each pull-up. A general side orientation to the wall face is used in this technique. This is to avoid skin abrasions on the knee area. Depending on the face to be climbed, protective gear should be worn to protect areas which may come into contact with the wall face.

 

Man with a lower extremity amputation is rock climbing indoors.

Single Amputee: Single amputees, whether upper or lower extremity, use the same technique. Climbing for any individual should be done primarily using the legs. The key is to execute each move carefully to gain a firm foothold.

Visual Impairments: Climbing is actually very well-suited for individuals

Adult with a visual impairment is rock climbing indoors.

with visual impairments. A sighted climber's vision is reduced to only 6 inches and quite often a handhold is achieved on feel alone. The only adaptation needed for a visually impaired climber is an understanding of the positions of the numbers on a clock. The climbing partner uses these numbers as audio cues to point out handholds and footholds.