OUR PHILOSOPHY

At Inclusive Trails we want to help more autistic adults access and enjoy the great outdoors.

 

In fact, we want to deliver the most inclusive and accessible outdoor recreation programs and adventures in the world for neurodivergent adults.

 

We have experienced the life-changing benefits of planning adventures and achieving goals on running tracks, bushwalking trails and off the beaten path around Australia and overseas.

​

Inclusive Trails Founder Travis Saunders is an accredited running coach, qualified bushwalking guide, adventurer and most importantly father to an incredible autistic son.

​

In 2023 Travis was awarded a Churchill Fellowship to travel to North America to investigate models of support that enable autistic people to access and enjoy bushwalking. 

​

Travis has completed autism specific professional development training at the Special Olympics Inclusive Sports Academy including; certificates in Autism Inclusion in Sport, Recreation and Physical Education and Physical Literacy for People with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism. 

​

In 2013 Travis raised more than $150,000 for autism organisations all over Australia when he ran 12 marathons in 12 months. He recently ran for 32 hours in a "Last One Standing" Backyard Ultra where he held the record for most hours run by a South Australian in this format in 2022.  

 

In 2017 he completed one of his most ambitious adventures yet; cycling from Washington State to Washington DC with his family. Travis pedalled a recumbent bicycle 5600 kilometres with his then 7 year old autistic son seated on the front. It opened up his son’s world and was worth all the hard work to make it happen.

 

Travis has worked as a disability support worker for more than 10 years, he has taught in schools all over the world and worked with autistic students for more than 20 years, as a teacher, consultant, welfare co-ordinator, behaviour advisor and acting Assistant Principal. In recent years he has been Vice Chair of Autism Camp Australia, and a member of the Australian Autism Research Council. Travis and his partner created The Parenting Spectrum, a podcast about autism and family life for ABC Audio Studios in 2019. They were awarded Best Coverage of Best Public Service Journalism at the SA Media Awards. Prior to Covid-19 Travis travelled the country presenting workshops and keynote addresses to students, parents, teachers and allied health professionals about autism, parenting and being a positive guide. In 2020 he was recognised as Autism Spectrum Australia Parent/Carer of the Year for his advocacy work. Travis is the proud co-concept developer of The Autism and Neurodiversity Masterclass launched in 2023. 

​

Travis also holds a Bachelor of Education (Hons) and has completed the coaching Young People for Success Leadership Training program and holds a Certificate IV in Career Development.