Our Impact

Christine’s Story

Christine wanted to show herself and the world what it meant to live a life of adventure despite the barriers we face. Setting off on a 1,700-mile solo adventure to Telluride, Colorado, Christine discovered a community of individuals who embraced the very life she craved.

I live in southern California and decided to make the trip to the No Barrier Summit in Telluride, Colorado on my own. Along the way, I stopped off to hike, photograph and explore much of Colorado. In total, I drove myself over 1700 miles and had a blast with all of the people I met at the Summit and along the way.

What I hoped to accomplish with this trip was to show that it’s possible for a disabled woman to travel alone and have a great time. I hoped to demonstrate that with a little planning and a good attitude, the world will open up to you in amazing ways.

This is important to me because I grew up in and out of wheelchairs and hospitals and fantasized about being the type of adult who would do such preposterous, independent things. No Barriers helped me realize that I’m not the only disabled person who wants so much adventure in their lives, and that together we can make these things happen for ourselves and each other.

Thanks so much for putting on the Summit; it was completely wonderful!

-Christine, 2013 Summit Participant

Jack’s Story

Jack returned home from the No Barriers Summit and set an ambitious personal goal: swim to Alcatraz, despite being blind, and raise money to support our work. Jack’s Escape from Alcatraz mobilized a community to support our cause.

Kirk’s Story

Despite breaking three vertebrae in a cycling accident leaving him paralyzed, Kirk is ready to get back on a mountain bike. He reconnects with his spirit of discovery as he embraces a new evolution of cycling.