Braving the Rapids, OSB Student Prepares For Adventure

MUSKOGEE, Okla. — He may have low vision, Albinism and Nystagmus, a form of involuntary eye movement, but that won’t stop him from living the adventure Global Explorers have given him. Tenth grader, Andrew Williams from the Oklahoma School for the Blind is one of only ten students in the nation accepted to the “Leading the Way Rim to River 2010” program.

This is an adventure of a lifetime that not only challenges the students physically with a trip to the Grand Canyon but also exposes them to science, service, leadership and culture. The program pairs up visually impaired or blind students with sighted students as guides where they must learn to work together.

“I want to participate in the trip because it will help me improve my leadership skills and introduce me to new concepts of environmental protection,” Williams said. “I’ll also be able to travel with minimal damage to the environment. Global Explorers purchases carbon offsets for our airplane rides, shuttles, and driving.”

Williams and the group will spend part of May at a retreat with world-renowned blind athlete Erik Weihenmayer to introduce them to each other and to hear Weihenmayer’s own inspirational story and experiences.

In July, Williams will travel to the Grand Canyon for a 15-day excursion that will have him hiking around the rim of the Grand Canyon and complete a service project with the Grand Canyon Youth. Then they will raft the Colorado River and explore places that are only accessible from the river and enter spectacular slot canyons.

“I’m not scared because "fear is just the unknown." I am confident in my leadership abilities. I understand what I have to do to be prepared for the trip,” Williams said. “I feel capable and I am willing to do the necessary work required for the trip.”
To get ready for the trip, Williams must fundraise for his $1,770 program tuition and airfare from Oklahoma City to Phoenix. He is currently selling t-shirts that say “Oklahoma School for the Blind Global Explorers Braving the Rapids of Life” for $15. He will speak to the Muskogee Lions, the Sapulpa Lions and Epsilon Sigma Alpha (ESA) ladies in February.

Williams has monthly conference calls with his team of students and coordinators where they discuss their goals, prepare them for the trip, assign homework and ask for assistance.

Homework assignments include learning about the science and culture of the area as well as learning leadership and service skills. He also needs to remain active because 15 days of hiking and rafting will be strenuous.

If you wish to donate to Williams’ trip or purchase a t-shirt please call the 918-781-8200 ext. 8220 and speak to Faye Miller, who is his school sponsor.

Oklahoma School for the Blind, a division of Department of Rehabilitation Services, offers a comprehensive curriculum of reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, physical education, music and computer science for residential and day students. Specialized instruction includes: braille, orientation and mobility, optimum use of low vision, adaptive equipment and technology, and tactile graphic skills. For more information call (877) 229-7136.

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