Trust Improves Outdoor Adventures
By Hannah Harriman, Minnesota H&V
Overcoming obstacles, raising expectations, and breaking down barriers is something I am passionate about. However, I do not limit this drive and determination to the classroom or the workforce. I enjoy many outdoor activities, like hiking and fishing. While I value participating in these activities independently as much as possible, like all teamwork scenarios, hiking and fishing involve collaboration with those I trust. Here are some tips I have learned navigating the fun outdoors as a person who is deafblind.
One family favorite travel destination is Colorado. We love to hike. As we climb, I use the sighted-guide technique, holding the arm of one of my family members. They take turns walking with me. I use my cane to feel where the next uneven step is and also use it to measure the incline. Most importantly, I listen to my family members’ descriptions. As we climb, my dad, mom, or sisters walk on my right side where I can hear them most clearly. We keep background noise to a minimum when possible.
Typically, our visits to Colorado include going down alpine slides: warm weather slides built on the side of mountains. My dad will describe the scene and visual surroundings while one of my sisters goes down the slide first. Once I get the all-clear, I go down the slide next, where my sister will be at the bottom, ready to provide visual assistance. We then cheer on and applaud the rest of our family coming down after us.
In addition to my family’s fabulous descriptions, some national parks and other attractions have tactile maps where an individual can feel a replica of the given attraction or historical site. Braille is also labeled on the replica, indicating what the tactile markers represent. We seek these out, and we can’t leave the area before my sister snaps a picture of the replica, proudly documenting our delight in finding something that enhances my experience. Did you know that any person with a disability can receive a free National Park pass for lifetime use? This pass admits me and those with me at no charge.
I also love to go fishing; my dad and I enjoy this together. As I cast the line at our lake, I wait to feel a tug. Once I feel that tug, I set the hook and reel the line in. My dad then provides visual assistance to determine if I caught a fish or caught weeds instead.
Recently, I went zip-lining with a group of students at my church as part of a youth retreat. Again, teamwork and collaboration were essential components for the success of this adventure. Furthermore, I trusted each individual involved in this process. Once strapped in, I listened to instructions, as the instructor stood on my right side, ensuring that I could hear clearly. Once I reached the other end, I received visual assistance and instructions on how to properly and safely clear the area.
We all seek to climb mountains that sometimes seem insurmountable at times. We can overcome our fears and perceived limitations. Independence, drive, and determination are key, but I have learned that it is also important to have a team who you trust and who will support you in every step you take. ~
Editor’s note: Harriman holds a bachelor’s degree in Relational Communication from Bethel University and serves as a Deaf/Hard of Hearing Guide with the Minnesota Chapter. She is blind with unilateral hearing loss. Find the national park pass information at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/accessibility/interagency-access-pass.htm
H&V Communicator – Spring 2024