Started in 2003, the non-profit based out of Minnesota has worked to promote innovative ideas, approaches and assistive technologies that “help people with challenges push through their own personal barriers to live full and active lives,” in the great outdoors. From hiking, to biking, scaling mountains and water skiing, no goal or activity is out of reach. The No Barriers USA approach to make this mission a reality is twofold: No Barriers Summits and the No Barriers University.
Attracting participants from dozens of countries, as well as almost every state in America, and already held on two continents, the organization’s signature multi-day international summits provide a unique combination of hands-on clinics, product demonstrations, nature excursions, keynote addresses, leadership exercises and a scientific symposium with films, art and music. The No Barriers Summit brings together adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts as well as scientists and innovative adventurers for an outdoor educational program that helps people push through their challenges and experience an active life. To date, four separate locations have played host to these adventurous outings: Italy, California, Florida and, most recently, Colorado in 2011.
Complimenting the summits, the No Barriers University provides year round, country-wide education on techniques, technologies and ideas people are creating, or have created, to assist people with challenges. Through educational videos and resources guides, individuals can learn about the equipment, devices, and technologies available that will help them to live more active lives.
Mark Wellman, co-founder of No Barriers and the first paraplegic to ascend the 3,000 foot face of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, knows better than anyone how going after your dreams can seem daunting, even impossible at times. However, with an open mind, passion and the advances of technology, it is clear that what you may think impossible actually is quite the opposite.
“Magic happens when you bring technology and adaptive sports together in one place,” Wellman said. “It’s amazing to see how people learn and how perceptions shift. There are always struggles that come when you are first injured or are trying something new for the first time, but with the right tools and attitude, there’s no reason you can’t climb your own El Capitan.”