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Leading the Way

Individual enrollment programs for students with and without disabilities

Developed in partnership with world renowned blind athlete, Erik Weihenmayer, the Leading the Way program teams high school and college students who are blind, visually impaired and sighted as well as deaf, hard of hearing and hearing, for an unparalleled science, community service, leadership, and cultural adventure. Not only an amazing experience for the participants themselves, each Leading the Way expedition is paired with a social awareness and media campaign which we use to educate a much broader constituency. These campaigns provide a message of hope and inspiration while helping to break down barriers, misconceptions and prejudices that the public has about people with disabilities.
Request More Information | Nominate a Student (Braille and Large Print Available)

Upcoming 2009 Expeditions:

April 10-17: Costa Rica
This Leading the Way expedition is our pilot trip pairing Deaf/ Hard of Hearing and Hearing Students. Learn More

June 6-14: Mexico Volcano Climb with Erik Weihenmayer
This unique Leading the Way expedition is provided in partnership with The Chicago Lighthouse. This group of visually impaired and sighted American students will travel to Mexico to meet up with a group of visually impaired and sighted Mexican students. Together, with Erik Weihenmayer, they will climb Mexico’s 3rd highest peak: Iztaccíhuatl. Coinciding with the Spanish translation of Weihenmayer’s book Touch the Top of the World and the Mexican premiere of his film Blindsight, the climbing expedition seeks to challenge, inspire and educate. See Sample Itinerary below. Learn More | View Press Release

July 6-21: Grand Canyon Rafting
In partnership with Grand Canyon Youth a group of 10 blind/ visually impaired and sighted teenagers will spend a week on the rim of the canyon and a week on the water as they explore science, culture, leadership and service. Learn More

July 12-20: Yucatan Leadership Program
This team of blind and sighted GEx Alumni and new participants will focus on complex issues while deepening their understanding of self-awareness, service and what it means to be a community leader as they explore the wonders of the Maya Yucatan. Learn More

Scholarship Opportunity for Blind/VI Applicants:

Thanks to the Senge Foundation, we are able to offer two half tuition scholarships to 2009 Blind / Visually Impaired Leading the Way Participants. Their motto, “Capability through Creativity” exemplifies their commitment to assist students with physical disabilities in the fields of music, design, and theatrical arts prepare for and build professional careers.
Download Standard Application | Download Screen Reader Friendly Application | Request Braille Application

This internationally-recognized program has been featured on ABC Nightline, CBS Sunday Morning, and Travel Channel.
Watch CBS Sunday Morning Feature
Watch Leading the Way Promotional Video
View Erik Weihenmayer’s Web site: Touch the Top

Sample Itinerary

Arrive Mexico City, meet up with Mexican team from Ojos que Sienten 1.5 hour bus ride to Amecameca, Mexico Check into Hacienda Panaoya Introduction Activities, dinner, bed

Breakfast at Hacienda Panoaya Travel to Christmas Tree farm—science, conservation, cultural lessons Ojos que Sienten leads Photography Workshop Walk through natural areas for photography and trekking practice Return to Hacienda for lunch and afternoon activities Tour museum of Sor. Juana Ines de la Cruz Photography Practice Dinner and evening in Amecameca city center

Breakfast at Hacienda Go to a local school to meet students and participate in a cultural lesson Travel to Izta-Popo, Zoquiapan and Anexas National Park at base of volcano (1 hour) conduct tree planting service project with locals Practice walk (2 hours) from base of volcano to Televisa station (base camp) Dinner at Televisa, team activities, Erik Weihenmayer arrives

Drop off at La Joya (start of climb) ~13,000 feet in elevation Climb to 3rd portillo return to Televisa ~ 6 hours of hiking and acclimatizing Aztec ceremony “Blessing of Mountain” Dinner at Televisa and leadership activities Camping skills workshop lead by Erik and his team

Drop off at La Joya All day climb to High Camp (~15,500 feet) approx. 6-7 hours Set up camp, make dinner Cultural, historical lesson. Story telling opportunity. Erik gives talk.

Depart for summit 5-6 am (approx. 4 hours) Celebrate at top! Return to base camp ~6 hours Return to Hacienda Panoaya at Amecameca Dinner, debrief experience, closing ceremony

Leave for Mexico City 10:30am Check into hotel, eat lunch “Fiesta” and cultural exchange at the park “Chapultepec” with Mexican participants. Piñata making activity/ tradicional food and music 8pm Dinner in the Dark fundraising event for Ojos que Sienten at the JW Marriott Return to hotel, bed

Breakfast at hotel Depart for Santa Fe ~30 mins 10am-12pm Book Release event and screening of Blindsight at Cineoplis (movie theatre) Lunch at shopping center Guided tour of Cathedral, Opera House, ruins, handy-craft market Souvenir shopping Farewell Dinner at a restaurant in the “Zócalo” with everyone

Adios! Que le vaya bien! Return to the United States