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November 30, 2016 | Advocating for communication access and equal opportunity with the 20% of Minnesotans who are deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing.
Wilderness Inquiry's Associate Director Julie Storck and MNCDHH's Communications Coordinator Anne Sittner Anderson sat down to discuss Wilderness Inquiry, an outdoor adventure program that prioritizes inclusion and has a history of working with students who are deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing.
 [Image description: Wilderness Inquiry logo, consisting of a green/white silhousette of a tree and a group of people surrounding a campfire. Also visible are the following words, "Wilderness Inquiry www.wildernessinquiry.org"]
Please provide an overview about Wilderness Inquiry. What are the goals for your program and how do you go about it?
Wilderness Inquiry connects people from all walks of life to the natural world through shared outdoor adventures. Through the medium of outdoor adventure travel, we inspire personal growth, enhanced awareness of the environment, and community integration. Our adventures encourage people to open themselves to new possibilities and opportunities.
Our programs facilitate fundamental changes in perceptions and beliefs, breaking down barriers between people. During a Wilderness Inquiry experience, participants begin to feel and realize that perceived differences, such as ability level, ethnicity, or economic status, are less significant than common humanity.
It looks as though you have programs all over the USA. Is that correct?
Yes! We travel across the globe reaching more than 30,000 people annually. There is a destination map on our website that shows our trip destinations, including our Canoemobile cities.
Do you work with youth and families who are deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing?
All of our trips are inclusive and encourage individuals and families from all abilities, backgrounds, and ages to join us in adventures. We also work with specific groups. For example, last year, students volunteered with us weekly from Metro Deaf School. We also canoed with groups from Bemidji, Mankato, and the Minnesota State Academies for students who are deaf, deafblind, blind, and hard of hearing. Nationally, we worked with the Ohio School for the Deaf and Horace Mann School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Boston.
Representatives from the Wilderness Inquiry and Gallaudet University have started discussing how we can collaborate together. It is too early to share any definite plans but possibilities include a program similar to our river semester with Augsburg College or have Gallaudet students participate in Canoemobile. Watch for future announcements, we're quite excited!
Wilderness Inquiry released an article featuring a high school student with hearing loss and her summer internship at Wilderness Inquiry. If there are other deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing individuals who are interested in internships or other opportunities, what should they do?
All internship, volunteer and employment opportunities are posted on our website. If you believe in enriching the lives of others and creating a more just and caring world, consider applying! Interested individuals can go to the following links:
Employment opportunities
Internships
Volunteer
If someone has good photography skills, they can work as the official trip photographer in exchange for a free or reduced fee trip. Contact Wilderness Inquiry to learn more about this program.
How do you ensure that your programs are accessible for youth and families who are deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing?
We offer interpreting services on our trips and train staff to work with individuals from a variety of different backgrounds, including those who are deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing. We discuss specific communication and other needs with individuals and groups who travel with us.
I understand that Wilderness Inquiry provides financial aid for families based on need. Could you provide more information about that?
Wilderness Inquiry breaks down barriers to accessing the outdoors, including financial barriers. We offer financial aid for individuals and groups that need the assistance. More information on our financial aid program is available on the financial aid section of our website. Our financial aid program is made possible because of our generous individual donor community. Help support inclusive adventures at www.wildernessinquiry.org/donate.
How may interested families sign up for a wilderness adventure?
Visit our website! Information about trips is available at www.wildernessinquiry.org. You can find trips by date or destination. You can also call our office at 612-676-9400 for additional information.
We saw the Wilderness Inquiry video featuring Marissa Leitzke a few months ago, which inspired this interview. What was your favorite thing about working with Marissa?
Marissa is such a delightful person to be around. Her can-do attitude aligns so well with Wilderness Inquiry's culture of "can-do-ing." Marissa is a wonderful teacher and leader -- I would often find her teaching others -- whether it was about photography, sign language, or another passion of hers. I honestly can't say enough positive things about Marissa. She is an incredible young lady who is an example for all of us to treat others with respect and follow your dreams.
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Associate Director Julie Storck has been with the Wilderness Inquiry since 2007, starting as a volunteer. Previously she worked at MNCDHH as the Education Coordinator and for St. Paul Public Schools as a deaf and hard of hearing teacher. You can reach her at (612) 676-9424 or julie@wildernessinquiry.org.
[Image description: Julie is featured outside with a leafy tree and a building wall behind her. She is wearing a blue shirt and a blue patterned scarf around her neck.]
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