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Universal Expedition
through Rockefeller State Park , Central Park , and Bear Mountain with Friends of Access Israel ( FAISR )
Written by Alexandra Nova-Baltimore
Friends of Access Israel ( FAISR ) is a non-profit organization that works with countries around the world to provide universal accessibility for all people . Led by Executive Director , Jamie Lassner , they created The Universal Expedition . On August 1 , 2021 , The Universal Expedition , FAISR trip began trek # 1 in New York . They collaborated with Paratrek and Access Israel for a two-week hike through Rockefeller State Park , Central Park , and Bear Mountain , welcoming a variety of participants . Together across 14 days , over 56 miles were hiked by people with and without cognitive and physical disabilities .
Through the collaborative efforts of Jamie Lassner and Omer Zur , founder and creator of Paratrek , the impossible for many were made possible for all . Zur and two team members traveled from Israel , and for the first time in the United States , debuted the 5.0 edition of the Trekker , which has successfully covered grounds as low as the Dead Sea and as high as Kilimanjaro . An all-terrain wheelchair , referred to as a trekker , allows people with disabilities to hike in non-accessible terrain or routes through the manual operation of the rider and hikers . On this trip , people using the wheelchair ranged in age from 12 to 82 .
Each day we hiked as a team ; no matter who you were or what your story was , you became part of the group . On day 1 of hiking , Colton Robinson , his parents , along with another family member joined us . Robinson is a child model , appearing in a variety of ads , including those for Target . He is the first child who uses a wheelchair to be part of New York Fashion Week and has been interviewed on the Kelly Clarkson show . Despite his long accomplished resume at such a young age , Robinson is a selfless , passionate , and downto-earth individual . When discussing his achievements
Colton Robinson and family enjoying a day out in Rockefeller State Park
and his future goals , Colton was humble and so fun to speak with . His strong spirit and determination consistently surfaced during the two intense hikes using the Trekker . It is his first time on it ; fears , excitement , and questions about the unknown filled his face . As Omer Zur , Shir Segal , and Arnon Amit guided Robinson and his parents , they ensured the safety and comfort of this rider . That is always their first priority .
I watched his experiences evolve and change as his comfort and security