To Table of Contents showed me what amazing things could happen with individual commitment to a group effort ." He shared his inspiration and goals for the future as this was the park ' s first experience of this kind . Typically , people in wheelchairs are limited to which trails and places they can experience . He went on to say , " From the team from Paratrek that created this incredible machine to the team from Chapel Haven that gives people with disabilities the freedom to express themselves and live independently ."
Arnon frequently shared that 1,000 things make people the same ; a trekker and a disability is one thing that can make people different . He went on to say , Why do we focus on what makes people different instead of what makes them the same ? This statement was a guiding pillar throughout the trip for the team and me . Creating accessible places doesn ' t affect people that are not physically or cognitively disabled .
Chapel Haven Schleifer Center , a Special Education school and resident community center , joined the expedition during the second week of our trip . Beginning half a century ago , Chapel Haven works to assist people starting at 18 years of age , and as their website states , " empowering them to live independent and selfdetermined lives ." Focus is placed on honing into each individual ' s specific needs in order to create individualized programs for its adults . Chapel Haven brought over 50 people , including residents , staff , teachers , and others who successfully hiked throughout Rockefeller State Park among various trails , including reaching the top of Eagle Point .
Having the pleasure of knowing
Jamie for several years , I anticipated an incredible trip . And yet , I cannot even believe how life-changing it was . The people I met , the experiences we shared , and the teamwork we all took part in leading us from starting as individuals to bonding as a family by the end of the trip . Working together was so natural for us , and that showed in our ability to make the trip so successful for so many .
We were taken out of our comfort zones physically and emotionally as we completed morning and afternoon treks . Each day a new group was able to experience the expedition regardless of ability , race , religion , or age . After arriving as individuals , we left as part of a team working together for a total of 12 hikes , using communication , conversation , and a sense of togetherness .
Fred in the Trekker
BY FRED MAAHS JR . I had the opportunity to participate in the International Expedition with Omer and team along with Jamie Lassner and Friends of Access Israel at Rockefeller State Park . The experience was personally rewarding and brought for me a sense of peace and serenity as we navigated the trails through the meadows and denselywooded park . The ability to explore nature and finding ways to move around and over physical barriers during our trek , together , was moving . I cannot thank everyone who made this possible enough , especially those who were pushing and pulling me and my Paratrekker for nearly an entire day . Serenity found !"