$29,270 raised by 54 donors
84% complete
$35,000 Goal
Foresight needs YOUR donation to help keep access to research-supported, transformative programs affordable for blind and low vision individuals. Participation in Foresight's ski program and summer camps builds confidence, independence, and teaches perseverance in blind and low vision individuals.
Foresight's programs do make a difference. The mother of one of our teenage participants sent this email after her son attended summer camp this past June.
"Courtney and I are so filled with gratitude that words don't even come close to expressing how thankful we are for the amazing experience with Foresight Summer Camp last week. Alex CAN'T WAIT for next summer! It brought tears to my eyes watching him overcome his fear during rock climbing and it empowered him more than any other experience he has had recently (if not ever.). We simply can't thank YOU enough and your incredibly passionate, caring staff for hosting Alex. On our way home, he said, "That was the best three days a kid could ever ask for." Your program changes lives!"
~Wendy, mother of Alex, 14-year-old Foresight camper
Adults also experience life-changing moments with Foresight. Jimmy hadn't skied for 14-years, since he began losing his sight. After 5-days skiing with Foresight he had this to say about his experience.
"Foresight teaches you that you can get back to what you had, even though you can't see as well, or at all. I think it shows you that you can do it and not to be afraid, don't be apprehensive. And as the days go by you think, this is the old me almost."
~Jimmy, adult blind skier
Foresight promotes safety, fun and independence for people with blindness or low vision and cultivates an individual's unlimited potential. Foresight does this through accessible and goal-oriented outdoor adaptive experiences.
Foresight Ski Guides (Foresight) was founded in 2001 with the goal of using skiing and snowboarding to create positive and impactful change in the lives of people who are blind or experiencing low vision. Research shows that people with disabilities face inequities throughout their lives that result in disparities related to health and overall well-being. When children, they are often left out of organized youth sports or group activities because there aren't enough coaches or instructors trained to work with blind and low vision individuals. They may not have access to sports experiences due to their family's socioeconomic situation. And for some, their parents, family members or teachers may be overprotective preventing them from developing the confidence they need to participate in sports. Research shows blind and low vision individuals have a greater need for regular physical fitness because everyday living requires more physical exertion for them. Studies show that lack of exercise as a child typically translates to inactivity as an adult resulting in poor health. Foresight strives to overcome these disparities by offering affordable access to challenging, goal-oriented outdoor adaptive recreation experiences that foster independence, confidence, and personal growth in youth and adults experiencing blindness or low vision.
For more than 20-years, Foresight has used skiing and snowboarding as a means for teaching blind and low vision youth and adults how to break through perceived barriers so they can live their best lives. Our Visually Impaired Participants (VIPs) tell us the skills they learn while skiing teach them they can shatter any obstacle that is placed in front of them. They also share that the sense of freedom they feel while skiing builds their confidence and makes them feel unstoppable.
In 2021, Foresight launched its Summer Camp for Blind Youth. Blind and low vision youth now have winter and summer opportunities for transformative experiences. The multi-day camps offer hiking, stand up paddle boarding, horseback riding, and rock climbing, among others; activities designed to push youth past their comfort levels and teach them how determination and perseverance will help them succeed when the task seems unachievable. Campers also learn about leadership, overcoming adversity, and defining their disability as a "superpower" rather than a limitation. Both programs provide VIPs with tools they will use throughout their lives.
Organization name
Foresight Adventure Guides for the Blind
other names
Foresight Ski Guides, FSG, Foresight
2001
Tax id (EIN)
84-1579094
Category
Human Services, Recreation & Sports, Youth Development
Address
P.O. Box 882Eagle County, CO, US