CSD Supports Record Setting Expedition to Mt. Everest

From: CSD - 25 Mar 2003

PRESS ANNOUNCEMENT

For Immediate Release:March 19, 2003

Contact: Rick Norris

CSD Communications Office

CSD Supports Record Setting Expedition to Mt. Everest

SIOUX FALLS, S.D.–After this summer, Mark Gobble, a deaf middle school teacher at the Texas School for the Deaf (TSD), will be able to add “mountaineer” to his resume when he attempts to ascend Mt. Everest, the highest peak on earth. CSD was one of several sponsors who helped make Gobble’s dreams of going to the Himalayas a reality.

On March 16, Gobble and a fellow TSD teacher, Christine Kane, arrived in Nepal in an effort to reach the 17,500 foot base camp of Mt. Everest, as part of Team Everest ‘03,a 26-member expedition that includes 11 Texans with disabilities. This event helps mark and celebrates the 50th anniversary of the first ascent of Mt. Everest by Sir Edmund Hillaryand Tenzing Norgay.

The purpose of this particular trip is two-fold, but summiting the world’s highest peak is not necessarily one of them. First and foremost, Gobble hopes that his trip will prove that deaf people–or anyone with a disability for that matter–can achieve their goals and dreams on equal terms with anyone else. Secondly, Gobble and Kane hope to turn their trip into a virtual field trip for deaf and hard of hearing children at schools throughout America, via the Web.

Gobble and Kane are both teachers for the deaf at the middle school level. Gobble is deaf and Kane will participate in this trek as his interpreter. They, and the team making this historic climb, are known asTeam Everest '03,which is comprised of several climbers with disabilities including individuals who are deaf, blind, amputees and individuals in wheelchairs. Together, the group hopes to make it to the base camp and from there, those who are able to carry on will attempt to reach the peak. The goal is not only to prove that a disabled person can climb Everest, but to demonstrate to disabled children everywhere that they too can achieve whatever they desire.

Through Gobble and Kane, deaf and hard of hearing students will be introduced to a new world of cultural experiences, environmental lessons and physical challenges. Deaf and hard of hearing students will be tracking and communicating with Gobble during his ascent using the web, GPS and satellite communications equipment.

“I know this unique opportunity to work with the students through virtual technology will be a real learning experience,” said Gobble. “The teachers and children at TSD are very excited to be part of this historic, record-setting event.” Literacy will be stressed, and the Everest class curriculum will directly impact and improve student learning. With this online learning opportunity, deaf and hard of hearing students will be able to internalize this meaningful learning experience.

The Everest class curriculum can be found on theApple Learning Interchange.On this page, you will be able to download lessons and watch QuickTime videos. If you have any further questions, or are interested in knowing more about this unique Everest class project, feel free to log ontowww.teameverest03.org.

Gobble, Kane and the rest of the expedition have received significant press for the sheer challenge of the ascent. CSD will promote coverage of this event in a post-climb feature story to appear in CSD’s flagship publication,CSD Spectrum, as well as other future print and media venues.

Gobble is highly motivated by the expedition. “It is important to show that anyone can reach for their dreams, and with enough determination, nothing can stop us from going out in the world to achieve those dreams,” said Gobble.

“I was impressed with the important objectives that this expedition hopes to accomplish,” said Benjamin Soukup, CSD chief executive officer. “Proving what deaf people can do while pursuing their dreams will do a great deal in terms of eliminating stereotypes around the world.”

In addition to CSD, other sponsors include:Southwestern Bell Telephone Co., the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities, Texas School for the Deaf, OnRamp Access, KCL Foundation, Aruntrek, Everest News.Com, Accelerade, Patagonia and others.

CSD(also known as Communication Service for the Deaf)is one of the world’s largest private, non-profit organizations run by and for deaf and hard of hearing individuals. Since it’s inception in 1975, the company has been dedicated to providing broad based quality programs and services for deaf and hard of hearing consumers; ensuring public accessibility; and increasing public awareness of issues affecting deaf and hard of hearing individuals. Today, the company has more than 2,000 employees in locations throughout the U.S. For more information, see:www.c-s-d.org.

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