In March 2016, I am participating in a trek through the Grand Canyon whilst supporting a Deafblind man throughout this experience. This man, John Whitfield, would find this impossible to complete without my help.

John has Usher Syndrome which means he was born with a severe hearing loss and also due to tunnel vision he is registered blind. Unfortunately his remaining sight and hearing will continue to deteriorate over time. This Grand Canyon trek is something he would like to complete both for himself and to raise funds to assist Deafblind Scotland in the building of a new national centre for deafblind people. I work as a Guide/Communicator for Deafblind Scotland providing support to people like John. Throughout this adventure I will act as John's eyes and ears relaying all information in detail each step we take during this trek.

The aim of Deafblind Scotland is to "help deafblind people in Scotland live as rightful members of their own communities." They provide a trained Guide/Communicator service to members all over Scotland.

This challenge will show the public that with specialist help people with diminishing sight and hearing can be positive and proactive. I hope this venture will raise the profile of Deafblind Scotland and help fulfill the dream of raising enough funds towards building a much needed new national centre for Deafblind people in Scotland. 

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