Serving people with developmental disabilities and other cognitive impairments.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you cannot find the answer to your question below, please contact us!
We know that it's a big decision for you to join in a Wilderness Inquiry adventure, especially if you have not traveled with us before. If you have a question please contact us. You can e-mail Greg Lais, our founder and Executive Director by clicking on the link below. Greg has 30 years of experience with Wilderness Inquiry and he loves to help people get the answers they need. You can also call Jenni or Lee at (612) 676-9400. We like to talk on the phone!
Ask Greg any additional questions you may have
Frequently Asked Questions about Gateway to Adventure
- What is Gateway to Adventure?
- What makes the Gateway to Adventure program unique?
- What is your approach to serving people with disabilities?
- How physically demanding are WI trips?
- What are the qualifications and interests of WI trail staff?
- What level of service do WI staff provide on Gateway trips?
- Does WI provide personal care attendants?
- What is included in the trip price?
- Are scholarships available?
- Do you conduct other programs in addition to Gateway?
- How do I get more information?
- Who can I talk to about some personal concerns?
What is Gateway to Adventure?
Wilderness Inquiry's core mission is sharing the outdoors with everyone, including persons with intellectual and physical disabilities. Gateway to Adventure (Gateway) is a program designed specifically for adults with cognitive disabilities, including developmental disabilities and brain injuries, to help them develop the skills they need to enjoy outdoor adventure experiences. Gateway trips provide a supported environment where participants have opportunity to learn and practice the kinds of skills and behaviors typically needed to have a safe, enjoyable outdoor experience. The long-term goal of Gateway is to prepare individuals with cognitive disabilities to participate in one of Wilderness Inquiry's inclusive trips, which includes people with and without disabilities as peers. For more information visit our What is Gateway? webpage.
What makes the Gateway to Adventure program unique?
Gateway to Adventure is based on the premise that with sufficient, well designed training and support, people with cognitive disabilities will substantially improve their chances for successful integration into outdoor recreation and education programs. This, in turn, leads to more successful integration into other aspects of community living, including participation in productive work activities. Gateway to Adventure is designed to promote this kind of success on a systematic, widespread basis among people with cognitive disabilities.
What is your approach to serving people with disabilities?
Our philosophy is to treat each person we serve as an individual, whether or not they have a disability. We focus on what people can do--their abilities--not on what they cannot do. In short, we view having a disability as "normal."
We recognize that many people may need assistance of some kind to make their outdoor experience as enjoyable as possible. Wilderness Inquiry developed the Universal Program Participation Model (UPPM) and organizational philosophy that matches an individual's needs with appropriate supports to meet the demands of the environment and the needs of other participants in order to provide high-quality, socially integrated activities.
We have found that some individuals with cognitive disabilities experience a much higher level of success in an integrated setting if they have an opportunity to master outdoor skills in a supported environment. We created the Gateway to Adventure Program to provide this support.
Some people need assistance transferring or moving about, and our staff help do this. We also use a variety of field-tested gear adaptations. For example, we developed a little device we call the “rickshaw” which quickly converts a wheel chair into a two-wheeled cart that dramatically increases mobility on rough terrain. We also have special seating adaptations for canoes and kayaks.
If you have a disability and you’re wondering about our ability to serve you, please call or e-mail our office. We do have various assistive devices, and over the years we have served well over 100,000 people with a wide variety of disabling conditions.
How physically demanding are WI trips?
In general, we have a moderate pace that allows individuals to enjoy the backcountry without becoming exhausted. Each group may include people with a wide range of ability levels. We work to ensure that the overall group make-up is strong enough to have a positive experience. There are often opportunities for extra activities from camp if you want more of a challenge.
We consider where you are in terms of skills and conditioning--whether neophyte or seasoned veteran, physically fit or overweight. We don’t mean to trivialize those issues, but, in our experience, those things are the “small stuff” compared to things like compassion and teamwork.
We focus on what people can do—their ability and what they are willing to do—not on what they cannot do. Our experience shows us that attitude is more important than physical ability.
Please remember that these trips are adventures, not packaged tours. The exact nature of your specific trip will depend upon many factors, including the weather, your group, and your own interests and needs.
What are the qualifications of WI trail staff?
All our staff are experienced wilderness leaders and have gone through extensive training programs. Every year, trail staff come from all over the country, bringing with them a wealth of experience, knowledge and commitment--several have been leading WI trips for over 20 years. Regardless of the trip you choose, you will love the trail staff--they are the best thing about Wilderness Inqury.
What level of service do WI staff provide on Gateway trips?
WI trail staff provide participants with support and a safe atmosphere. On the trail they are leaders, coaches, and friends. Most people can’t believe we find such wonderful people to lead the trips. From your pre-trip call, a week before the trip, to your final departure from the group, WI staff work incredibly hard with a smile on their faces. We don't put chocolates on your pillow, but we will bring you a nice cup of coffee in the morning!
WI trips are cooperative in nature. On most trips, this means you will sleep in a tent that you and your tent mates set up. You will also participate in camp chores such as cooking, starting fires, and other camp activities.
Does WI provide personal care attendants?
If an individual needs assistance with activities of daily living such as eating, getting dressed, and going to the bathroom, we are happy to work to find a personal care attendant to accompany them on a trip. Often individuals have a person--a family member or friend--whom they would like to bring along. We work to make that possible. If an individual needs help finding a person to serve as a personal care attendant, we work hard to find an appropriate individual from our pool of qualified interns and volunteers.
What is included in the trip price?
Trip fees cover most all of your needs while you are in the wilderness, including equipment, food, staff, permits, etc. You are responsible for bringing personal clothing and a sleeping bag. On most trips we offer transportation between the put-in and several different locations for a modest additional fee.
Are scholarships available?
Yes. We believe the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors should be available to everyone. To keep our programs as financially accessible as possible, each year we raise funds from alumni and others. Financial assistance is need-based. Certain restrictions apply. Use these links to apply for financial aid online or download the application form.
Do you conduct other programs in addition to Gateway?
Yes. WI provides a variety of programs and services, besides extended trips, that are also designed to provide opportunities for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to be active in the outdoors. Click here to learn more about the many programs that WI offers.
How do I get more information?
Call or email WI for more information on our Gateway to Adventure Program
Phone: (612) 676-9400
E-Mail: gateway@wildernessinquiry.org
Who can I talk to about some personal concerns?
The best thing to do is call us at (800) 728-0719. Our staff is ready to answer your questions in a personal and confidential manner. Many people have concerns about issues such as toileting in the wilderness—no need to be bashful about talking to us. Our number one goal is to make sure that you and the other members of your group have a great trip.
If there is an issue or question about your participation, we will be up front with you and either help you solve it or refer you to some other place—nobody wins if you get in a situation that’s not right for you. In some cases we may ask you to consult with your physician. Most of the people who answer the phones at WI lead trips themselves — they know what it takes to make a trip a success.
