Join Aditi Shah, Jen Smith & Dr. Anisa Proda for a hike at Saint Edwards Park on July 12 at 9:30 a.m. (NEW Date!).  Aditi and Jen are board members from Lighthoise for the Blind, Seattle raising funds for the Low Visiion Clinic.  Dr. Proda serves as the Americans with Disabilities Act coordinator and accessibility manager for Washington State Parks and Recreation.

July 12 Hike Details

Hikers are asked to meet around 9:30 a.m. at the trailhead for The Grotto Trail at Saint Edwards Park, which is at the Northwest corner of the gym at the end of a parking lot. Jen Smith will serve as a sighted guide and can be reached at 405 - 701 - 3492 if you have questions. The hike is a little more than one mile each direction and winds through the park past historical buildings and down to the Lake Washington Shoreline. It is easy to moderate with the most strenuous part being the elevation change down to the shoreline and backup--no more than moderate hills in downtown Seattle.  We'll also explore The Lodge and take advantage of the self-guided tour, using the QR codes to hear Stories of St. Edward. 

About Anisa Proda

Dr. Proda is leading the hike, blending her professional expertise as a subject matter expert in outdoor recreation accessibility with her invaluable lived experience as a blind person. An enthusiastic and versatile athlete, she actively engages in cross country skiing, hiking, rock climbing, and kayaking, constantly exploring new ways to experience the natural world. This spring, she had the unique opportunity to hike with and learn from the world renowned blind mountaineer Erik Weihenmayer, an experience that deepened her passion for teaching both blind and sighted individuals how trails and nature can be fully enjoyed by perceiving the environment through the other senses rather than relying solely on sight. She is always excited to be out on the trail, snow, or water, and continuously seeks to collaborate with organizations and agencies to expand inclusive outdoor opportunities for blind, deafblind, and low vision individuals while actively recruiting skilled, patient, and dedicated volunteers to help make these accessible adventures possible.

Hiking Guide for Blind, DeafBlind and Low Vision Individuals

Guiding a blind person on a hike requires clear, consistent, and descriptive communication. Be as precise as possible. The goal is to create a safe, informative, and enjoyable hiking experience for the person you are guiding, fostering their desire for future hikes and connection with nature.

Each hiker is different, so a brief conversation at the start allows the person you are guiding to share their preferences and needs. 

• Describe the terrain ahead, including changes in elevation, surface type, and any obstacles. For instance, you can say:
  • “Approaching a slight incline on a gravel path”
  • "a root across the trail about two inches upward"
  • “steeper terrain ahead"
  • "Gentle drop-off on your right"
  • "Sharp drop-off on your left"
  • "Loose rocks ahead"
  • "Big rock in front of you"
  • "Fallen tree across the trail"
• When navigating around a fallen tree, provide specific instructions like "hunch down," "step over," or "step across," depending on the tree's height and the hiker's comfort level. For general changes in the path, use descriptive language such as, "The path widens here."
• Maintain a consistent and comfortable pace, allowing the blind hiker to set their rhythm.
• It's generally advisable to walk slightly ahead, offering your arm or elbow for them to hold. This allows them to feel your movements and anticipate the terrain. If they prefer to hold onto your backpack, ensure both of you are comfortable with this method. If they prefer to hold onto a hiking pole that you also hold, that could also be an option.
• When encountering obstacles, give precise instructions. For a step up or down, say, "Step up now," or "Step down with your right foot." For narrow passages, say, " entering a narrow section; keep close to me."
• Always notify about any overhanging branches or low-hanging obstacles, indicating their height and location. For example, "Eye-level branch ahead," or "Bushes at arm level on your left."
• For water crossings, describe to the best of your ability the depth, speed of current, and any slippery surfaces. You can cross first, then offer a steady hand for support and guide them through slowly. Consider using a hiking pole ahead of them as an indicator of where you want the hiker to put their foot.
• When encountering other hikers or trail users, announce their presence and direction, such as, "Two hikers approaching from the front." If there are dogs on or off-leash, notify the hiker and, if your fellow hiker is uncomfortable around dogs, try to avoid them.
• Notify people of bridge crossings, especially if there's no rail or edge protection on narrow bridges, or if there are missing pieces where a foot could get stuck.
• When navigating turns or forks in the trail, notify: "turning left here," or “taking right fork in the trail." If the path is unclear, take a moment to confirm the route before proceeding.

Throughout the hike, be attentive to the guided person's preferences, comfort and fatigue levels.

• Offer breaks as needed and ensure they have access to water and snacks.
• Describe points of interest along the way, engaging their other senses.
• Mention the feel of sunlight filtering through the canopy, the presence of unique plants or flowers, or the presence of birds or other wildlife.
• Describe landscapes or unique views and any other noteworthy visual elements that might be of interest, including colors if they express interest.
• Encourage the exploration of textures and smells of natural elements when it's possible to do so.