Hi, my name is Beth Bakke Stenehjem and I am the newest AT Consultant in the Mandan Office. For the past 14 ½ years, I have been the director of the ND FFA Foundation. While I loved this position, I was ready for a change and leapt at the chance to be part of the Assistive team. I worked a bit with IPAT when I worked at the ND Vision Services/School for the Blind from 1995-2001 as a library/media specialist. One of the ways I’ve stayed in touch with some of the vision specialists and clients around the state was by participating in the Black Hills Ski for Light event every January. This event is happening this week and in Deadwood, SD. It is a week for adults with visual impairments and mobility challenges who want to have a blast in the winter. Some of the activities are downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing. But the fun doesn’t end at the end of the day, there are fun night activities as well such as karaoke, a slot machine tournament, live music and dancing, a bonfire, and banquet on the final evening.
Approximately 100 participants come from as far away as England and there are more than 200 volunteers/guides who also come from far and wide. This event is very affordable for both participants and volunteers. To learn more about Ski for Light, go to www.bhsfl.org.
It is hard to explain this weeklong event which brings people together to have fun and get some good exercise in the winter. Nothing beats this week for me.
Please let me know how I can help you or someone you love with any assistive technology needs. I can be reached at bstenehjem@ndassistive.org or check out our website at www.ndassistive.org .
Beth and Donnie at Ski for Light in 2016