Project Statement

Quadriplegics are left out of almost every sport, and "extreme" sports are beyond consideration. Physically they are awkward, weak, and have poor balance; most can't use their hands, only their shoulders and biceps. Our project is about overcoming the neurological limitations that deter far too many from exercise and sports. Our goal is to start a movement that will see more quadriplegics enjoy adventure sports—a realm where people with higher-level spinal cord injuries are currently denied access.

By documenting the first quadriplegic to ever return to climbing, we will show the way for others to attempt their own "extreme" challenges. To see a person with a severe disability fighting up a long climb will force audiences to re-evaluate any preconceived ideas about what is impossible. Media coverage regarding our endeavor aims to educate and inspire viewers-to show what can be achieved by determined climbers that push themselves to reach their goals.

Research & Development

The core of the project-what makes everything possible—is the specialized equipment. We need to redesign standard climbing equipment so it will be both safe and comfortable for quadriplegics. Ultimately, we want to make the equipment available to the public so other climbers with disabilities can take part in the mountain experience. For now, this modest project will focus on proving these climbing systems on pioneering expeditions. After the research and development is completed, we will seek financial backing for a program that supports others in both local and international expeditions.

Community

Our project's exploits have generated much interest in the community, especially about patents and selling the gear we have designed. Marketing the equipment as a for-profit venture isn't viable for several key reasons. The liability is a huge deterrent. The small market and low incomes of quadriplegics would make it a losing business. And the gear is impossible to patent, as there is no owner of the design: it is the combined product of the efforts of many volunteers over the years. But these are technical details. We are a proudly non-profit, community-based project because one should not need to be paid in cash to help your brethren. All we want to achieve is to enable other quadriplegics to go climbing. The best way to do that is to publish our working designs and our failures. By doing so we will build an international community working together to continue to improve the equipment. This web page will soon support forums for this purpose.

Team Vertical

This project is a huge commitment. The time, effort and amount of money involved are enormous-much more than we ever imagined. The team is made up of a small group of friends and family, supported by local businesses and non-profit organizations. The crew is not paid. They volunteer their time because they are excited to be involved with the world's first quadriplegic to attempt a return to climbing.