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Adaptive Climbers Festival Oral History Project : Home

Jessica Schmidt. The back of a rock climber in bold flower patterned spandex leggings is in focus with piles of blurred rocks and dusty soil surrounding her. She, Jessica Schmidt, wears a harness with a chalk bag that reads “NOT HERE TO INSPIRE YOU.” Missing her right leg, she stands firmly with her arm crutches and left. This black and white image voicing one of the key tenets of the festival was captured by photographer and fellow ACF climber, Erich Meinig and developed by hand in his home darkroom. Photo credit: Erich Meinig, RRG, (2022 ACF)

Ryan Juguan. Sunlight through the trees is scattered across large sandstone rocks spotlighting Ryan Juguan (he/him), a Filipino climber. Ryan, who has osteogenesis-imperfecta, climbs between two slabs of rock forming a corner. He’s wearing dark brown pants and a beige shirt mimicking the colors of the rock-scape. With his right arm extended, grasping a ledge overhead, he looks down shuffling to find his next foot placement. Photo credit: Katie Jo Meyers, RRG (2023 ACF)

Tanner Cislaw. Using only his arms and core strength, Tanner Cislaw (he/him) holds confidently to the sandstone face and climbs. A volunteer moves his wheelchair out of the way as Tanner moves up the wall dappled in a soft yellow light coming through the trees. Though he doesn’t generate power from his legs, his biceps and shoulders are plenty strong for him to move with grace up the wall. Photo credit: Lindsey Foy, RRG (2022 ACF)

Sydney Balgo (she/her) holds her fingers in a peace sign, her other arm across her lap as she sits in her wheelchair on the wooden dance floor. She is wearing a shimmering gold crop-top, a sparkly llama hat and headphones around her neck, but it's her smile that brings you in. Just below a small nose ring, her smile is triumphant, telling the story of her 50 foot climb earlier that day. Photo credit: Emily Chen-Newton, RRG, 2024 ACF

Nathan Payne. In this nostalgically black-and-white photograph, Nathan Payne (he/him) relaxes into a camping chair low to the ground, his guitar across his lap and an inviting smile across his face. Fellow climber and photographer, Erich Meinig, captured this moment during an impromptu jam session. Nathan leans slightly to his left as he strums and fixes his fingers on the fretboard. His prosthetic leg, curved like a metal crescent for hiking, is prominent in the foreground and a small tent is set up behind him. Photo credit: Erich Meinig, RRG (2024 ACF)

Leah Kaplan (she/her), who is missing most of her left arm, steps high with her left leg as she climbs a textured gray rock face on the left side of the photo frame. She wears a look of concentration under her blue helmet. The lighting is bright and natural, highlighting the intricacies of the rock and the climber's gear. The background is slightly blurred, emphasizing the climber and the rock. Photo credit: Katie Jo Meyers, RRG, 2024 ACF

Breakfast. Silver trays of breakfast foods line a long plastic folding table. Aluminum trays of bacon, sausage and eggs are prominent in the foreground. Steam rises off the crispy bacon and fluffy eggs, while on the periphery, someone holds out their plastic camping bowl. Photo credit: Katie Jo Meyers, RRG, 2023 ACF

Max Gayford. Like a comic book panel angled from above, the camera centers on the radioactive orange helmet of Max, a trans masculine and visually impaired climber. The air is still cool from the freezing night before, but spirits are high. Max Gayford (They/Them) is living with vision loss, but can still see some of the rock features, and behind their eyes you can tell they're making a plan. Their left arm extended as they scan the rock for holds. A purple rope, matching the purple of their shirt, extends down to the leaf-covered ground. Photo credit: Katie Jo Meyers, RRG, 2024 ACF

This black and white image shows Trevor Hahn. He is wearing sporty sunglasses, a helmet and a hiking backpack. The forest around him is reflected in his glasses, and the essence of the festival is reflected in his smile. It’s a smile that says “come as you are”. This photograph was taken by photographer and fellow ACF climber, Erich Meinig and developed by hand in his home darkroom. RRG ACF, 2022

Eliana Wallack (they/them) peers over the Kentucky sandstone they’re climbing to grin at the camera. There is a self-assuredness that peeks out from under their blue helmet and matching blue long sleeve shirt. It’s a crisp fall day at the Adaptive Climbers Festival. Photo credit: Drew Hulsey, RRG, 2024 ACF

Charissa Brum (she/her) stands proudly beside a large silver pot on an industrial outdoor camp stove. She rocks, a multicolored sequin shirt, a big smile and hair done for the Saturday night party. She stands in the outdoor kitchen, the background cluttered with makeshift tables and temporary camp stoves. With one hand on the pot and the other by her side, she is not used to posing for photos; she prefers to be in the background. Photo credit: Emily Chen-Newton, RRG, 2024 ACF

Olivia Conforti (she/her) and her then husband-to-be, Shamus Boulianne (he/him) smile at the camera. Olivia is driving an adaptive off road vehicle, wearing a “Bride to Be” sash and hiking boots. Shamus crouches and hangs onto the back of the four-wheeled adaptive buggy. These two got married at the festival in 2023, and this photo was taken several days before the ceremony. Photo credit: Katie Jo Meyers, RRG, 2023 ACF

Colin Torpey (he/him) is making his way up a soft green and gray colored rock face with bulging features. He rests his left arm while hanging on with his right hand to the sloping surface of the rock. As a lower limb amputee, he climbs with a prosthetic leg and climbing foot, which he has delicately placed on a curved rocky ledge as he looks down planning his next move. Photo credit: Emily Chen-Newton, RRG, 2024 ACF

Colin Torpey (he/him) is featured in this dramatic, black-and-white photograph, developed by hand by photographer, Erich Meinig (also an ACF climber). Seated in a camping chair at the base of a cliff, Colin looks thoughtfully past the camera. Tucked behind his mustache, beard and helmet, his inquisitive gaze is lit by the sun that brings a bit of warmth to the otherwise chilly October morning. His left leg is crossed over his right, which is a prosthetic. The laces on his hiking boot are undone. Photo credit: Erich Meinig, RRG, 2024 ACF

Larry and Elaine Fredrickson. With trees full of auburn leaves behind them, Larry (he/him) and Elaine (she/her) Fredrickson stand smiling in a field on their campground, Lago Linda Hideaway. Their arms are around each other, and you feel like you're getting a hug too just by being near them. They have hosted the Adaptive Climbers Festival since 2022, and say the climbers are like family. Their smile lines and creases around their eyes tell you they mean it. Photo credit: Maureen Beck, RRG, 2023 ACF

Kristina Ericson. Wearing a fleece jacket, gloves, and a thick headband, Kristina Ericson (she/her) holds a megaphone to her mouth and yells, getting the attention of the festival crowd. She carries a bag with a walkie-talkie and roll of duct tape clipped to the strap. Photo credit: Katie Jo Meyers, RRG, 2024 ACF

The kitchen volunteers sit and stand posing for a picture. One of them holds a sign stating

Kyle Long. Climbing a steeply overhung route, Kyle Long (he/him) steps high with his left leg, his foot slotted into a hole near his shoulder. He’s just clipped his rope into protective hardware in the rock, and carefully positioned his right leg – which is a prosthetic – so he won’t get twisted in the rope if he falls. He breathes deeply, focuses his gaze, and prays for friction on the sloping rock in which he’s put his faith. Photo credit: Maureen Beck, 2023 ACF

Brian Beck (he/him) stands over a large pot of vegetables cooking on an industrial size camping stove. He has sunglasses on his head and a subtle smile but looks slightly uncomfortable in front of the camera. He and the rest of the kitchen crew are very busy cooking for about 300 at each meal. He stands underneath the cover of a wooden pavilion with a metal roof. Photo credit: Emily Chen-Newton, RRG, 2024 ACF

Balmer Family. Standing under the shade of the outdoor kitchen pavilion is Wade Balmer (left), one of the festival organizers and his two parents. Susanne Balmer (middle) and John Balmer (right). Their smiles radiate the love of proud parents. Wade is grinning an equally satisfied smile. He’s tired from the past few days of festival-life, but clearly joyful that his parents have come to the festival to volunteer (in the kitchen). Photo credit: Emily Chen-Newton, RRG, 2024 ACF

Prosthetic climbing feet. Different versions of prosthetic climbing feet are spread out on a white plastic folding table. The feet are ovals of black rubber with metal attachment points for prosthetic legs. Two of the feet are fitted inside colorful child sized climbing shoes. Some of them are a prototype of a homemade foot, creator Jono Lewis calls the “Avocado” because of their shape. And the “Ewing Foot” by Jim Ewing is a more narrow design also on display. Photo credit: Katie Jo Meyers, RRG (2023 ACF)

Saturday night party. This photograph of the Saturday night party is electrified with the festival’s energy. In a rainbow striped sequin suit, Adam Payne (he/him) spins vigorously in his wheelchair holding the hand of a woman in metallic tights, a glitzy short black dress and a headlamp. Lauren Brown (she/her) swishes her hips and the strings of beads around her neck to swing to the music. Photo credit: Drew Hulsey, RRG (2024 ACF)

Ellie Rubin. A climber in a bright white helmet hangs on and arches her back to see over the lip of the rock. Her helmet and orange chalk bag swinging from her harness are in contrast to the natural tones of green and earthy rock she’s climbing. She, Ellie Rubin, has both feet planted on small smooth footholds as she searches for her next move. The divots and bulging features of the rock are beautifully on display as sunlight pours into this damp valley of Kentucky’s Red River Gorge. Photo credit: Maureen Beck, RRG (2024 ACF)

Jeremy Ritchie. The sandy Kentucky soil is the color of milky coffee, as Jeremy Ritchie stands over his dusty green climbing rope piled up on a small tarp. The photograph only shows Jeremy’s ankles and feet. His left pant leg rolled up shows that his leg and foot on that side are prosthetics. He’s wearing a walking foot, as he manages the rope. Photo credit: Adaptive Climbers Festival, RRG (2022 ACF)

Oliver Carnazzo and Ian Rooney. This photograph hits you with a neon glow from the green leaves of the Red River Gorge. Two climbers daring to venture into the inaccessible woods with their wheels are centered in the image with a backdrop of trees and a carpet of red Kentucky clay. Oliver Carnazzo (they/them) and Ian Rooney (he/him) are both in their wheelchairs with climbing helmets and harnesses. Ian bends over tying his shoes. Oliver’s eyes are fixed upward toward the slab of rock in front of them while belaying (controlling the rope) for another adaptive climber. The angle of the camera makes the scene feel like it’s taking place in an alcove. And there’s a sense of self-sufficiency — having everything they need in their corner of the world: climbing shoes, ropes, wheelchairs, water bottles, and community. Photo credit: Drew Hulsey, RRG (2024 ACF)

Pete Davis. Climbing up an arête, Pete Davis (he/him) balances on small protrusions of a gray wall of stone. He’s grasping the corner of the rock face with his left hand, while his right arm — of which he is missing the lower half — is lightly pressing into the rock. This climb requires significant skill and technique given most of the handholds are only on the left exposed corner. But, he’s so confident and casual in his backwards baseball cap, he appears to be simply standing, taking in the view. Photo credit: Maureen Beck, RRG (2022 ACF)

Seneida Biendarra (she/her) and Max Hernandez (he/him) stand side by side, both wearing their 2024 ACF t-shirts, climbing helmets. Seneida’s cheeks are rosy because she just climbed the route that Max is now tying into the rope to do. Photo credit: Emily Chen-Newton RRG, 2024 ACF

Jeremy Ritchie (he/him) climbs up a wall of sandstone in the Red River Gorge with wild diagonal features. Horizontal edges give way to seams of rock that look like the protruding veins of a bodybuilder, or rock climber. He is stepping high with his left prosthetic leg which is outfitted with a hockey-puck-like-foot. He pushes down through that leg and places his left hand palm down near his puck-like-foot, trying to apply enough pressure to lift his body up to standing. The look on his face is as if to say,

Ronnie Dickson (he/him) climbs through a difficult section of rock in the Red River Gorge. He is holding on with the tips of his fingers to a thin edge of chalked up rock to his side while looking down at his left leg, which is a prosthesis. He is an above the knee amputee, and because he is wearing shorts the impressive joint on his prosthetic leg is in view. He is also using a specialized prosthetic climbing foot .The muscles of his left arm and right calf are fully engaged as he prepares to make the next move, which his face gives away as being a difficult one. Photo credit: Lindsey Foy, RRG, 2022 ACF

Alex Dornbusch and Jacob Arens. Two male climbers lean in for a picture. Alex Dornbusch (left) sits on a folding camp chair and Jacob Arens crouches with a hand resting on his knee. While these two have just met, a camaraderie can be felt -- it's a feeling that weaves its way throughout the festival. Just before this picture was taken, they sat for an interview about how it feels to be at their first Adaptive Climbers Festival. Photo credit: Emily Chen-Newton, RRG, 2024 ACF

Three climbers sit on a wooden platform with a smooth rock behind them. From left to right: Avery Baggett (festival climber), Mike (volunteer w/ unknown last name), Chaz Misuraca (another ACF climber). Avery (she/her) is still tied into her climbing rope and looks a little out of breath, but very happy. She just accomplished a major goal of a

Avery Baggett listens carefully to advice coming to her through a headset worn under her helmet as she climbs up a smooth rock face speckled with white lichen. Because she has some vision loss, a sighted guide on the ground feeds movement cues to her verbally. With tape on several of her fingers and determination in both eyes, she reaches for a small indentation in the rock while balanced on her toes. Photo credit: Katie Jo Meyers, RRG, 2024 ACF

Zane Paff (AKA: Captain Inzane-o) sits under a tree, taking a break from driving ATV buggies for the festival. He grins at the camera waving a “hang loose” sign. With a beard, dreadlocks and a tattoo on his arm, he exudes an easygoing Kentucky warmth. Photo credit: Emily Chen-Newton RRG, 2024 ACF

Erich Meinig stands proudly in front of a gray rock face. He is missing several fingers on each hand, and has wrapped them appropriately with climber’s tape. One hand is on his hip and the other is holding his water bottle. He wears a harness, a helmet covered in stickers and a contented smile. Just before the photo was taken, Erich, who is Deaf, was interviewed about his experience at ACF with the help of his ASL interpreter. Photo credit: Emily Chen-Newton RRG, 2024 ACF

Brian Zarzuela (he/him) (left) and Leah Kaplan (she/her) (right), athletes with upper limb differences, stand in front of an orange tinted rock face eating burritos in the Red River Gorge after some morning climbs. Clearly hungry, Leah's face is hidden by her burrito. Brian carefully balances his foil-wrapped-lunch on one of his arms; in his words “attempting to figure out the art of unwrapping a burrito with one hand.” Photo credit: Emily Chen-Newton, RRG, 2024 ACF

Leah Kaplan (she/her), who is missing most of her left arm, steps high with her left leg as she climbs a textured gray rock face on the left side of the photo frame. She wears a look of concentration under her blue helmet. The lighting is bright and natural, highlighting the intricacies of the rock and the climber's gear. The background is slightly blurred, emphasizing the climber and the rock. Photo credit: Katie Jo Meyers, RRG, 2024 ACF

Melissa Ruiz (she/her) and Ben Doyle (he/him) stand tied into the same rope, Melissa preparing to climb with the silhouettes of magnolia and mountain laurel trees behind them. Her arm is around her boyfriend Ben's shoulder leaving a white handprint on his fleece from her climber's chalk. Even though Melissa is not yet on the wall, Ben already has his hand in the lock position on the belay device -- showing proper safety technique and his love and care for Melissa. Photo credit: Emily Chen-Newton, RRG, 2024 ACF

A long line of climbers, volunteers, caretakers and plus-ones is forming in a field. The line spews out of a large outdoor pavilion with a metal rooftop. They are waiting for dinner on the first night of the festival. Warmed by colorful puffy coats, and a hum of excitement, individuals make conversation with those around them as the sun begins to set and a large white banner reading “Adaptive Climbers Festival” hangs from the rafters of the pavilion. Photo credit: Katie Jo Meyers, RRG, 2024 ACF

Seneida Biendarra (she/her) and Max Hernandez (he/him) hang upside down with goofy smiles. They're turning red from the blood rushing to their faces as they dangle just a few feet off the ground near the large boulder they both just climbed. Photo credit: Emily Chen-Newton, RRG, 2024 ACF

Sydney Balgo is smiling with her legs crossed in her wheelchair and her arms mirroring the pose. She is wearing a glittery llama hat that matches her gold crop top paired with adaptive jeans. Around her neck are a pair of pink noise-cancelling headphones. Everything about her outfit is both adaptive and authentic, not sacrificing her personal style for anything. She is wearing a glittery llama hat that matches her gold crop top paired with adaptive jeans. Around her neck are a pair of pink noise-cancelling headphones. Her smile tells the story of her successful 50 foot climb earlier in the day. Photo credit: Emily Chen-Newton, RRG, 2024 ACF

Trevor Hahn. This black and white image shows Trevor Hahn. He is wearing sporty sunglasses, a helmet and a hiking backpack. The forest around him is reflected in his glasses, and the essence of the festival is reflected in his smile. It’s a smile that says “come as you are”. This photograph was taken by photographer and fellow ACF climber, Erich Meinig and developed by hand in his home darkroom. RRG ACF, 2022

A small wooden sign reads

Skill Clinic Introduction. Group photo alt text: A cluster of climbers crouch and sit on the ground or in wheelchairs near the base of a cliff. The sun throws yellow shadows across the Kentucky clay and gray sandstone adding to the kaleidoscopic of colors cast across this scene: Climbers in vibrant, sticker-covered-helmets and ropes stretching up the wall. Most everyone is looking towards a climber in the distance, Ben Mayforth (he/him) who is standing and talking to the group. This is one of the skill clinics offered at the Adaptive Climbers Festival. This one in particular, called

Lindsay Purcell. Tall skinny trees with yellow lime green leaves splash color across the left side of this photograph bringing Lindsay Purcell (she/her), climbing up the gray rock into focus. She grasps the rock with extended fingers and crouched legs, laser focused on her next move. Photo credit: Cail Soria, RRG, 2023 ACF

Kristina Ericson and Maureen Beck. Two female organizers of the festival, Kristina Ericson (left) and Maureen Beck (right), both wearing hats, sunglasses and ACF volunteer shirts, gather in a field. Kristina holds a walkie-talkie and speaks to a group of festival volunteers and organizers. Photo credit: Katie Jo Meyers, RRG, 2023 ACF

Miranda Scott. In front of a pocketed rock face, Miranda Scott (she/her) sits on the loamy soil of Kentucky’s Red River Gorge, tied into a red climbing rope, putting her shoes on. The sun is highlighting her smile framed between hair braids and under her helmet covered in stickers. She seems content in the dirt and sunlight. Photo credit: Katie Jo Meyers, RRG, 2023 ACF

Colin Torpey and Kyle Long.Two climbers stand on the ground right at the base of a cliff. The gray colored rock behind them has white marks from climbers’ chalk. Colin Torpey (he/him) (left) has his arm around the shoulder of his friend and fellow climber Kyle Long (he/him). Both are wearing smiles from ear to ear exemplifying the vibe of the festival as Colin clings to Kyle struggling to keep his balance because he’s wearing a comically large prosthetic leg he’s put on as a joke. Another climber in the background looks on and laughs. Photo credit: Lindsey Foy, RRG, 2022 ACF

This collection is comprised of audio recorded interviews and field recordings of related campfire gatherings, meal times, and climbing activity. They were conducted October 10-12, 2024 by Emily Chen-Newton. The Adaptive Climbers Festival is a gathering of rock climbers with disabilities. Interviewees included climbers, guides, campground hosts and local business owners. 2024 was the third year the event was held in Kentucky’s Red River Gorge.

Click on the photos below to explore the audio interviews and transcripts

Alex Dornbusch and Jacob Arens

Chaz Misuraca

Kyle Long

Sturgeon's Creek Band

Melissa Ruiz and Ben Doyle

Ronnie Dickson

Leah Kaplan and Brian Zarzuela

Avery Baggett

Eliana Wallack

Larry and Elaine Fredrickson

Kitchen Crew Interview #1

Miranda Scott

Susanne and John Balmer

Zane Paff Saturday Night

Cail Soria

Erich Meinig

Seneida Biendarra and Max Hernandez

Kitchen Crew Interview #2

Maureen Beck and Kristina Ericson

Sydney Balgo

Olivia Conforti and Shamus Boulianne

Charissa Brum

Colin Torpey

Wonky Wobbler Walkers

Max Gayford

Jeremy Ritchie and Nicolas Sabia

Trevor Hahn