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Out of the Wheelchair, Up a Mountain

By: Cassidy Hodges and Ben Goodwin
Updated: December 12, 2012
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A student in Rogers is overcoming his disability by getting out of his wheelchair and into a harness.

"I'm here to do rock climbing, which I've never done before," says Jonathan Barrientos.

At just 15 years old,  Jonathan is no stranger to obstacles.

"I have CP, cerebral palsy, which affects part of my brain, it affects the part of my brain on my walking and my learning a little bit," says Barrientos.

But his disability, hasn't stopped him from joining in on outdoor education at Rogers High School.

"In Mr. Belk's class I've done a lot of things I never though I would be able to do," like rappelling off of a cliff.

"It was fun knowing that you're going to do something that will be in your memory for the rest of your life," says Barrientos.

"Right off the bat we thought, this is going to be incredible, he's going to have every experience that every kid has," says Jeff Belk, the Outdoor Education teacher.

And with a little extra help, that mentality is catching on.

"There's nothing you can't do. Even if you put your mind to it, you can do it . That's what I'm learning," says Barrientos.

A lesson stemming from a few field trips with some very dedicated teachers.

"They don't see your disability, they just see you," says Barrientos, "People telling you that you can do it it gets your hopes up."

And Jonathan is hoping his new hobby, will encourage others with disabilities to live life to the fullest.

"It all depends on you, how you want to live your life."

The Rogers High School Outdoor Education Progam is hoping many more students will see Jonathan's efforts and come out and overcome their own obstacles.

The program is also affiliated with Outdoor CARE, a non-profit organization focused on Outdoor Education and Recreation.

They offer adventure trips to raise money for Outdoor programs in schools.

For more information contact Jeff Belk at jgbelk@yahoo.com for more information on how to get involved.

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