Each year I go on numerous adventures, but the No Barriers Summit invariably trumps them all. Our annual event is a blast and a testament to the power of the human spirit. This year, for the first time, we’re taking a bite out of the Big Apple. No Barriers will be bringing our world-class Summit down from the quaint mountain towns we have taken over in past years to catapult the experience to the main stage in New York City. Here are the Top 10 highlights of the Summit.
Rising from nothing on the streets of LA, Ice-T is the original embodiment of a generation of West Coast hip hop and a cultural icon. He has starred on the hit TV series, Law and Order, Special Victims Unit, for nearly two decades. Through his music, his books, and his lecture tours of America’s prisons, high schools, libraries, and colleges, Ice-T has become an influential spokesperson for the challenges of America’s youth, regardless of color.
Partnering with outdoor apparel brand, Cotopaxi, the No Barriers Questival is a scavenger hunt gone wild! Teams will compete in challenges and dart around the city learning about the No Barriers Life Elements and NYC’s culture. After a day of adventure, join 5,000 of your closest friends at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park for No Barriers LIVE, an event showcasing keynote speakers, amazing performances and more!
The man behind the best-selling book, 100 Things, Discovery Channel documentary, 100 Things to Do Before You Die, and US-based reality TV show, 100 Things, will inspire you to gain perspective, prioritize thinking big and being your best self so others can follow suit.
One of Nashville’s most genre-bending bands, Judah and the Lion, will be headlining No Barriers LIVE on Rumsey Playfield in Central Park. Their unique and chart topping sound blends folk, bluegrass, alternative, and hip hop for a rocking experience.
Join Whitney Way Thore, star of TLC’s My Big Fat Fabulous Life, as she leads you through an upbeat dance class for ANY-body! Whitney founded No Body Shame in 2014, a global movement designed to help people of every variety live their lives fully, passionately, and free of shame.
America’s Got Talent finalist, award-winning singer, songwriter, and motivational speaker will teach her innovative method of utilizing vibration to feel the music. Join Mandy and learn to rely on all senses to create harmony.
Hugh lost his legs in a climbing accident as a teenager, and lying in the hospital, amidst the pain and grief, he vowed to make his loss a blank canvas with which to change the world. As the head of the MIT biomechatronics lab, Hugh and his team develop the most sophisticated prosthetics in the world, enabling users to walk, run, and even dance with lifelike precision. Some might even call him the 60 million dollar man.
Bradford & Bryan Manning, designers and business owners, have a special vigilance for detail – they used this passion to build a clothing line where style meets comfort. Look out for the Textiles, Sewing and Fashion Design for Accessibility activity that the Manning brothers are co-leading.
In 2000, Indy car driver, Sam Schmidt, crashed into a wall and instantly become a quadriplegic. In 2014 he partnered with leading electronics company, ARROW, to create the SAM Car, a souped up Corvette Stingray, that is steered with subtle movements of the head and accelerates and brakes with a “sip and puff” straw system in the mouth. Sam has driven the car at over 100mph as well as zoomed up the infamous Pike Peak Hill climb. Check out this technological marvel that allows Sam to once again get behind the wheel!
The first blind person to reach the summit of Mt. Everest, and co-founder of No Barriers, Erik has completed the Seven Summits, authored multiple books, and inspired millions. Join Erik aboard the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum where he’ll be participating in various elective activities, and hear his story during No Barriers LIVE!
Can’t wait to “see” you all there!
