Environmental Traveling Companions (ETC) (Hybrid)

A magnifying glass magnifies words on a newspaper that reads low vision

Event Date:

Wednesday, January 21st, 2026 – 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM

Speaker:

Daniel Berger, Candelaria Jelinski, Will Derwin

Host:

Annemarie Rossi, OT

Abstract

Join us for a conversation with Environmental Traveling Companions (ETC), an organization dedicated to creating inclusive outdoor adventures for people with disabilities and people of all backgrounds. ETC offers opportunities to explore the outdoors through programs such as kayaking, rafting, hiking, and camping, with a strong focus on accessibility, community, and shared experiences.

 

Guest Speakers

Candelaria “Candy” Jelinski

Candy is a visually impaired guide with retinitis pigmentosa and glaucoma. Her journey, from coaching and restaurant management to independent travel with a guide dog, led her to ETC in 2018 as a sea kayak guide and in 2019 as a river guide. Candy brings patience, clear communication, teamwork, and joy to her work, empowering others through outdoor adventure. She was honored as ETC’s Volunteer of the Year in 2019.

Will Derwin

Will is a dedicated ETC River Program volunteer and an immigration lawyer. He began volunteering with ETC in Spring 2025 and has already spent over 20 days on the water in his first year. Will was recognized as Volunteer of the Year in 2025 for his commitment and enthusiasm. What We’ll Cover An introduction to ETC, its programs, who they serve, and why accessibility in outdoor recreation matters What it’s like to participate in or volunteer on ETC trips Information about upcoming open-enrollment trip opportunities Time for questions and open discussion.

Projects

  • Active
Low Vision Support Group Logo
Active

Blindness and Low Vision Support Group

Join Dr. Don Fletcher, one of the world’s leading authorities on Low Vision Rehabilitation, to share experiences and learn about the things that help you maintain a full and happy life while living with low vision.
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Labs

  • Coughlan Lab
    Coughlan Lab
    Principal Investigator:
    The goal of our laboratory is to develop and test assistive technology for blind and visually impaired persons that is enabled by computer vision and other sensor technologies.
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  • Eye-Head Movement Laboratory
    Eye-Head Movement Laboratory
    Principal Investigator:
    Our laboratory is interested in how changes in visual and/or vestibular function affect eye/head coordination, balance, and mobility, particularly in aging. We are currently pursuing two main lines of research:...
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  • Verghese Lab
    Verghese Lab
    Principal Investigator:
    Our laboratory studies the mechanisms of healthy vision and action, as well as the basis of attention and visual adaptation in clinical populations.
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Centers

  • Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center
    Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center
    The Center's research goal is to develop and apply new scientific knowledge and practical, cost-effective devices to better understand and address the real-world problems of blind, visually impaired, and deaf-blind...
    Read More